UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
PhD in Industrial Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
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The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Engineering. This program allows students to enter with either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Master of Science (MS) degree. If entering with a BS, students have the option to earn an MS degree along the way or complete the PhD directly. The program focuses on rigorous academic study, research, and the completion of a dissertation. The curriculum requires a specific number of credit hours in core Industrial Engineering courses, external STEM courses, and thesis work. Students will also participate in graduate seminars and potentially elective courses, depending on their entry degree. A minimum GPA of 3.25 is required, along with successful completion of qualifying, preliminary, and final dissertation exams.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Industrial Engineering?
- Admission requires a minimum GPA of 3.25. If entering with a Bachelor's degree, you need 96 total credit hours including 40 hours of thesis and 32 hours of 400/500-level IE courses. If entering with a Master's degree, you need 64 total credit hours including 32 hours of thesis and 20 hours of 400/500-level IE courses.
- How much does the PhD in Industrial Engineering cost?
- International students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses to obtain a visa. Specific tuition rates for international students should be referred to the University's Graduate College.
- What is the duration of the PhD program?
- The program requires a total of 96 credit hours if entering with a Bachelor's degree, or 64 credit hours if entering with a Master's degree. The exact duration depends on individual progress and completion of requirements.
- When are the application deadlines?
- The application deadline for Fall admissions is January 15th, with decisions expected by April 15th. For Spring admissions, the application deadline is September 15th.
- What are the career prospects after completing the PhD in Industrial Engineering?
- Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in academia, research, and industry.
- Do I need to provide proof of funding as an international applicant?
- Yes, all admitted international candidates must demonstrate they can fully support themselves during their studies to obtain a visa. The Graduate College will not process applications until funding documents are received.
Entry requirements
Master's Degree64 total credit hours, including 32 hours of thesis (IE 599), 20 hours of 400/500-level IE courses, and 12 hours of approved STEM courses from outside the major. A minimum of 16 credit hours must be at the 500-level. Minimum GPA: 3.25.
Bachelor's Degree96 total credit hours, including 40 hours of thesis (IE 599), 32 hours of 400/500-level IE courses, 12 hours of approved STEM courses from outside the major, and 12 elective hours. A minimum of 28 credit hours must be at the 500-level. Minimum GPA: 3.25.
STEM courses from outside the major must be approved and from a College of Engineering department (e.g., ABE, CHBE), excluding TE and ENG courses. Independent study/project design courses do not count towards the 500-level requirement. A maximum of 8 credit hours of IE 597 can be counted.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the University's Graduate College for current tuition rates for international students.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the University's Graduate College for current tuition rates for domestic students.
LivingInternational students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses to obtain a visa. Specific estimates are not provided here.
All admitted international candidates must be prepared to demonstrate that they can fully support themselves during their studies to obtain a visa. The Graduate College will not process applications until funding documents are received.
How to apply
1. Complete ApplicationSubmit your application through the University of Illinois Graduate College application portal.
2. Submit Required MaterialsEnsure all necessary documents are uploaded and submitted as part of your application.
3. Provide Funding DocumentationInternational applicants must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support their studies and living expenses.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in Industrial Engineering?
+
Admission requires a minimum GPA of 3.25. If entering with a Bachelor's degree, you need 96 total credit hours including 40 hours of thesis and 32 hours of 400/500-level IE courses. If entering with a Master's degree, you need 64 total credit hours including 32 hours of thesis and 20 hours of 400/500-level IE courses.
How much does the PhD in Industrial Engineering cost?
+
International students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses to obtain a visa. Specific tuition rates for international students should be referred to the University's Graduate College.
What is the duration of the PhD program?
+
The program requires a total of 96 credit hours if entering with a Bachelor's degree, or 64 credit hours if entering with a Master's degree. The exact duration depends on individual progress and completion of requirements.
When are the application deadlines?
+
The application deadline for Fall admissions is January 15th, with decisions expected by April 15th. For Spring admissions, the application deadline is September 15th.
What are the career prospects after completing the PhD in Industrial Engineering?
+
Graduates are prepared for advanced roles in academia, research, and industry.
Do I need to provide proof of funding as an international applicant?
+
Yes, all admitted international candidates must demonstrate they can fully support themselves during their studies to obtain a visa. The Graduate College will not process applications until funding documents are received.