Engineering Professional Development
College of Engineering

Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Request Information How to Apply

Lead Your Manufacturing Operations into the Future

Rapid change is constant in manufacturing. This program helps you build your competitive edge as you prepare to lead and manage in this dynamic field. You will be ready to innovate when it comes to advanced technologies, lean, data analytics and technical project management.

Learn how to develop long-term operational strategies with the Master of Engineering: Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree. Understand how the production floor, supply chain and other systems work as a whole and how best to drive improvement. Build relationships with peers from around the globe and share successes and ways to address challenges. This online program can have an immediate positive impact on your capabilities and performance without interrupting your career.

After completing courses in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering and business, you will be ready for your next role. Whether you’re interested in becoming a senior manufacturing engineer, a production manager or plant manager—you will have the knowledge and expertise to stand out in your organization.

Learn more about this program!

 
Watch the most recent Spring 2021 session:
 

MSE Student Story

Richard Ohrt keeps his skills relevant for the future of manufacturing in completing the Master of Engineering: Manufacturing Systems Engineering. Read more.

Testimonials

“The most valuable part was learning more about the entire manufacturing industry. I work in a small sector of manufacturing, and the entire program made us dive into all the different parts of manufacturing which included but not limited to smart manufacturing, quality, data analytics and even some business.”

– Joseph O’Keefe Auburn Hills, MI MSE Class of 2021

“The process improvement courses were the most valuable. Adding structure and order to my department is something I owe to this program.”

– Ryan Booth San Diego, CA MSE Class of 2021

30 credits

2-3 years

$1300 per credit

Resident and non-resident

July 1/Nov 1

Fall/spring application deadlines

Download an informational PDF
Attend/View Info Sessions

 

Program Overview: Manufacturing Systems Engineering
May 26, 2021 | noon-12:30 p.m. | Webinar | Online
Join Susan Ottmann, program director, to get more information about the Manufacturing Systems Engineering master’s program including details on curriculum, learning outcomes, and application process.
Register for Manufacturing Systems Engineering Program Overview

Academics

About
Students in the fully online Master of Engineering: Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) program grow the cross-functional expertise needed to drive creative product and process development, efficient production, and timely delivery to the customer through a systematic approach to finance, methods, materials and technology across traditional departmental boundaries.

The online MSE program requires weekly, direct interaction between the professor and students, often resulting in more live discussion, group work and networking than a typical campus lecture format.

Curriculum
We pair flexibility with a fixed curriculum and semester schedule that will allow you to maintain focus and consistent progress. This versatile but structured approach produces graduates with valuable new skills. As a master’s student, you will develop and polish your skills in project and change management, team leadership, and effective communication.

The program’s courses empower students to conduct hands-on research or projects at their place of employment, providing valuable real-life applications and experiences.

Degree Requirements
The online MSE degree program, can be completed in two to three years and you may transfer up to six credits of prior graduate work.

Our program consists of 30 credits, designed to give you a well-rounded professional education.

The courses in the online MSE program will build your ability to collect and manage data, conduct sustainable system improvements, design and operate supply chains, and evaluate new technologies for the manufacturing process.

Courses
Courses in the MSE curriculum will provide you with knowledge about the latest best practices and innovations, along with training in quality techniques, lean manufacturing, data analytics, how to approach complex systems, quality control, accounting, and much more. Upon completion of this degree program, you will have improved technical skills and communication skills.

Required Courses

Electives

Designed for Working Professionals
UW’s online MSE master’s program is specifically designed for working professionals. The degree portal is a one-stop online interface for accessing courses and student resources. This offers convenience, flexibility and ease of use for busy professionals.

Tying it All Together
As a UW-Madison master’s student, you will be an active part of your own learning, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Capstone course. This course covers a broad range of concepts, techniques and tools relevant to the design, analysis, development, implementation, operation and management of modern manufacturing industries on a global scale.

The emphasis in this course is breadth of knowledge instead of covering any one topic in detail. Through lectures and projects, the course is intended to create an awareness of the wide range of issues that impact the design and operation of manufacturing systems.

Support and Collaboration to Help You Succeed
With internet-based tools such as web conferencing, online discussion forums, email, and conference calls, our program emphasizes close collaboration among students and instructors.

The ability to work independently is crucial to your success as a distance learner. However, this does not mean you are alone. Our instructional design team develops every course to meet online learner needs.

Your instructors and teaching assistants are always available to answer your questions. In addition, faculty and staff understand the challenges you face as a working professional and distance learner, and proactively monitor your progress. A full-time program advisor will assist and guide you throughout the program.

At UW-Madison, we’ve built a learning experience to meet you where you are.

Whether your work involves frequent travel, changing hours, or periods of intense demand, our courses help you grow wherever you happen to be and whenever you have online access. We develop and deliver courses for high-performing professionals, with a deep understanding of the challenges those professionals face.

As a UW student, you will be part of a vibrant community, challenged and supported by your fellow learners, as well as instructors. Our students and alumni consistently point to the value of the global professional network they develop through our programs, built through teamwork, challenges, and projects, and lasting a lifetime.

Faculty members in the manufacturing systems program are experts in their field, and they offer students an engaging education experience that is convenient and accessible even when working full-time.

Admission Requirements

Application Overview
The admissions process has been designed to conduct a holistic review of your likelihood of success in the program. Decisions are based on your academic and professional background.

To start the process, please read the admission requirements to determine your eligibility. If you have questions about your eligibility, please request an eligibility review by emailing Student Services. This email should include a copy of your current resume and informal transcripts.

Admission requirements for the Master of Engineering: Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) program are listed below.
Exceptions to standard admission requirements are considered by the admissions committee on an individual basis.

  • A bachelor of science (BS) degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent.*
  • A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or the equivalent of the last 60 semester hours (approximately two years of work) or a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Applicants from an international institution must have a strong academic performance comparable to a 3.00 for an undergraduate or master’s degree. All GPAs are based on a 4.00 scale. We use your institution’s grading scale; do not convert your grades to a 4.00 scale.
  • Applicants whose native language is not English must provide scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 580 on the written version, 243 on the computer version, or 92 on the Internet version.
  • International applicants must have a degree comparable to an approved U.S. bachelor’s degree.
  • GRE is not required. Applicants who have taken the test are encouraged to submit their scores.

*Equivalency to an ABET accredited program: Applicants who do not hold a bachelor’s degree from an ABET accredited program may also qualify for admission to the program. Such applicants must have a BS in science, technology, or a related field with sufficient coursework and professional experience to demonstrate proficiency in engineering practice OR at least 16 credits of math and science coursework. Registration as a professional engineer by examination, if achieved, should be documented to support your application.

All applicants are advised to determine whether this program meets requirements for licensure in the state where they live. See the National Society of Professional Engineers website for contact information for state licensing boards

Click here to begin the application process.

Tuition Costs
$1,300 per credit, payable at the beginning of each semester.

Tuition includes:

  • Technology costs for internet course delivery
  • Live web-conferencing
  • Toll-free telephone line for the audio portion of conference calls
  • Library use
  • Use of the web-conferencing software for group project work for program courses
  • Advising
  • Technical support
  • Access to campus computing resources

Total Tuition
Total tuition for this program is $39,000*.

*This total does not include textbooks or course software. Software required for courses is typically available in educational versions at substantial discounts.

Federal Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive some level of funding through the Federal Direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least four credits during the fall and spring semesters, and two credits during summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid.

Employer Support
Many students receive some financial support from their employers. Often, students find it beneficial to sit down with their employer and discuss how this program applies to their current and future responsibilities. Other key points to discuss include how participation will not interrupt your work schedule.

News