VIRGINIA TECH · UNITED STATES
Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 36Minimum graded course hours
- 24Minimum graded ISE course hours (post BS)
- 90Total required credits (including research)
The Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at Virginia Tech offers a world-renowned Ph.D. program recognized for its cutting-edge research. This program fosters a collaborative environment where experienced faculty work alongside top graduate students to conduct independent investigations yielding high-quality scholarly work. Graduates are well-prepared for advanced roles in academia and the private or public sectors.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic requirements to apply for the Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering?
- A strong academic background is required. For the Manufacturing Systems Engineering concentration, an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in engineering or an equivalent is necessary. You may need to complete additional coursework in simulation and optimization if these were not part of your previous studies.
- How many credits are required to complete the Ph.D. program?
- The program requires a total of 90 credits, which includes research hours. A minimum of 36 graded course hours must be completed, with at least 24 of those being graded ISE course hours post-Bachelor of Science.
- What are the application deadlines for the Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering?
- The priority deadline for applications is December 1, 2025. The final deadline for applications is January 16, 2026.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing this Ph.D. program?
- Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in academia, as well as in the private and public sectors. The program equips students with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for demanding positions.
- Where can I find the most up-to-date tuition and fee information?
- Tuition and fee rates can change, so please refer to the official Virginia Tech Bursar's Office website for the most current information for the relevant terms.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA strong academic background commensurate with the desired field of study within the department. For Manufacturing Systems Engineering, an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in engineering (or equivalent) is required. Students may need to complete undergraduate or graduate courses in simulation and optimization if not previously studied.
Prospective Ph.D. students must select one of the available Ph.D. concentrations.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fee rates vary by term. Please refer to the official Virginia Tech Bursar's Office website for the most current information for Fall and Spring 2026-2027, and Summer 2026.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fee rates vary by term. Please refer to the official Virginia Tech Bursar's Office website for the most current information for Fall and Spring 2026-2027, and Summer 2026.
LivingGraduate Cost of Attendance (COA) information is available on the Virginia Tech Financial Aid website.
Tuition and fee details are subject to change. Refer to the Bursar's Office for the latest rates.
How to apply
1. Select a ConcentrationChoose one of the available Ph.D. concentrations offered by the department (e.g., Cognitive Engineering, Manufacturing Systems Engineering).
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may need to provide English proficiency scores.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the Virginia Tech Graduate School admissions portal.
4. Adhere to DeadlinesSubmit your application by the priority deadline of December 1, 2025, or the final deadline of January 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic requirements to apply for the Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering?
+
A strong academic background is required. For the Manufacturing Systems Engineering concentration, an ABET-accredited B.S. degree in engineering or an equivalent is necessary. You may need to complete additional coursework in simulation and optimization if these were not part of your previous studies.
How many credits are required to complete the Ph.D. program?
+
The program requires a total of 90 credits, which includes research hours. A minimum of 36 graded course hours must be completed, with at least 24 of those being graded ISE course hours post-Bachelor of Science.
What are the application deadlines for the Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering?
+
The priority deadline for applications is December 1, 2025. The final deadline for applications is January 16, 2026.
What career paths can I pursue after completing this Ph.D. program?
+
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in academia, as well as in the private and public sectors. The program equips students with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for demanding positions.
Where can I find the most up-to-date tuition and fee information?
+
Tuition and fee rates can change, so please refer to the official Virginia Tech Bursar's Office website for the most current information for the relevant terms.