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ISE GRADUATE MANUAL
2014-2015
v 1.00
GRADO DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL
AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (ISE)
250 Durham Hall, MC 0118
1145 Perry Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6656
Fax (540) 231-3322
ISE Graduate Program Office
233 Durham Hall, MC 0118
1145 Perry Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-5586
Dr. Maury Nussbaum
ISE Graduate Program Director
Hannah Parks
ISE Graduate Program Coordinator
Paula Van Curen
Academic Advisor for Off-Campus Graduate Programs
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Contents:
THE ISE GRADUATE PROGRAM..................................................................................................2
GRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................7
HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING AND ERGONOMICS..................................................13
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING.................................................................................18
GENERAL IE MASTERS DEGREE...............................................................................................18
GENERALIEPHD..................................................................................................................................20
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING.............................................................................21
KEY REQUIREMENTS AND INFORMATION.........................................................................21
MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING......................................................................25
OPERATIONS RESEARCH.............................................................................................................33
OPERATIONSRESEARCHAPPLICATIONCOURSES...................................................................38
ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATION (MEA).............................................................................43
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING...............................................................................................................46
1 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
THE ISE GRADUATE PROGRAM
Introduction
The Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) offers a broad-based program
allowing students to pursue graduate study commensurate with their career goals. Specific
strengths of the program are in the areas of human factors engineering and ergonomics, general
industrial engineering, management systems engineering, manufacturing systems engineering,
operations research, engineering administration, and systems engineering. The Ph.D. degree is
offered in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and the master’s is offered in Industrial and
Systems Engineering (M.S.), Engineering Administration (M.E.A.), and Systems Engineering
(M.S.).
The administrative staff of the academic programs of the ISE Department includes:
Department Head:
G. Don Taylor
250 Durham Hall
Phone: 540-231-6656
E-mail: [email protected]
Associate Department Head:
Eileen M. Van Aken
250 Durham Hall
Phone: 540-231-2780
E-mail: [email protected]
Graduate Program Director:
Maury Nussbaum
521 Whittemore Hall Hall
Phone: 540-231-6053
E-mail: [email protected]:\Users\hsswiger\Google Drive\Documents\Grad_Manual\2013_14\[email protected]
Graduate Program Coordinator
Hannah Parks
233 Durham Hall
Phone: 540-231-5586
E-mail: [email protected]
Academic Advisor
Off-Campus Graduate
Programs
Paula Van Curen
241 Durham Hall
Phone: 540-231-2364
2 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
E-mail: [email protected]
ISE Department Main Office:
250 Durham Hall
Phone: 540-231-6656
Purpose of the Graduate Manual
This graduate manual provides requirements, policies, and procedures adopted by the faculty for
current graduate students in industrial and systems engineering (ISE) for successful completion of
graduate degrees. Students should be aware that the requirements provided here represent
minimum requirements for ISE—it is imperative that you consult your advisor before taking
classes since the ultimate approval for your course selection rests with the faculty. Additional
information concerning graduate school requirements may be found in the Graduate Policies and
Procedures and Course Catalog from Virginia Tech.
http://graduateschool.vt.edu/graduate_catalog/
If there is any doubt regarding the interpretation of any regulation or requirement in this manual,
or if there are questions about the graduate program involving matters not covered in this manual,
please consult the ISE Graduate Program Director, Dr. Maury Nussbaum, or the ISE Graduate
Program Coordinator, Hannah Parks. It is each individual student’s responsibility to be
familiar with all university policies, procedures, and requirements.
The provisions of this manual do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, between any
applicant or student and the ISE Department or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
The university and the ISE Department reserve the right to change any of the provisions, schedules,
programs, courses, rules, regulations, or fees whenever university or departmental authorities deem
it expedient to do so.
Administration of ISE Graduate Program
The graduate program is administered by the Graduate Policy Committee (GPC), which is also
charged with the responsibility for resolving conflicts that may arise regarding policy or procedural
issues. The director of the ISE graduate program chairs the GPC. In addition to chairing the GPC,
the director of the graduate program is responsible for implementation of requirements, policies,
and procedures adopted by the ISE faculty. The director of the graduate program and members of
the GPC are appointed by the ISE department head.
The ISE Graduate Admissions Committee (GAC) makes all admission decisions. The GAC also
assigns incoming graduate students to a temporary advisor in their primary interest area.
The graduate program coordinator serves as the assistant to the director of the graduate program,
maintains the graduate program, is the source of information on the graduate program including
3 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
but not limited to forms for carrying out graduate program and Graduate School requirements,
course registration, grade changes, and other procedures relating to the graduate program.
The current administrative staff for the ISE graduate program includes the following.
Director of the Graduate Program and Chairman of the Graduate Policy Committee – Maury
Nussbaum – [email protected]
Graduate Program Coordinator – Hannah Parks – [email protected]
Academic Advisor for Off-Campus Graduate Programs – Paula Van Curen – [email protected]
Financial Assistance
The ISE Department has limited financial assistance available for qualified graduate students in
the form of graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) and graduate research assistantships (GRA).
Grado, Pratt, NIOSH, Davenport, and Cunningham Fellowships are also available through the ISE
department, college of engineering and the Graduate School. The monthly stipend for GTAs and
GRAs varies depending on the nature of the assistantship and the graduate level of the student.
All assistantships carry a waiver of tuition, except those awarded during summer terms. The
student is responsible for comprehensive and other fees (visit http://www.bursar.vt.edu for current
fees).
All financial assistance is awarded on a competitive basis, with awards being made to the most
qualified students based on merit. GTAs are awarded by the GPC and specific course assignments
are made by departmental administration based on teaching needs. A student who is awarded a
full-time GTA is obligated for 20 hours of work per week throughout the semester for which the
award applies. Typically a GTA is assigned to a member of the ISE faculty to assist in teaching a
course. GRA awards are made to support research projects that are supervised by ISE faculty.
Hence, the principal investigator for the research project from which the funding comes awards
the GRA. A student receiving a GRA is expected to work 20 hours per week during the semester
for which the award applies, the duties being assigned by the principal investigator. In a similar
manner, the duties of a student on a fellowship depend on the particular fellowship and are not
covered in this manual.
Students holding a full GTA or GRA must carry a course load of at least 12 credit hours per
semester, and not more than 18 hours. Students holding less than full GTAs or GRAs receive a
proportionally smaller stipend and reduced tuition waiver and carry a proportionally lower
workload. However, all students on assistantship must be registered for a minimum of 12 hours
per semester.
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA). Graduate research assistants are graduate students
conducting academically significant research under the direction of a regular faculty member, who
is generally a principal investigator on an external grant or contract.
4 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Graduate teaching assistants may assist faculty in teaching
lower division courses, including laboratory teaching assignments, or in providing other
appropriate professional assistance. First year GTAs with no prior teaching experience will not be
assigned full responsibility for lecture courses. In ISE, it is unusual for a GTA to be assigned full
course responsibility.
Continuing an Assistantship
Continued assistantship support is competitive and dependent on funding available to the
department. The continuance or renewal of an assistantship is contingent on satisfactory academic
progress, satisfactory performance of duties, and professional and personal conduct of an
exemplary nature. At the end of each semester the faculty member directly supervising the student
evaluates the quality and quantity of work performed. Recommendations for continuance of
funding are made by the graduate program director in consultation with the faculty. The ISE
Graduate Policy Committee reviews the performance of graduate assistants at the end of each
semester and awards assistantships for the subsequent semester.
Awards of GTAs may not extend beyond two academic years for students pursuing master’s
degrees. For students pursuing a Ph.D., the term of GTA awards is limited to three academic years.
For students pursuing a master’s and Ph.D., the term of the GTA appointment may not exceed five
academic years.
Changing From a GTA to GRA
A student may give up a GTA in favor of a GRA up to one month (30 days) before the start of
semester classes. Beyond that point in time a GTA may be vacated in favor of a GRA only with
the consent of the instructor of the course to which the GTA is assigned and the department head.
In the event of a GTA to GRA change, the instructor of the course will work with the GPC to
determine the replacement.
Academic Eligibility
A student must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better for all courses taken
while in graduate school at Virginia Tech and for all courses transferred for graduate credit at
Virginia Tech. At the end of each semester the GPC reviews the progress of each ISE graduate
student. Any student with a cumulative grade point average below 3.0 for his/her last semester of
graduate work will be placed on academic probation and may be required to appear before this
committee. The purpose of this appearance is to discover the source of the difficulties evidenced
by unsatisfactory progress and to outline avenues that the student should pursue to improve his/her
performance. In accordance with Graduate School and ISE departmental policy, any student who
fails to meet these requirements in two successive semesters will typically be dismissed from the
ISE graduate program.
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Graduate Honor System
Academic integrity is essential for maintaining the quality of scholarship in the department and for
protecting those who depend on the results of research work performed by faculty and students in
the department. The faculty of the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
expects all students to maintain academic integrity at all times in the classroom and the research
laboratory and to conduct their academic work in accordance with the high ethical standards of the
engineering profession. Students are expected to maintain academic integrity by refraining from
academic dishonesty, and conduct that aids others in academic dishonesty or that leads to suspicion
of academic dishonesty. Violations of academic integrity will result in disciplinary actions ranging
from failing grades on assignments and courses to probation, suspension, or dismissal from the
university.
The Graduate Honor Code establishes a standard of academic integrity. As such, this code
demands a firm adherence to a set of values. In particular, the code is founded on the concept of
honesty with respect to the intellectual efforts of oneself and others. Compliance with the Graduate
Honor Code requires that all graduate students exercise honesty and ethical behavior in all their
academic pursuits at Virginia Tech, whether these undertakings pertain to study, course work,
research, extension, or teaching. Details on the Graduate Honor Code can be found at the following
Virginia Tech website:
http://ghs.graduateschool.vt.edu/
It is recognized that graduate student population is very culturally diverse. In light of this, the term
ethical behavior is defined as conforming to accepted professional standards of conduct, such as
codes of ethics used by professional societies in the United States to regulate the manner in which
their professions are practiced. The knowledge and practice of ethical behavior shall be the full
responsibility of the student. Graduate students may, however, consult with their advisors,
department heads, the Cranwell International Center, or the Graduate School for further
information on what is expected of them.
