Manufacturing Engineering (MS)

Home / Academics / Programs / Graduate / Manufacturing Engineering (MS)

Advance your career in manufacturing with the Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering (MS MFE). This program equips you with expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization, preparing you for leadership and research roles in the industry.

You’ll gain a strong technical foundation in manufacturing materials, processes, and systems, reinforced by hands-on research. Our state-of-the-art labs feature cutting-edge equipment, from EDM, Waterjet, and CNC machining to ENGEL injection molding and welding, giving you practical experience to tackle real-world challenges.

Experiential Learning

Partner with companies like Peoria Production Shop, Micro Weld Micro Products Company, Morton Industries Inc., and Hardin Industries, LLC to apply lean manufacturing principles, improving efficiency and reducing defects.
Industry-sponsored research opportunities with companies such as Caterpillar, CNH, Matcor, and Hardin, where you’ll solve real production and quality issues.
Six Sigma projects where you’ll work with HAAS turning and milling centers, injection molding machines, and WEDM (Wire Electric Discharge Machines).
Networking opportunities with the American Society for Quality (ASQ), the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and ASM International.

Program Details

Core Courses (choose one) – 3 hrs.

IME 511: Engineering Statistical Methods (3 hrs.)
IME 512: Design and Analysis of Experiments (3 hrs.)

Technical Courses (choose 5) – 15 hrs.

IME 501: Engineering Economy and Costs (3 hrs.)
IME 512: Regression and Experimental Design (3 hrs.)
IME 522: Manufacturing Quality Control (3 hrs.)
IME 524: Six Sigma Theory and Methodologies (3 hrs.)
IME 531 Polymer and Ceramic Materials and Manufacturing (3 hrs.)
IME 533 Composite Materials and Manufacturing (3 hrs.)
IME 541 Advanced Forming Processes (3 hrs.)
IME 543 Advanced Materials Removal Processes (3 hrs.)
IME 553 Advanced CAM (3 hrs.)
IME 555: Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems (3 hrs.)
IME 563 Process Engineering (3 hrs.)
IME 566: Advanced Facility Planning (3 hrs.)
IME 570 Selected Topics in Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering (3 hrs.)
IME 581: Cellular Lean Manufacturing Systems (3 hrs.)
IME 586: Advanced Logistical Supply Chain Systems (3 hrs.)
IME 590 Geometric Modeling (3 hrs.)
IME 592 Tribology (3 hrs.)
IME 595 Design for Manufacturability (3 hrs.)

Thesis or Research Option (choose one) 3 or 6 hrs.

IME 699: Thesis (6 hrs.)
IME 691: Research (3 hrs.)

Elective Courses

The remainder of the required 30 credit hours must be selected from the following:

Any 500- or 600- level IME courses with consent of the graduate coordinator.
A maximum of two graduate-level courses (6 credit hours) are offered in other departments with consent of the graduate coordinator.

Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Manufacturing Engineering using:

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

Our alumni are becoming leaders and stewards in their chosen profession and in society through their contributions to professional practice, research, entrepreneurial initiatives, or policy.
Our alumni apply ethics and sustainability principles in their profession and commit to life-long learning, earn licensure and become experts and mentors in their chosen profession.
Our alumni have the needed awareness of relevant global issues and cultures in order to thrive in a complex and multicultural world.

Student Outcomes (SOs)

an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics;
an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors;
an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts;
an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives;
an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions;
an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Career Opportunities

MS MFE grads are in high demand for roles in quality control, process optimization, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma. Alumni have secured positions at top companies like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Milwaukee Tool, working as manufacturing, quality, and process engineers. Some have even leveraged AI research from their studies to drive innovation in smart manufacturing and supply chain optimization.