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Graduate Programs

Welcome to the NC State Industrial and Systems Engineering graduate programs. We are a top-15-ranked national program.

Last Updated: 02/26/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

Welcome to one of the strongest engineering communities you can join. You are now part of a top 15 program in the United States. Moreover, this ranking reflects the strength of our faculty, students and industry partners. As a result, you gain real value when you choose our department.

This page will help you take the next steps in your journey. For example, you can explore the field of industrial and systems engineering, or ISE. In addition, you can discover why Raleigh, NC, is a great place to live and work.

You can also learn what campus life offers and how to tour the ISE Department. Furthermore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions. You will see how our department prepares you for a successful ISE career. Then, you can meet our current Ph.D. students and explore their research. Finally, you will learn how to apply to NC State.

About Our Department

Industrial and systems engineering continues to gain strong momentum with students. As a result, you join a field that is growing in visibility and impact.

Our department celebrates more than 95 years of excellence. Moreover, U.S. News and World Report ranks our program #14 nationally. Therefore, you become part of a respected and nationally recognized community.

As you move through the program, you prepare for a wide range of careers. That is because we offer diverse research areas, including:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Health Systems
  • Human Factors and Ergonomics
  • Supply Chain and Logistics
  • Systems Analytics and Optimization

In addition, the College of Engineering ranks our department #1 for student satisfaction, job placement and job placement in your field of study. Right now, more companies seek to hire our graduates than we have students to fill those roles. Consequently, you enter a field filled with opportunity and strong demand.

Living in Raleigh

Living in Raleigh, NC, consistently ranks as one of the top five places to live and work in the country. Furthermore, the city enjoys moderate weather with an average temperature of 71°F. Additionally, you’re only two hours from the beach and three hours from the mountains. Raleigh welcomes families and individuals, offering a well-educated workforce and a diverse, multicultural environment. As a result, this vibrant city provides a high quality of life and many opportunities for everyone. Consequently, many people find living in Raleigh the ideal way to settle down and thrive.

#6 Best Place to Live in the US (US News & World Report, 2024-2025)
#13 Top 25 America’s Best Cities Best Cities, 2024)
#11 Best Place to Live in the US for Young Professionals (U.S. News, 2023-2024)
Best Cities to Move to After College (USA Today, 2024)

I Want to see all the Advantages Raleigh Offers
A student living in Raleigh sits on the grass with her dog beside her, enjoying a sunny day outdoors with many other students.

Campus Life

As an industrial engineering student at NC State, you benefit from strong academics and an active campus life. Moreover, you build friendships, join clubs and participate in activities while earning a top quality education.

The Talley Student Union serves as the center of student life. In addition, you can cheer in the stands, compete on the field or enjoy a workout at campus facilities. With hundreds of year round arts programs, you can explore your creativity and connect with a supportive community.

NC State also offers a variety of housing options. For example, you may choose traditional residence halls, themed village communities or on-campus and off-campus apartments for upperclassmen and graduate students.

NC State Dining provides many choices as well. Furthermore, you can select from quick-service eateries, all-you-can-eat dining halls, familiar fast-food chains, specialty cafes, coffee bars and food trucks.

I Want Discover More about Campus Life

Tour the ISE Department

We believe seeing is believing. Therefore, we invite you to tour the department and explore the many areas within ISE. As you visit, you will see the spaces where students learn, collaborate and create.

During your tour, you can explore:

  • Our world class 3D printing lab
  • The robotics and automation lab
  • The virtual reality cave and biomechanics lab
  • The biomedical 3D printing lab

While you are here, you may also sit in on a simulation modeling or product development class. In addition, you can meet current students and see how they apply what they learn.

To get started, complete the ISE Campus Visitation Form and schedule your visit. By planning ahead, you can experience firsthand what makes our program distinctive.

I WAnt to Tour the Department

Got Questions? (FAQ)

We know you have many questions, and we are here to help. Moreover, you can find clear answers to many of the most common questions.

Yes, I have some Questions
A student on a laptop goes to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of the ISE website to find answers to their questions.

Degrees

We prepare you for careers in industry, service, consulting and government organizations. As a result, you graduate with skills that employers value across many sectors.

Moreover, you gain a strong foundation for advanced study at leading engineering, business and management universities. Therefore, you can pursue further academic opportunities with confidence.

In addition, we offer graduate degrees that range from the Master of Industrial Engineering to the Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering. By choosing one of these programs, you can align your education with your professional and research goals.

Graduate Degrees

Graduate Online Degrees

Affiliated Programs Degrees

Current Ph.D. Students

Our Ph.D. students and research teams are transforming advanced manufacturing, operations and service systems. As a result, you join a community that drives meaningful innovation.

Moreover, you will see how we push the boundaries of 3D printing, regenerative medicine and health systems engineering. As you explore our research, you will discover work that addresses real world challenges and improves lives.

In addition, our graduate program prepares students to excel in both industry and academia. Consequently, our graduates become innovators, educators and leaders in their fields. Some even achieve global recognition, including honors such as the Nobel Peace Prize.

I Want to See What your Ph.D. Students are Working on
A group of current Ph.D. students in graduation regalia throwing their caps into the air.

Admissions

So are you ready to become a member of Wolfpack Nation? Great!

Discover what you need to apply to our graduate programs, as well as the answer to the question, “Can I afford it?“

I’m Ready to Become Part of teh Wolfpack