More specifically, all graduate students, while being affiliated with Virginia Tech, shall abide by
the standards established by Virginia Tech, as these are described in the Graduate Honor System
Constitution. Graduate students, in accepting admission, indicate their willingness to subscribe to
and be governed by the Graduate Honor Code and acknowledge the right of the university to
establish policies and procedures and to take disciplinary action (including suspension or
expulsion) when such action is warranted. Ignorance shall be no excuse for actions that violate
the integrity of the academic community.
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GRADUATE DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Students pursuing a graduate degree in the ISE department must satisfy the requirements of the
Graduate School, the ISE Department, and, where appropriate, specified track requirements. It is
the responsibility of each student to know the requirements. Listed in this section are
departmental requirements that apply to all ISE graduate curricula. Depending on each student’s
plan of study there may be more stringent requirements. For a discussion of general Graduate
School requirements, the reader should consult the graduate catalog.
Graduate Advisor
The first step in defining the plan of study is the selection of a graduate advisor. Off-campus
(MEA and SYSE masters) students are assigned to Paula Van Curen. Incoming students are
assigned a temporary advisor in their general area of interest. For those pursuing a M.S. with
thesis or Ph.D. the student should quickly move to determine an appropriate research advisor. In
any event, a student’s advisor or co-advisor must be a member of the ISE teaching faculty and
should have particular expertise in the area of research the student intends to pursue. In all cases,
the faculty member must give his/her consent to serve in the capacity of graduate advisor.
Advisory Committee
For all Master’s degrees and the Ph.D. a graduate advisory committee is required. The graduate
advisor serves as the chair of the student’s graduate advisory committee and the student should
seek the assistance of his/her advisor in identifying faculty who might serve on the committee.
The committee should be composed of those faculty members who can best assist the student in
completing his/her graduate degree. Each member is added to the student’s committee after
consenting to serve.
For students pursuing the M.S., both thesis and non-thesis or the M.E.A. the advisory committee
must include at least three members, of which two must be members of the ISE teaching faculty.
For the Ph.D., the advisory committee must include a minimum of four members, with at least
three being members of the ISE teaching faculty. Additional requirements may be imposed
depending on the student’s advisor and area of interest.
Committee members are expected to attend meetings as a collective body. Under unusual
circumstances a member of the committee may attend a meeting by video or telephone connection.
However, the student’s advisor must be physically present at all such meetings. Faculty
participation on graduate student committees is considered to be an important part of ISE faculty
responsibilities. To this end, ISE faculty are expected to attend all committee meetings for
graduate students they advise or on whose committees they serve. In addition, university policies
require all members attend a student’s final thesis or dissertation defense.
7 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Plan of Study
After identifying a graduate advisor and graduate committee, a student defines his/her plan of
study in consultation with his/her advisor. The courses listed on the plan of study must include,
but are not limited to, all courses required for the degree pursued. A plan of study is required of
all students pursuing graduate degrees at Virginia Tech and contains the elements below.
1. List of courses to be completed in the course of degree completion, including the semester
and year in which each will be taken.
2. The names and signatures of each member of the student’s graduate advisory committee.
For students pursuing a M.S. or M.E.A. degree, the plan of study must be completed and submitted
prior to the completion of 24 credit hours or by the end of the second semester of full time
enrollment in his/her graduate program. For students pursuing a doctorate the plan of study must
be submitted prior to the completion of 36 credit hours or by the end of the third semester of full
time enrollment in his/her graduate program.
All ISE graduate students must also take ISE 5024, ISE Seminar. This seminar is usually taken
the first semester in the graduate program (it is offered only in the fall term) and is focused on the
ISE graduate program, faculty, and faculty research areas.
The Graduate School has rules on transfer credit. Consult the graduate catalog for these rules.
The ISE department has rules on transfer credit (beyond the Graduate School rules). Transfer
courses may not exceed one-half of graded course credit hours on a plan of study and must be
graduate course hours earned at an accredited institution. All transfer courses must have a grade
of B or better to be considered for transfer credit. When appropriate, these transfer credits can be
used to substitute for required courses if approved by the appropriate course instructor, graduate
advisor, and the ISE graduate program director. A petition to substitute credit must be completed
and submitted for approval along with the plan of study.
Students who have completed a master’s degree at another university may be required to take
master’s level courses in those areas where deficiencies are identified. Where deficiencies are
identified, the student’s advisory committee will recommend appropriate courses to be included
on the plan of study and taken by the student prior to degree completion. Normally, but not in all
cases, such courses will carry graduate credit.
In addition to a listing of courses to be taken, the student should write a justification for the
inclusion of each member of the committee stating the qualifications each member brings relative
to the student’s research effort. The committee justification should be attached to the plan of study.
The plan of study approval process includes review and signed approval by the student’s advisor,
graduate committee members, and director of the graduate program. The plan of study is submitted
to the ISE Graduate Program Office for electronic approval by the graduate program coordinator
and the Graduate School.
8 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Thesis versus Non-thesis
For M.S. students, the question often arises as to which path to choose. Each area of study may
have a different focus in this regard; however there are some general guidelines students should
consider.
Thesis Pro: A thesis provides a formal experience with research and good preparation for pursuit
of a PhD, and faculty may see this experience as a positive if you apply to enter a PhD program.
A thesis may be valued by future employers, depending on the field of study.
Thesis Con: You will generally invest at least one summer working on your research, which
requires additional tuition investment. The time and effort you put in may not result in a
commensurate financial reward on the job. Finally, the ending time of a thesis is uncertain and
will most assuredly take a bit longer than the non-thesis route.
Required Graduate Advisory Committee Meetings
Policy: Students, or anyone on their behalf, are strictly forbidden from bringing food or drink to
student evaluation meetings (e.g., graduate student progress meetings, proposal defenses, prelim
defenses, final defenses, etc.)
In the course of completing his/her graduate program a graduate student will find it necessary to
meet periodically with his/her graduate advisory committee. All thesis M.S. and Ph.D. students
are required to hold a proposal meeting, a progress meeting, and a final defense. Meetings of the
committee are required for the following:
1. Preliminary examination (Ph.D. Only)
2. Master’s thesis or Ph.D. research proposal
3. Master’s thesis or PhD progress report
4. Master’s thesis or PhD final examination (defense)
Preliminary Examination (Ph.D. Only). The oral portion of the preliminary examination is a
requirement of the Graduate School and must be successfully completed by all Ph.D. students at
least six months prior to completion of the Ph.D. degree (final defense of the dissertation). The
examination includes both written and oral parts for ISE Ph.D. students. The intent of the
examination is to establish that the student is qualified to pursue creative, original, independent
research at a level expected of Ph.D. students. This examination is an essential demonstration of
a student’s ability to successfully complete his or her Ph.D. Questions can cover any aspect of
ISE study desired by the committee so adequate preparation for the examination is critical for
success. ISE faculty considers this a major milestone and decision point for both students and
faculty regarding the appropriateness of a student continuing in the program.
The written portion of the examination requires two weeks for completion. The oral portion of the
examination is administered two weeks after completion of the written portion and must be
scheduled through the Graduate School. Students must be registered during the semester the oral
portion of the examination is taken and may not schedule the preliminary examination until they
have a plan of study that has met final approval by the Graduate School. The oral preliminary
9 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
examination must be scheduled through the Graduate School at least two weeks prior to the date
the exam will be held. The exam is scheduled online using the Graduate School’s electronic
scheduling and signature system (ESS). The system can be accessed at the following web site:
https://gradexam.stl.vt.edu/pages/login.php
The preliminary examination is to be solely the work of the Ph.D. candidate and no outside
assistance is allowed, to include proofreaders or writing assistance. To do otherwise will be
considered a violation of the honor code.
The student’s advisory committee administers the preliminary examination and one negative vote
by a committee member is permitted for successful completion of the examination. All members
of the student’s advisory committee must attend the oral portion of the examination. If
performance on the preliminary examination is unsatisfactory, one full semester must lapse (15
weeks) before the examination is administered a second time. Students failing the preliminary
examination twice will be dismissed from the program. The result of the examination is recorded
in the ESS system. Each member of the student’s advisory committee must approve the exam
result in the ESS system. Advisory committees reserve the right to alter a plan of study based on
performance on the preliminary exam.
Research Proposal (M.S./thesis & Ph.D. only). Students pursuing a thesis M.S. or Ph.D. are
required to complete research in the course of graduate study. To initiate the research effort the
student is required to prepare a research proposal that describes the content of the research, the
outcome anticipated, the contribution to the field of endeavor, and the creative content of the effort.
This proposal must be in written form and must be presented to his or her advisory committee at a
meeting where all committee members are present. The signatures of each committee member on
the proposal approval form signify approval of the proposed research effort. This form is
submitted to the ISE Graduate Program Office upon completion.
The nature and level of the research effort depends on the degree sought. Thesis research leading
to the M.S. degree is, in general, applied but should represent an original contribution to the
student’s field of interest. A student pursuing a Ph.D. degree should demonstrate, through the
dissertation, the ability to carry out original and creative research. The results of the research
should be sufficiently significant to be publishable in a major technical journal. The writing style,
grammar, and spelling of the thesis or dissertation should reflect a high level of skill in written
communication.
Progress Report (M.S./thesis & Ph.D. only). Between the research proposal and the final
examination each student is required to provide at least one progress report to his/her advisory
committee. The student’s advisory committee determines the time of this meeting. The advisory
committee signs the progress report form and this form is submitted to the ISE Graduate Program
Office upon completion.
Final Examination (defense). All graduate students pursuing a M.S./thesis or Ph.D. graduate
degree are required to pass a final examination or defense. For students pursuing a Ph.D. or a thesis
M.S. this is an oral examination and is administered by the advisory committee. The examination
10 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
is typically a defense of the dissertation (Ph.D.) or thesis (M.S.). The final examination is a
requirement of the Graduate School and must be administered during a semester in which the
student is registered. The final examination must be scheduled through the Graduate School at
least two weeks prior to the date the exam will be held. The exam is scheduled online using the
Graduate School’s electronic scheduling and signature system (ESS). The system can be accessed
at the following web site:
https://gradexam.stl.vt.edu/pages/login.php
To pass the final examination, a degree candidate must have a favorable vote from a majority of
the examining committee, with a maximum of one negative vote. If a student fails the final
examination, there must be a lapse of one full semester (15 weeks) before rescheduling the
examination. A student is allowed no more than two opportunities to pass the final examination.
The result of the examination is recorded in the ESS system. Each member of the student’s
advisory committee must approve the exam result in the ESS system.
Thesis and Dissertation
The thesis (M.S.) or dissertation (Ph.D.) must be submitted to the student’s advisory committee
at least two weeks prior to the final examination. The thesis or dissertation must be approved by
all members of a student’s advisory committee, usually upon successful completion of the final
examination. If a committee member does not approve the thesis or dissertation, upon the faculty
member’s request, a written dissenting opinion can be bound with the final document. A
successful candidate is allowed a maximum of one negative vote.
Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines a dissertation as “a formal and lengthy
discourse or treatise on some subject, esp. one based on original research and written in partial
fulfillment of requirements for a doctorate,” but it is much more than that. It is the final product
representing the research efforts of the PhD candidate. It is an independent work, guided by a
faculty research mentor. It must contribute to the body of knowledge in the specific, narrow
research area the candidate and his or her research advisor have selected. Peers in the field,
represented by a student’s research committee, evaluate the dissertation. Candidates should
expect a rigorous examination, both at the proposal and the defense stage, from the committee.
The final defense is so called because the candidate must successfully provide a defense of each
step of their research; their topic, their methods, their analysis, and their results. For many
students this represents the most comprehensive piece of research they will undertake.
Each Ph.D. student is required to prepare a paper suitable for publication in an appropriate
archival journal. The paper must be based on results achieved in the course of dissertation
research. The paper should be submitted to the student’s advisory committee at, or before, the
final examination. In addition, each Ph.D. student must prepare and present an open seminar on
their research as a requirement for degree completion. Scheduling this is done in cooperation
with the advisor.
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Theses and dissertations must be filed electronically with the Graduate School through the
Graduate School’s electronic scheduling and signature system (ESS). The approval of the ETD is
recorded in the ESS system. Each member of the student’s advisory committee must approve the
ETD in the ESS system.
For information on thesis and dissertation preparation, formatting and electronic submission,
please see the following website:
http://etd.vt.edu/
The student, advisor, committee members, and the ISE Graduate Program Director are notified
once the ETD process is complete.
Continuing from the Master’s to the Ph.D.
Students in the master’s program who wish to remain in the ISE department to pursue a Ph.D.
degree apply to the Ph.D. program. They must make their intention known by submitting a formal
application to the Graduate School. One of the three required recommendation letters for the
application must be from a faculty member willing to serve as at least the initial Ph.D. advisor.
The graduate admissions committee will review the student’s academic performance and a
decision on admission to the Ph.D. program will be made upon completion of the review. If
accepted the student will be officially notified by the Graduate School.
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HUMAN FACTORS ENGINEERING AND ERGONOMICS
Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics (HFEE) is concerned with ways of designing jobs,
machines, operations, and work environments so they are compatible with human capacities and
limitations. The HFEE practitioner, operating within an industrial or governmental organization,
is called upon both to apply existing human performance knowledge to the design or modification
of equipment and also to generate new experimental data required for equipment design.
The M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in the HFEE track emphasize both methodology and content areas.
Foundation coursework includes a detailed study of existing research, design, and evaluation
methods that are appropriate to human factors engineering and ergonomics. Additionally, content
courses include sensory ergonomics dealing with sensory capabilities and limitations of humans,
physical ergonomics dealing with biomechanics and work physiology, cognitive ergonomics
dealing with human information processing, and macroergonomics dealing with group processes.
This course work is supplemented by research opportunities in a variety of human factors
engineering and ergonomic application areas including auditory communication, computer
displays, industrial safety, training, and transportation systems. At both the M.S. and Ph.D. levels,
emphasis is placed upon specific content area courses, elective courses in the student’s area of
interest, and laboratory research under the direct guidance of an HFEE faculty member.
Every student should be able to demonstrate basic computer proficiency. Students in the M.S. and
Ph.D. programs in HFEE who have previously taken courses equivalent to those indicated below
may be exempt from such requirements as determined on a course-by-course basis. Students must
petition substitution of these equivalent courses in their plan of study. This petition must be
approved by the Virginia Tech instructor for the course(s) in question and the ISE Graduate
Program Director. ISE 3614 (pass/fail), or an equivalent course taken previously, is an HFEE
graduate track requirement that must be satisfied no later than the end of a student’s first fall
semester.
Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics M.S. Curriculum: THESIS
Master’s level students with thesis are required to complete four required core courses, a minimum
of four elective courses, and six hours of thesis work. A listing of pre-approved tracks with
suggested programs of study are provided in tables that follow. These tracks are designed to allow
the student to specialize in a particular area within HFEE, but also allow some flexibility in course
selection. Deviations from the suggested tracks are possible with approval of the HFEE faculty.
13 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Course Number
ISE 5604
ISE 5605
ISE 5614
ISE 5615
ISE 5994
Electives
Course Title
Human Information Processing
Human Factors System Design I
Human Physical Capabilities
Human Factors Research Design I
Research Thesis
(See Pre-Approved Tracks Table)
Credit Hours
3
3
3
4
6
12
Total Hours
31
Pre-Approved Tracks (Electives)
A minimum of four courses can be chosen from any one of these pre-approved tracks and used as
electives. At least two of the electives must be ISE courses and at least one of these ISE courses
must be an HFEE course. No more than two electives courses outside of ISE may be used toward
meeting degree requirements.
Cognitive Ergonomics
*ISE 5634 Training Systems
*ISE 5694 Macroergonomics
*ISE/CS 5714 Usability Engineering
*ISE 5794 Independent Study/Special Topics
STAT 4504 Applied Multivariate Statistics
PSYC 5344 Cognitive Psychology
Human-Computer Interaction
*ISE 5634 Training Systems
*ISE 5714 Usability Engineering
*ISE 6604 Visual Displays
*ISE 6614 Human Computer Systems
CS 4624 Multimedia, Hypertext, and
Information Access
CS 5734 Computer-Supported Cooperative
Work
CS 5724 Models and Theories of Human
Computer Interaction
Macroergonomics
*ISE 5694 Macroergonomics
*ISE 5606 Human Factors Systems Design II
*ISE 5634 Training systems
CS 5734 Computer-Supported Cooperative
Work
PSYC 5125 Organizational Psychology
STAT 4505 Applied Multivariate Statistics
ENGR 5104 Applied Systems Engineering
Methods
*ISE 5616 Human Factors Research Design II
ISE 5424 Simulation
EDRE 6614 Qualitative Methods in
Educational Research
PSYC 5134 Advanced Psychometric Theory
SOC 6204 Survey Research Methods
STAT 4504 Applied Multivariate Statistics
STAT 5644 Nonparametrics
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Occupational Biomechanics
*ISE 4624 Work Physiology
ISE 5104 Operations Research or ISE 5405
Optimization
ISE 5424 Simulation
ESM 4204 Musculoskeletal Biomechanics
and Biologic Control
BMES 5034 Introduction to Biomedical
Engineering
HNFE 4844 Exercise & Neuromuscular
Performance
HNFE 5814 Skeletal-Muscular Function in
Exercise
Sensory and Perception
*ISE 5644 Human Audition
*ISE 6604 Human Factors in Visual Display
Safety
*ISE 4644 Occupational Safety & Hazard
Control
* ISE 4984 Principals of Industrial Hygiene
* ISE 5644 Human Audition and Auditory
Display Design
*ISE 5674 System Safety or ISE 5684
Industrial Health and Safety
Telecommunications
*ISE 5714 Usability Engineering
*ISE 5606 Human Factors Systems Design II
PSYC 5144 Sensory Processes
PSYC 4074 Sensation and Perception
CS 5754 Virtual Environments
*ISE 5606 Human Factors Research Design II
EDCI 5604 Distance Learning
CS 5516 Computer and Network Architecture
CS 5734 Computer-Supported Cooperative
Work
ACIS 5514 Management of Information
Systems
ACIS 5594 Web-based Applications and
Electronic Communications
Transportation
*ISE 5606 Human Factors Systems Design II
*ISE 6604 Human Factors in Visual Displays
*ISE 5644 Human Audition and Auditory
Display Design
*ISE 5674 System Safety
*ISE 5714 Usability Engineering
*ISE 6614 Human Computer Systems
ISE/CEE 5944 Human Factors in
Transportation
*Denotes an HFEE course
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
*ISE 4624 Work Physiology
*ISE 5694 Macroergonomics
*ISE 4644 Occupational Safety
STAT 4504 Applied Multivariate Statistics or
5644 Nonparametrics
HNFE 4984 Exercise & Neuromuscular
Performance
HNFE 5724 Epidemiology
ESM 5984 Physiology
15 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Special Comments on Safety Engineering. The Safety Engineering Track in the ISE Department
at Virginia Tech is the only safety engineering program in the State of Virginia. The safety,
ergonomics and occupational biomechanics programs currently receives funding through a
training grant from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which
provides stipends and tuition. Students must enroll in specific Tracks to be eligible for financial
assistance under this grant. Dr. Maury Nussbaum directs the NIOSH training grant, and can be
contacted for further information.
Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics M.S. Curriculum: NON-THESIS
A coursework-only Master’s level curriculum is available, and will typically be selected by
students pursuing an application-oriented degree and without an interest in continuing for a
doctoral degree. Non-thesis M.S. students are required to complete at least 31 credit hours of
course work, as described in the table below. Deviations from the suggested courses are possible
with approval of the HFEE faculty.
COURSE# AND TITLE
HOURS
All of the following or their equivalent are required:
ISE 5604 Human Information Processing
ISE 5605 Human Factors System Design I
ISE 5614 Human Physical Capabilities
ISE 5615 Human Factors Research Design I
Elective Courses:
At least 4 Additional Graduate Level ISE-HFEE courses
At least 1 non-HFEE ISE Graduate Level course
At least 1 non-ISE Graduate Level course
Total Hours
13
3
3
3
4
≥ 18
≥ 12
≥3
≥3
≥ 31
Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics Ph.D. Curriculum
The Ph.D. curriculum builds upon the M.S. curriculum, and assumes the graduate student has
already had behavioral research experience and developed engineering skills with a thesis. The
Ph.D. program is heavily oriented toward independent research and the development of expertise
in a particular area of ergonomics. This expertise is demonstrated by in-depth interdisciplinary
coursework and dissertation research. Doctoral students are encouraged to become involved in
laboratory research during the first year in the graduate program so that by the time they begin
dissertation research they will have one to three years of laboratory experience.
16 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
COURSE# AND TITLE
HOURS
All of the following or their equivalent are required:
ISE Seminar
ISE 5604 Human Information Processing
ISE 5605 Human Factors System Design I
ISE 5614 Human Physical Capabilities
ISE 5615 Human Factors Research Design I
ISE 5644 Human Audition and Auditory Display Design
ISE 5694 MacroErgonomics
ISE 6604 Human Factors in Visual Display Systems
ISE 6624 Advanced Topics in Human Factors
Elective Courses:
See expectations below
Total Coursework Credit Hours
ISE 5994, 7994 Research and Dissertation (Maximum 10 hours
of ISE 5994 not used to satisfy M.S. requirements)
Total Hours
25
0
3
3
3
4
3
3
3
3
>24
≥ 49
≥ 41
≥ 90 or 60 post
M.S.
Expectations:
1. Students will increase their depth of knowledge in the HFEE discipline by taking
as electives at least 1 additional 6000-level ISE-HFEE course.
2. Students will increase their knowledge of experimental design and analysis by
taking at least 2 graduate level statistics courses (in addition to ISE 5615).
3. Students will increase their knowledge of the general IE discipline by taking at
least 2 non-HFEE ISE graduate level courses.
4. Students will broaden their knowledge by taking courses outside of the ISE
department.
Note:
Deviations from this curriculum are possible with approval of the student’s advisory
committee and the ISE Graduate Program Director.
17 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
GENERAL INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
The Industrial Engineering (IE) Track is designed to provide flexibility for students to tailor their
graduate program to fit their individual educational objectives. This is the newest track in the ISE
Department. A short list of required courses is supplemented by wide latitude in the selection of
elective courses to complete the IE degree requirements. This allows the student to pursue a broad
path, or to pursue a very narrow path in a particular area of study or with a particular faculty
member. Although the thesis track is available the majority of students in this track will choose
the non-thesis track (courses only). This track is available only at the Blacksburg campus.
General IE Masters Degree
1. Degree programs and curricula requirements: There are two master’s degree programs in
the general track: the M.S. non-thesis (MSNT) and M.S. thesis (MST). The curricula in each
case include required courses in ISE and technical elective courses. The elective courses are
of two types: 1) ISE electives and 2) general technical electives. Both the set of ISE electives
and the set of general electives will be specifically determined by the student in direct
consultation with his or her advisor and committee. A graduate advisory committee may
require a student to take more course credits than the minimum specified here. The student
should consult the graduate catalog to determine pre-requisites for any courses specified.
Students without a sufficient mathematics and engineering background will be required to take
preparatory coursework in these areas that will not count for graduate credit.
2. Plan of study: The ISE departmental requirements for submitting the plan of study for
approval are described in an earlier section of this manual—students should review these
requirements carefully. The plan of study is developed in conjunction with the student’s
advisor and is approved by the student's committee and the ISE Graduate Program Director.
The master’s degree programs consist of at least 30 credit hours and include core, required
courses, ISE electives, and general technical electives. In addition, some students, particularly
those holding a non-engineering B.S. or non-technical B.A. degrees, should be prepared to take
preparatory courses, if necessary, that are not counted for graduate credit.
Minimum hours for the two IE Track degree tracks are distributed as follows:
MSNT
9
15
6
—
30
IE Track core courses
ISE elective courses
General technical elective courses
Research (MST/ISE 5994)
Total
18 MST
9
9
6
6
30
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Thesis
The MST is designed to provide an opportunity for in-depth study and independent research with
an ISE faculty member. The MST is a 4 semester program for students entering with adequate
academic preparation. All students pursuing the MST should begin, early in their program, to
identify a major advisor who will direct the research effort. The research undertaken will be
aligned with the research interest of the major advisor.
Curriculum
The curriculum is design to provide maximum flexibility in selecting general technical electives,
within the specified guidelines, to define a program of study to support the planned research and
graduate study. ISE electives are any graduate-level ISE class, with exceptions as noted. General
technical electives are selected by the student’s advisory committee, in consultation with the
student in order to fit the interests and goals of the students, and may be from other engineering
disciplines, or disciplines outside of engineering. A student’s graduate advisory committee may
require the student to take courses in particular areas to fulfill remedial needs.
Required Courses
Both the MSNT and MST programs require the same set of three IE Track core courses and are
presented in the table below.
M.S. Core Courses and Schedule
Fall I
Spring I
ISE 5405 (optimization I)
ISE 5034 (Mathematical Probability & Statistics)
Elective(s)
ISE 5044 (Production Systems Analysis)
Elective(s)
Fall II (and Spring II if needed)
3 Core courses
Non-thesis: 30 credit hours (of which 9 are IE
Track core courses, 15 are ISE electives, and 6
are general technical electives)
Elective(s) or thesis
Thesis : 30 credit hours (of which 9 are IE Track
core courses, 9 are ISE electives, 6 are general
technical electives, and 6 are thesis research
credit hours).
ISE and General Technical Elective Courses (5 courses for the MSNT or 3 courses for the
MST)
Elective exceptions listed below. These courses CANNOT be used.
ISE 5104 Operations Research
ISE 5114
Case Studies in Industrial Engineering
ISE 5134
Management Information Systems
19 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
ISE 5154
ISE 5164
Applied Human Factors Engineering
Technology Transfer
ISE 5174
Engineering Program and Project Management
General IE PhD
Students not pursuing one of the pre-approved tracks (see below) are expected to meet the
minimum requirements presented here. Please note that a student’s advisory committee may
establish additional, or more specific, requirements. Students wishing to pursue specific curricular
tracks should refer to the requirements for the track.
For students not pursuing a particular track, the requirements (in addition to those required by the
Graduate School) are listed below.
Minimum Hour
Requirements
ISE 5034, Mathematical Probability and Statistics
3
ISE 5405, Optimization
3
ISE 5044, Production Systems Analysis
3
ISE courses past B.S.
21
Course hours past B.S.
45
Hours credited from previous M.S. (but see other
limits from graduate school and ISE)
30
Total hours
90
20 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Management Systems Engineering (MSE) is the definition and application of engineering design
and analysis processes and methodologies to systems involving people and technologies within
organizations. One of the primary objectives is to define and develop the science of designing
complex management systems. MSE is focused on the research, design, development,
deployment, measurement, and improvement of systems comprised of decision-makers,
information, organizational structures, technologies, decision tools, and work processes, with an
emphasis on the interactions among these components. The MSE graduate track is designed to
provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges posed by increasingly
complex organizational systems within dynamic, global environments.
The MSE academic curriculum is designed to expose students to a breadth of industrial
engineering topics at the graduate level, depth in management systems engineering topics, and the
opportunity to take technical electives in specialized areas within industrial engineering and other
areas.
The MSE curriculum and faculty research interests include the following content areas:
• Virtual systems/organizations
• Technology in group decision-making
• Team-based work systems
• Compensation management
• Organizational and process change
• System modeling and simulation
• System performance
• System dynamics modeling
• Fuzzy methods for data imprecision
• Health care systems applications
• Quality, productivity, and performance management
• Quality management applications, practices, and tools
• Supply chain management
• Macroergonomics/work system analysis and design
• Economic engineering
• Enterprise integration
• System thinking
• Data Envelopment Analysis
• Data visualization for improved decision-making
• Design of engineering systems
Research methodologies used by faculty and integrated within the curriculum are diverse and
include simulation, experimentation, field survey research, and mathematical modeling.
Three degree programs are offered in the MSE track, supporting both an applied and a research
track. The applied track is supported by the non-thesis master’s degree. The thesis master's degree
and the Ph.D. degree support the research track. Curriculum requirements for each degree program
are described in this manual. Further information about the MSE track can be found on the ISE
web site.
Key Requirements and Information
1. Degree programs and curricula requirements: There are three degree programs in the MSE
track. The M.S. thesis degree (MST) and the Ph.D. degree together comprise a research track.
There is also a non-thesis master’s degree (MSNT) alternative for the student who is, or aspires
to be, a technical professional and who may not benefit from a strong research track. The
curricula include core, required courses in ISE, required MSE courses, technical elective
courses, and research credits (for the MST and Ph.D. degrees). A graduate advisory committee
may require a student to take more course credits than the minimum specified here. Students
21 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
should consult the graduate catalog to determine pre-requisites for any courses specified.
Students without a sufficient mathematics and engineering background will be required to take
deficiency coursework in these areas. Students who do not have a degree in engineering will
be required to become proficient through targeted course work (see the specific course
requirements below). Discuss these requirements with the MSE track coordinator.
3. Plan of study: The ISE departmental requirements for submitting the plan of study for
approval are described in an earlier section of this manual; students should review these
requirements carefully. The plan of study is developed in conjunction with the student’s
advisor and is approved by the student's committee and the ISE Graduate Program Director.
Management Systems Engineering Master’s Programs
The master’s degree programs consist of at least 30 credit hours and include core, required courses
(covering a broad range of IE topics), MSE required courses (in-depth coverage of management
systems engineering topics), and technical electives. In addition, some students, particularly those
holding a non-engineering BS degree, should be prepared to take preparatory courses that are not
counted for graduate credit.
Minimum hours for the two master’s programs are distributed as follows:
Core courses
Elective courses
Research (MST/ISE 5994)
Total
MST
18
6
6
30
MSNT
18
12 (3 hrs. min. in ISE)
—
30
Non-Thesis
The MSNT is designed to provide coverage of a wide range of management systems engineering
topics, and an exposure to a range of industrial engineering topics, through required and elective
courses. Most students are encouraged to pursue this track. This is a 12-18 month program serving
as a technical alternative to the MST.
Thesis
The MST is designed to provide in-depth coverage of management systems engineering topics and
experience in performing independent research in a chosen area of interest approved by the
graduate advisory committee. The MST is a 21-24 month program. All students pursuing the
MST must take core, required courses in industrial engineering and in management systems
engineering and must secure an advisor who will direct the research effort—very few students are
accepted into the MST track. The requirements in this section apply to students having a BS in
engineering.
Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to provide maximum flexibility in selecting technical electives, within
the specified guidelines, to define a program of study to support the planned research and graduate
study. Technical electives may be taken from other graduate tracks in ISE, other engineering
22 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
disciplines, or disciplines outside of engineering in support of the research. A student’s graduate
advisory committee may require the student to take courses in particular areas to fulfill technical
requirements or remedial needs.
Required Courses
Both the MST and MSNT programs have similar core requirements within ISE and the
management systems track. These requirements are presented in the tables below.
Required Courses (5 courses)
ISE 5015 or
5124
ISE 5016 or
5144
ENGR 5104
ENGR 5004
ISE 5024
Mgt of Change, Innovation & Performance in Organizational Systems I (5015)
or Management of Quality and Reliability (5124)
Mgt of Change, Innovation & Performance in Organizational Systems II
(5016) or Performance and Productivity Measurement and Evaluation
Applied Systems Engineering
The Systems Engineering Process
ISE Seminar (1 hour class, no degree credit)
Core ISE Courses (2 courses)
Select one course from any two of the three tracks below
Operations Research
ISE 54XX
ISE 5104
Operations Research (special approval only)
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
ISE 52XX or
53XX
Human Factors Engineering
ISE 56XX or
57XX
ISE 5154
Applied Human Factors Engineering
Students with non-engineering BS, in preparation for the technical electives, must take the
following preparatory courses, not counted for graduate credit. The student’s advisor will
determine which preparatory courses from the list below a student must take based on the
student’s background.
ISE 2014
ISE 3014
ISE 4204
ISE 4404
Engineering Economy
Work Measurement and Methods Engineering
Production Planning and Inventory Control
Statistical Quality Control
23 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
STAT 41054706
Probability and Statistics for Engineers
Technical Electives
Six (MST) or twelve (MSNT) hours of technical electives are required. These electives must be
selected to provide support appropriate for master's level study and meet ISE and Graduate School
guidelines. It is required that students in the MSNT track take a minimum of three hours of
electives from among ISE courses. A particular student’s electives will be determined in
consultation with the student’s advisor and graduate policy committee, where appropriate.
Management Systems Engineering Ph.D. Curriculum
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree provides an opportunity for in-depth independent
research in a highly focused area approved by the graduate advisory committee. Doctoral study
requires a minimum of 92 total credits beyond a bachelor’s degree (57 course credits and 35
research credits). All students pursuing a Ph.D. must take the core industrial engineering and MSE
courses in the table above, in addition to required preparatory courses where appropriate. Also,
all students must take additional coursework as described in the table below.
Additional Required Courses for Ph.D. (7 courses)
ISE 5694
ISE 6004
ISE 6024
ISE 6144
Statistics
Macroergonomics
Research Methods in Management Systems Engineering
Advanced Topics in Management Systems Engineering
Advanced Performance Measurement and Analysis
Six hours of statistics (to be selected by advisor, committee, and candidate)
A Ph.D. curriculum is constructed to meet the needs of each particular student, taking into account
his or her background, academic needs, and research focus. Thus, each student's curriculum will
contain technical electives (including the statistics from the table above) that will support the
planned doctoral research. The student and his or her advisor will carefully choose the technical
electives, with the assistance of the advisory committee. A student’s graduate advisory committee
may require the student to take courses in particular areas to fulfill technical elective requirements
or remedial needs.
24 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
The Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MFG) track offered by the ISE department is designed
to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully meet the most difficult
challenges of modern manufacturing industries on a global scale. The track provides engineers
with detailed state-of-the-art knowledge of both traditional and advanced manufacturing
technologies, systems integration techniques, economic analysis methods, and operations
management practices and principles. Based upon this knowledge, students develop the ability to
perform analysis, evaluation, and synthesis for a broad range of problems related to the design,
implementation, and efficient operation of manufacturing systems.
Prerequisites for any manufacturing systems engineering degree are an ABET-accredited B.S.
degree in engineering (or equivalent).
Students within the graduate program in the manufacturing systems engineering track are assumed
to have had undergraduate courses in simulation and optimization. If this is not the case, such
students must make up this deficiency by either taking the appropriate undergraduate courses or
by taking graduate courses in these areas. If graduate courses are taken, they can be used in the
plan of study as elective credits towards the degree requirements.
Three different degree programs are provided to meet the goals of the Manufacturing Systems
Engineering track.
Manufacturing Systems Engineering M.S. Non-Thesis Curriculum
The Manufacturing Systems Engineering Master’s of Science (M.S.) non-thesis degree is
designed to provide an in-depth coverage of a wide range of topics related to manufacturing
systems engineering. Appropriate courses are included in this program to introduce to the student
quantitative tools and techniques to enable solution of a well-defined manufacturing problem. The
M.S. non-thesis degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering is intended primarily for those
wishing advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills for application in industry.
In order to be more closely associated with a specific domain, students may elect to follow a
particular area of concentration. These are groups of courses reflecting both the interests and
specializations of the Manufacturing Systems Engineering faculty and current industrial demands
and trends. Three areas of concentration currently offered are:
Computer-Integrated-Manufacturing (CIM) and General Manufacturing: Computer-Integrated
Manufacturing involves the use of computers and associated equipment to integrate the flow of
information across the various activities performed in manufacturing organizations. The CIM
track has been developed to provide students with the advanced knowledge and skills required to
design, implement, and analyze CIM systems both in theory and in practice. Besides CIM, General
Manufacturing aims to introduce the students to lean manufacturing, semiconductor
manufacturing and flexible manufacturing systems.
25 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Robotics and Automation: The robotics and automation track involves the design and application
of manufacturing systems that integrate robots and other automation technologies into
manufacturing systems for efficient processes and material handling operations. This track
includes courses which emphasize both the technologies of automation and integration aspects.
Additionally, courses in computer aided design and computer systems technologies are often taken
by students interested in this track.
Production Systems: Production planning and control involves the procurement, production and
distribution-related functions of a manufacturing facility. Some specific problem areas include
production scheduling, aggregate planning, facilities planning, production and inventory control,
process planning and forecasting. This track is designed to introduce to the student the tools and
techniques of this area for application to real-world problems as well as to build a theoretical
foundation to do research in this area.
Required courses (core; 6 hours)
Course No.
ISE 5204
ISE 5405
Course Title
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Optimization I
Total Hours
Credit Hrs.
3
3
6
Required courses (menu; 6 hours)
Select two of the following four courses (the other courses can be used as elective courses).
Course No.
ISE 4264
ISE 42XX
ISE 5244
ISE 5454
ISE 5044
Course Title
Automation
Lean Manufacturing
Facilities Planning & Material Handling
Production Planning & Control
Production Systems Analysis
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
Electives (18 Hours)
In addition to the core courses, six or more elective courses are required. No more than 6 credit
hours at the 4000 level can be taken. A suggested list of ISE course electives is given below.
Also, three sets of courses belonging to specialized areas of concentrations are identified below
that are often taken by M.S. non-thesis students. Courses may be selected from within the
department or from a related area, as long as such courses are approved by the student’s advisory
committee. No more than one (1) College of Business course may be used to fulfill this
requirement.
26 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Course No.
ISE 4264
ISE 42XX
ISE 52XX
ISE 5264
ISE 5324
ISE 5314
ISE 5424
ISE 5244
ISE 5454
ISE 6204
ISE 62XX
ISE 62XX
ISE 6284
ISE 6324
ISE 6434
ISE course electives
Course Title
Automation
Lean Manufacturing
Design for X
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Industrial Applications of Robotics Devices
Simulation
Facilities Planning & Material Handling
Production Planning & Control
Advanced Manufacturing Systems
Advanced Production Systems Analysis
Logistics Engineering Systems
Advanced Topics in Manufacturing Systems Engr.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Scheduling and Sequencing Theory
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Computer Integrated Manufacturing and General Manufacturing Electives
Course No.
Course Title
Credit Hrs.
ISE 4244
Fundamentals of CIM
3
ISE 42XX
Lean Manufacturing
3
ISE 5264
Semiconductor Manufacturing
3
ISE 5324
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
3
ISE 5424
Simulation I
3
ISE 5244
Facilities Planning & Material Handling
3
ISE 5454
Production Planning & Control
3
ISE 6324
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
3
Course No.
ISE 4244
ISE 4264
ISE 6324
ME 4524
ME 4634
ME 5604
ME 6604
EE 5554
Robotics and Automation Electives
Course Title
Fundamentals of CIM
Automation
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
Introduction to Robotics and Automation
Introduction to Computer-Aided Design and Mfg.
Computer-Aided Design I
Computer-Aided Design II
Theory and Design of Computer Vision Systems
27 Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Course No.
ISE 42XX
ISE 5414
ISE 5424
ISE 5264
ISE 5454
CS 5804
ISE 6404
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
Production Systems Electives
Course Title
Lean Manufacturing
Random Process
Simulation I
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Production Planning & Control
Artificial Intelligence
Graph Theory and Network Flows
Dynamic Programming
Scheduling and Sequence Theory
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Total Credit Hours Required for M.S. Non-Thesis Curriculum: 30
Manufacturing Systems Engineering M.S. Thesis Curriculum
The Manufacturing Systems Engineering Master’s of Science (M.S.) thesis degree is designed
to provide an in-depth coverage of a particular range of topics related to manufacturing systems
engineering, and experience in performing independent research in a chosen area of interest
approved by the student’s advisory committee. The culmination of this research is the M.S. thesis.
The M.S. degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering is intended primarily for those desiring
to develop higher-level analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills in a particular domain of
manufacturing systems engineering. Degreed students typically seek advanced industrial positions
or continue towards the Ph.D. degree.
In order to be more closely associated with a specific domain, students may elect to follow a
particular area of concentration. (Please refer to these areas and the courses offered in them under
the M.S. non-thesis curriculum description).
Required courses (core; 6 hours)
Course No.
ISE 5204
ISE 5405
Course Title
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Optimization I
Total Hours
Credit Hrs.
3
3
6
Required courses (menu; 6 hours)
Select two of the following four courses (the other courses can be used as elective courses).
Course No.
ISE 4264
ISE 42XX
ISE 5244
ISE 5454
ISE 5044
Course Title
Automation
Lean Manufacturing
Facilities Planning & Material Handling
Production Planning & Control
Production Systems Analysis
28 Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Electives (12 Hours)
Four or more courses are required. These may be selected from one of the concentration areas
offered (see M.S. non-thesis electives). Courses may be selected from within the department or
from a related area, as long as such courses are approved by the student’s advisory committee. No
more than 6 credit hours at the 4000 level can be taken. Also, no more than one (1) College of
Business course may be used to fulfill this requirement).
Research Requirements (6 Hours)
Six or more credit hours of M.S. thesis research (ISE 5994: Research and Thesis) are required.
The student’s advisor (or at least one of the co-chairs) must be a teaching faculty member from
the Manufacturing Systems Engineering area.
Total Credit Hours Required for M.S. Thesis Curriculum: 30
Manufacturing Systems Engineering Ph.D. Curriculum
The Manufacturing Systems Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is designed to
provide an opportunity for in-depth independent research in a highly-focused problem domain
approved by the student’s advisory committee. To perform such research, courses relevant to the
problem domain are necessary. The culmination of the research is the Ph.D. dissertation. The
Ph.D. degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering is intended primarily for those desiring to
develop expertise in a particular, focused problem domain. Degreed students typically seek
research-oriented industrial positions or academic appointments.
The Ph.D. curriculum in Manufacturing Systems Engineering normally requires a M.S. degree in
Industrial Engineering or a related field as a pre-requisite for admission to the program. The
Ph.D. builds on the M.S. curriculum with a minimum of seven additional courses as well as
elective course credits and doctoral research. The requirements below do not supersede
University requirements (as stated in the Graduate Policies and Procedures and Course Catalog)
but are intended to focus the student on research relevant to manufacturing systems engineering.
The requirement of a M.S. degree as a precursor for admission into the Ph.D. program is for the
student to gain knowledge, maturity and research experience in order to undertake more
challenging and creative work associated with a doctoral dissertation. At the same time,
performance of the student at the M.S. level demonstrates his/her capabilities and constitutes an
important criterion for his/her admission into the Ph.D. program. It is essential that only bright
and diligent students with demonstrated exceptional performance at the M.S. degree level be
admitted into the Ph.D. program. In rare instances, however, when a student demonstrates truly
exceptional abilities by his/her performance as an undergraduate, he/she can be considered for
admission, upon request, into the Ph.D. program without having to complete the M.S. degree.
The decision to that fact is made by the graduate admissions committee upon reviewing the
candidate’s credentials.
29 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Core Course Requirements
Course No.
Course Title
ISE 5204
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
ISE 5244
Facilities Planning and Material Handling
ISE 5405
Optimization I
ISE 5424
Simulation
ISE 5454
Production Planning & Control
One (1) advanced mathematics/statistics courses
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
A suggested list of courses from which to select the required advanced mathematics/statistics
course is given below. Alternatively, a student may elect to take another relevant course
approved for graduate credit and offered by the mathematics or statistics departments subject to
the approval of the student’s committee.
Course No.
MATH 4225
MATH 4226
MATH 5226
MATH 5524
MATH 5545
MATH 5546
STAT 5104
STAT 5114
STAT 5204
Advanced Mathematics/Statistics Core Elective Menu
Course Title
Credit Hrs.
Elementary Real Analysis I
3
Elementary Real Analysis II
3
Real Analysis II
3
Matrix Theory
3
Calculus of Variations & Optimal Control Theory I
3
Calculus of Variations & Optimal Control Theory II
3
Probability & Distribution Theory
3
Statistical Inference
3
Experimental Design and Analysis I
3
Electives:
Four or more courses from general electives and two or more from other electives (see below)
are required. Additional courses may also be selected from within the department, or from a
related area, as long as such courses are approved by the student’s advisory committee. In all
cases, each candidate must satisfy the following requirements:
(1) At least one course outside the department.
(2) At least two 6000-level courses.
30 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
General Electives
Course Title
Course No.
ISE 5406
ISE 5414
ISE 5424
ISE 5464
ISE 6404
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
Stat 5004
Stat 5204
Stat 5615
Stat 5616
Optimization II
Random Process
Simulation I
Queuing Theory
Graph Theory and Network Flows
Dynamic Programming
Scheduling and Sequence Theory
Applied Statistics
Experimental Design and Analysis
Statistics in Research I
Statistics in Research II
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
3
3
3
Course No.
ISE 42XX
ISE 5264
ISE 52XX
ISE 5324
ISE 5984
ISE 6204
ISE 62XX
ISE 6284
ISE 6324
Manufacturing-Related Electives
Course Title
Lean Manufacturing
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Design for X
Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Special Topics in Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Advanced Manufacturing Systems
Advanced Production Systems Analysis
Advanced Topics in Manufacturing Systems Engr.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Course No.
EE 5544
ISE 5314
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
ME 4524
ME 4634
ME 5604
ME 6604
Stat 5004
Robotics and Automation Electives
Course Title
Theory & Design of Computer Vision Systems
Industrial Applications of Robotics Devices
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Scheduling & Sequence Theory
Introduction to Robotics & Automation
Introduction to Computer Aided Design &
Manufacturing
Computer Aided Design I
Computer Aided Design II
Applied Statistics
31 Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Course No.
CS 5114
CS 5804
ISE 5264
ISE 5406
ISE 5414
ISE 5464
ISE 5044
ISE 62XX
ISE 6404
ISE 6414
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
ISE 6514
Production Systems Electives
Course Title
Theory of Algorithms
Artificial Intelligence
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Optimization II
Random Process
Queuing Theory
Production Systems Analysis
Advanced Production Systems Analysis
Graph Theory and Network Flows
Integer Programming
Dynamic Programming
Scheduling and Sequence Theory
Advanced Topics in Mathematical Programming
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Research Requirements
Thirty-nine hours or more of dissertation research are required (ISE 7994: Research and
Dissertation). The student’s advisory committee must consist of at least two teaching faculty
members from the Manufacturing Systems Engineering track. The committee chair (or at least
one of the co-chairs) must be a teaching faculty member from the Manufacturing Systems
Engineering area.
Total credit hours required: 90 (minimum 51 from coursework, minimum 39 from research; all
beyond the B.S. degree).
32 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
OPERATIONS RESEARCH
Operations Research (OR) is a branch of industrial and systems engineering that deals with a
scientific approach to solving problems faced by decision makers. Broadly defined, this field deals
with the efficient design and operation of systems, usually seeking to determine an optimal or
effective utilization and allocation of scarce resources. The tools of OR lie in the mathematical
modeling and analysis of physical or economic systems, and its scope of application arises in
varied walks of life, in the areas of business, industry, government, and national defense. As stiffer
competition and lower resilience to business shock make companies and industries walk a tight
line that separates success from failure, the emphasis of this field on both long-term (strategic) and
short-term (tactical) efficiency and cost effectiveness are increasingly promoting its use in widely
diverse areas.
The graduate course work and research orientation within the OR track is designed to educate the
student in the process of constructing suitable analytical models for problems arising in various
applications, using or developing appropriate (computerized) solution techniques for analyzing
these models, and translating the results to implementation in practice. Toward this end, a series
of courses have been designed that first provide a student with a knowledge of the tools of OR,
followed by courses dealing with different areas of application in which such tools are utilized.
The methodological courses cover optimization, stochastic systems modeling and analysis, and
Monte Carlo simulation methodology. The application-oriented courses include a study of
queuing networks, inventory systems, supply-chain systems, logistics, forecasting, quality
assurance and reliability engineering, facilities design, sequencing and scheduling, and production
planning and control. The OR faculty also operate and maintain a pc-workstation-based computer
laboratory to support computational needs in the areas of optimization and simulation.
Each student pursuing the track in operations research should have completed a two-year sequence
of courses in calculus and linear algebra equivalent to that required in undergraduate engineering
programs. In addition, the student's prerequisites should include an entry-level course in basic
probability theory (covering sample and event spaces, random variables, single and multivariate
mass, density and distribution functions, independent and dependent random variables and
expectation), and a course in statistical estimation and hypothesis testing methods (covering the
fundamentals of point and interval estimation, hypothesis testing concerning one and two
parameters, and goodness-of-fit tests). A working knowledge of a general purpose programming
language is also required.
Students pursuing the M.S. degree are strongly encouraged to select the non-thesis track but the
thesis curriculum is also available. Under the thesis-based plan, a minimum of 30 credit hours is
required including 15 credit hours of required courses, 9 credits of elective course work and 6
credit hours of thesis research. The non-thesis track specifies 15 credit hours of required courses
and 15 credit hours of electives.
33 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
The required courses for the M.S. degree are given in the following table:
Course No.
ISE 5405
ISE 5406
ISE 5414
ISE 5424
ISE 5034
Course Title
Optimization I
Optimization II
Random Processes
Simulation
Mathematical Probability & Statistics
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
Operations Research M.S. Thesis Curriculum
The thesis-based M.S. program requires 30 credit hours, including 24 course-credit hours (of which
15 are for required courses) and up to 6 thesis hours. Students must select 9 credit hours of elective
course work from either the following list of ISE courses, or from the table on the following page,
or any relevant graduate courses offered by the university subject to the approval of the student’s
committee.
Course No.
ISE 4424
ISE 5204
ISE 5244
ISE 5434
ISE 5454
ISE 5464
ISE 5474
ISE 5484
ISE 6404
ISE 6414
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
ISE 6464
ISE 6454
ISE 6464
ISE 6474
ISE 6494
ISE 6504
ISE 6514
ISE 6524
Course Title
Credit Hrs.
Logistics Engineering
3
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
3
Facilities Planning and Material Handling
3
Econ. Evaluation of Industrial Projects
3
Production Planning and Control
3
Queuing Theory I
3
Statistical Theory of Quality Control
3
Modeling Processes in Operations Research
3
Graph Theory & Network Flows
3
Integer Programming
3
Dynamic Programming
3
Scheduling and Sequence Theory
3
Inventory Theory
3
Adv Topics in Supply Chain & Operations Mgmt
3
Queuing Networks
3
Reliability Theory
3
Advanced Simulation
3
Markov Renewal and Related Processes
3
Advanced Topics in Math Programming
3
Advanced Topics in Engineering Economy
3
34 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
CS/Math 5485
CS/Math 5486
MATH 4225
MATH 4226
MATH 5226
MATH 5454
MATH 5464
MATH 5524
MATH 5545
MATH 5546
STAT 5124
STAT 5204
STAT 5424
STAT 5434
STAT 5504
STAT 5514
STAT 5554
STAT 5574
STAT 6106
STAT 6424
STAT 6574
STAT 6504
CS 5114
Numerical Analysis and Software I
Numerical Analysis and Software II
Elementary Real Analysis I
Elementary Real Analysis II
Real Analysis II
Graph Theory
Combinatorics
Matrix Theory
Calculus of Variations and Optimal
Control Theory I
Calculus of Variations and Optimal
Control Theory II
Linear Models Theory
Experimental Design & Analysis I
Statistical Decision Theory
Markov Chains & Renewal Theory
Multivariate Statistical Methods
Regression Analysis
Variance Components
Response Surface Design and
Analysis I
Measure and Probability
Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Response Surface Design and
Analysis II
Experimental Design II
Theory of Algorithms
Any ISE Department course that is
approved for graduate credit
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Operations Research M.S. Non-Thesis Curriculum
Students selecting the non-thesis track must complete 30 credit hours of coursework including 15
credits of required courses as enumerated in the following table.
Course No.
ISE 5405
ISE 5406
ISE 5414
ISE 5424
ISE 5034
Course Title
Optimization I
Optimization II
Random Processes
Simulation
Mathematical Probability & Statistics
35 Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Students in the non-thesis track must then complete 15 credits of courses at least 6 credits of
which must be selected from the following list.
Course No.
ISE 4424
ISE 5204
ISE 5244
ISE 5434
ISE 5454
ISE 5464
ISE 5474
ISE 5484
ISE 6404
ISE 6414
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
ISE 6464
ISE 6454
ISE 6464
ISE 6474
ISE 6494
ISE 6504
ISE 6514
ISE 6524
Course Title
Credit Hrs.
Logistics engineering
3
Manufacturing systems engineering
3
Facilities planning and material handling
3
Econ. evaluation of industrial projects
3
Production planning and control
3
Queuing theory
3
Statistical theory of quality control
3
Modeling processes in OR
3
Graph theory & network flows
3
Integer programming
3
Dynamic programming
3
Scheduling & sequencing theory
3
Inventory Theory
3
Adv Topics in Supply Chain & Operations Mgmt
3
Queuing networks
3
Reliability theory
3
Advanced Simulation
3
Markov renewal & related processes
3
Advanced topics in math programming
3
Advanced topics in engineering economy
3
Non-thesis students may elect up to 9 credit hours of coursework from the following table or any
relevant graduate courses offered by the university subject to the approval of the student’s
advisory committee.
CS/Math 5485
CS/Math 5486
MATH 4225
MATH 4226
MATH 5226
MATH 5454
MATH 5464
MATH 5524
MATH 5545
MATH 5546
STAT 5124
STAT 5204
STAT 5424
STAT 5434
Numerical analysis and software I
Numerical analysis and software II
Elementary Real Analysis I
Elementary real analysis II
Real analysis II
Graph theory
Combinatorics
Matrix theory
Calculus of variations and optimal
control theory I
Calculus of variations and optimal
control theory II
Linear models theory
Experimental design & analysis I
Statistical decision theory
Markov chains & renewal theory
36 3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
STAT 5504
STAT 5514
STAT 5554
STAT 5574
STAT 6106
STAT 6424
STAT 6574
STAT 6504
CS 5114
Multivariate statistical methods
Regression analysis
Variance components
Response surface design and
analysis I
Measure and probability
Multivariate statistical analysis
Response surface design and
analysis II
Experimental design II
Theory of algorithms
Any ISE Department course that is
approved for graduate credit
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Operations Research Ph.D. Curriculum
At the Ph.D. level, the student must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of coursework and
research. This includes the 30 credit hours indicated below (the same as the M.S. program plus
the Real Analysis Course), and an additional 30 credit hours of dissertation research. In selecting
the 30 credit hours of coursework, the student is expected to design a coherent and meaningful
program of study that reflects a chosen educational focus, and meets the standards of training at
the doctoral level as approved by the student’s advisory committee. (A list of recommended
courses is provided below for the student's consideration). Overall, the program of study must
include a minimum of 9 credit hours of ISE courses at the 6000 level and a minor of 9-15 credit
hours of courses taken outside the ISE department to complement the major thrust of the student's
concentration within the O.R. track.
Core Courses
Course No.
ISE 5405
ISE 5406
ISE 5414
ISE 5424
Math 4225
STAT 5104
STAT 5114
Course Title
Credit Hrs.
Optimization I
3
Optimization II
3
Random processes
3
Simulation
3
Elementary Real Analysis I
3
Probability & distribution theory
3
Statistical inference
3
37 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Advanced Level Courses
Course No.
ISE 6404
ISE 6414
ISE 6424
ISE 6434
ISE 6464
ISE 6454
ISE 6464
ISE 6474
ISE 6494
ISE 6504
ISE 6514
Course Title
Graph Theory and Network Flows
Integer Programming
Dynamic Programming
Scheduling and Sequence Theory
Inventory Theory
Adv Topics in Supply Chain & Operations Mgmt
Queuing Networks
Reliability Theory
Advanced Simulation
Markov Renewal and Related Processes
Advanced Topics in Mathematical Programming
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Operations Research Application Courses
Course No.
ISE 5204
ISE 5424
ISE 5434
ISE 5464
ISE 5484
ISE 6524
ISE 5234
ISE 5244
ISE 5444
ISE 5454
ISE 5474
Course Title
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Simulation
Economic Evaluation of Industrial Projects
Queuing Theory
Modeling Processes in Operations Research
Advanced Topics in Engineering Economy
Manufacturing Costs and Production Economics
Facilities Planning and Material Handling
Quality and Reliability Engineering
Production Planning and Control
Statistical Theory of Quality Control
Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Recommended Courses Outside the ISE Department
Course No.
CS/Math 5485
Math 5454
Math 5524
Math 5545
Stat 5504
Stat 5514
Stat 5554
Stat 5574
Stat 6504
Course Title
Numerical Analysis and Software I
Graph Theory
Matrix Theory
Calculus of Variations and Optimal Control Theory I
Multivariate Statistical Methods
Regression Analysis
Variance Components
Response Surface Design and Analysis I
Experimental Design II
Continued next page.
38 Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Course No.
CS 5114
CS/Math 5486
Math 4226
Math 5225
Math 5226
Math 5464
Math 5546
BIT 5414
BIT 5434
BIT 6404
Stat 5124
Stat 5204
Stat 5424
Stat 5434
Stat 6106
Stat 6424
Stat 6574
Course Title
Theory of Algorithms
Numerical Analysis and Software II
Elementary Real Analysis II
Real Analysis I
Real Analysis II
Combinatorics
Calculus of Variations and Optimal Control Theory
Operations Management Problems and Techniques
Computer Simulation in Business
Corporate Simulation Methods
Linear Models Theory
Experimental Design and Analysis I
Statistical Decision Theory
Markov Chains and Renewal Theory
Measure and Probability
Multivariate Statistical Theory
Response Surface Design and Analysis II
39 Credit Hrs.
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
INTERNATIONAL DUAL MASTER’S DEGREE
(M.S. AND DIPLOME DE FORMATION SPECIALISEE)
Background
Increasingly, engineers must adopt a global perspective in order to be effective. Many Industrial
Engineers will have career opportunities or responsibilities that are international in scope. This
33-credit hour (2 year) program is designed to provide a masters level education in Industrial and
Systems Engineering within a global context. Virginia Tech and Ecole des Mines des Nantes have
complimentary curricula and research programs and thus offer interested students a unique
opportunity to receive both the M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech
and the Diplôme de Formation Spécialisée in Génie des Systèmes Industriels from Ecole des Mines
de Nantes.
Structure of Curriculum
Students spend at least one semester doing coursework at each institution. Both thesis and nonthesis tracks are available. Students writing a thesis can do so at either of the schools while nonthesis students undertake a one semester internship with a company in France. The program
requires the following plan of study:
Core Courses: 12 credits
Track Requirements: 6 credits
Track Electives: 15 credits
Thesis track
Elective courses 6 credits
Project course 3 credits
Jointly Advised Thesis 6 credits
TOTAL: 33 credits
Non-thesis track
Elective courses 12 credits
Project course 3 credits
Industrial internship
By the time they go to Nantes, participants in the program are expected to have capability with the
French language equivalent to the completion of two years of college level French. EMN provides
supplementary instruction in the French language and courses at EMN are taught in French.
Virginia Tech based students spend their first year in Blacksburg and their second year in France.
At each school, students have flexibility in curriculum focus and are expected to define a broad
but coherent program of study. Relative to the credit categories defined above, allowable course
selections are the following:
Core Courses - Any four of the following courses:
ISE 5605 – Human Factors Systems Design I
ISE 5674 – System Safety Analysis
ISE 5015– Mgt of Change, Innovation & Performance in Organizational Systems I
ISE 5434 – Economic Evaluation of Industrial Projects
ISE 5204 – Manufacturing Systems Engineering
ISE 5244 – Facilities Planning and Materials Handling
40 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
ISE 5405 – Optimization I
ISE 5424 – Simulation Analysis
Track Requirements - Any two of the following courses:
ISE 5606 – Human Factors Systems Design II
ISE 5614 – Human Physical Capabilities
ISE 5684 – Industrial Health and Safety Engineering
ISE 5016 – Mgt of Change, Innovation & Performance in Organizational Systems II
ISE 5454 – Production Planning and Control
ISE 5406 – Optimization II
ISE 5414 - M27C – Random Processes
Additional core courses:
Any ISE 5XXX or 6XXX course with approval
Track Electives
Production option – non-thesis track
GOPL M – Modeling and Optimization
GOPL S – Supply Chain Management
GOPL I – Integrated Production and Information Systems
GOPL H – Human Sciences
Production option – thesis track - Any two of the following courses:
GOPL M – Modeling and Optimization
GOPL S – Supply Chain Management
GOPL I – Integrated Production and Information Systems
GOPL H – Human Sciences
Quality option – non-thesis track
QSF S – Strategies and Organization in Quality
QSF A – Analysis Methods in Quality
QSF M – Maintenance/Quality
QSF H – Human Sciences
Quality option –thesis track - Any two of the following courses:
QSF S – Strategies and Organization in Quality
QSF A – Analysis Methods in Quality
QSF M – Maintenance/Quality
QSF H – Human Sciences
Both options include a project course.
Thesis Track
Students electing to complete a thesis must form an advisory committee comprised of a
minimum of three faculty members. The committee must have at least on faculty person from
each school and should be co-advised by one faculty member from each school.
41 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Sample Schedules
EMN Students (Manufacturing/OR Track):
Sem1
Jan-May
VT
ISE 5674
Sem2
May-July
Stage
ingénieur
Sem3
July-Aug
Stage
ingénieur
ISE 5204
ISE 5244
ISE 5224
Sem4
Aug-Dec
EMN
Sem5
Sem6
Jan-May
May-July
EMN or VT EMN or VT
EMN Change Thesis
Mgt
PROGLIN
GOPL4
GOPL7/QSF6
QSF7
Thesis
EMN Students (Ergonomics Track):
Sem1
Jan-May
VT
ISE 5674
Sem2
May-July
Stage
ingénieur
Sem3
July-Aug
Stage
ingénieur
ISE 5204
ISE 5244
ISE 5644
Sem4
Aug-Dec
EMN
Sem5
Jan-May
VT
EMN Change ISE 5616
Mgt
PROGLIN
ISE 5614
GOPL8/QSF3 Thesis
Sem6
May-July
EMN or VT
Thesis
VT Students (Manufacturing/OR Track):
Sem1
Aug-Dec
VT
ISE 5605
ISE 5015
ISE 5204
ISE 5405
Sem2
Jan-May
VT
ISE 5244
Thesis
Sem3
Sem4
May-July
July-Aug
EMN or VT EMN or VT
Thesis
Thesis
Sem5
Aug-Dec
EMN
Sem6
Jan-May
GOPL8/QSF3
GOPL7/QSF6
QSF7
GOPL2 and
GOPL6
VT Students (Ergonomics Track):
Sem1
Aug-Dec
VT
ISE 5605
ISE 5015
ISE 5204
Sem2
Jan-May
VT
ISE 5244
ISE 5606
ISE 5644
ISE 5614
Sem3
Sem4
May-July
July-Aug
EMN or VT EMN or VT
Thesis
Thesis
42 Sem5
Aug-Dec
EMN
GOPL8/QSF3
PROGLIN
Sem6
Jan-May
2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
ENGINEERING ADMINISTRATION (MEA)
The Master of Engineering Administration (MEA) degree provides practicing engineers, scientists
and technical professionals with a graduate level academic experience in technology management
that further prepares them for career advancement in the role of managing and providing
administrative support for the technology-based operations of a progressive enterprise. This
experience includes the analysis and solution of operational and management problems using
scientific and mathematical methods. A variety of practical graduate level courses in engineering
administration, industrial and systems engineering, business and operations management is
available to qualified degree candidates from diverse backgrounds. Graduates of this program
typically move into advanced positions as project manager, program administrator, lab director,
engineering manager, technology executive, etc.
The MEA program is a practice oriented master’s degree that stresses the application of theory,
principles and techniques related to engineering administration and performance management. All
students take a primary core of required courses addressing program and project management,
capital resource management, operational planning and control, technology management and
assessment-based planning for the enhancement of enterprise operations and competitive
performance. Students are also provided with an understanding of how to profitably employ the
services of technical professionals such as the systems integration engineer, human factors
engineer, manufacturing systems engineer, operations research specialist, management systems
engineer, information systems specialist, etc. Administrative and technical electives provide an
opportunity to include courses in the business administration and applied engineering science in a
personal plan of study.
The MEA degree has no residency requirement and is offered throughout the Commonwealth of
Virginia. It is ideal for persons who are employed full-time and wish to pursue an advanced degree
on a part-time basis. However, full-time employment is not obligatory for admission to the MEA
program. Classes are typically offered during the late afternoon and early evening hours with
occasional classes scheduled on weekend days.
Degree Requirements
The MEA program consists of ten courses (three semester credit hours each). There are five
primary core courses, two secondary core courses, and three elective courses. A M.E.A. advisory
committee is required and the committee will grant final approval of the course work by signing
the M.E.A. plan of study form. The plan of study must be completed and submitted to the ISE
Graduate Program office prior to the completion of 24 hours of course work.
Course Requirements
The curriculum for the Master of Engineering Administration degree consists of 10 courses (30
semester hours) of course work and a comprehensive written final examination.
43 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
Primary Core Courses
STAT 5615
ISE 5104
ISE 5434
ISE 5124
ISE 5114
Statistics in Research
Operations Research
Economic Evaluation of Industrial Projects
Management of Quality and Reliability
Case Studies in Industrial Engineering
(Taken after primary and secondary core courses)
Secondary Core Courses
Any two of the following:
ISE 5144
ISE 5134
ISE 5154
ISE 5204
Performance and Productivity Measurement and Evaluation
Management Information Systems
Applied Human Factors
Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Administrative Electives
Two courses to be selected from the fields listed below:
Accounting
Industrial Sociology
Finance
Management Information Systems
Economics
Management/Management Science
Econometrics
Public Administration
Industrial Psychology
Technical Elective
One technical elective to be selected from engineering, computer science, mathematics, or
statistics.
Note: ISE 5174 Engineering Program and Project Management, ISE 5164 Technology Transfer
and other ISE courses can be taken as a secondary core or an elective course with permission of
the student’s advisor.
Concentration Areas
One of the recognized strengths of the MEA program is that students may concentrate their elective
studies in a variety of interesting areas that will enhance career development and employment
opportunities. For example, students concentrating in applied information technology typically
choose their secondary core and elective courses from the following:
ISE 5134
ISE 5124
MSCI 5474
CS 5604
Management Information Systems
Applied Human Factors Engineering
Computer-Based Decision Support Systems
Information Storage and Retrieval
44 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
CS 5614
CS 4004
Data Base Management Systems
Data and Information Structures
Other concentration areas may also be pursued with approval of the student’s faculty advisor and
program director.
Transfer Courses
Coursework taken at other universities may substitute for comparable courses on the student’s
approved plan of study. The Virginia Tech Graduate School permits a maximum of fifteen
semester hours to be transferred from universities participating in the Commonwealth Graduate
Engineering Program (CGEP). These universities include the University of Virginia, George
Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Old Dominion University.
Alternatively six semester hours maximum can be transferred from universities outside this
consortium with a maximum of fifteen semester hours taken at universities other than Virginia
Tech. Requests for course transfer should be submitted in to the MEA program director and should
include: a catalog description of each course, textbooks used, grade reports, and a course syllabus.
Grades lower than B are not approved for transfer credit.
M.E.A. Comprehensive Exam
In addition to the ten courses (30 semester hours) the student must pass a written comprehensive
examination that is administered twice each year, usually in April and November. The M.E.A.
comprehensive examination is a four-hour; open book, written examination covering the nonelective courses including the primary and secondary core areas. It is offered simultaneously at
Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Lynchburg, and Blacksburg. The dates and
registration forms for the M.E.A comprehensive exam will be distributed to all current M.E.A.
students each semester by the ISE Graduate Program Office.
To complete the M.E.A. degree all students must have an approved M.E.A. plan of study, be
registered in the semester they wish to confer the degree and submit the ISE non-thesis degree
verification form. Once the non-thesis degree verification form is complete and signed by the
advisory committee it should be turned in to the Graduate Program Office. The Graduate
Program Office will verify that all the degree requirements have been met, including the M.E.A.
comprehensive exam, sign for ISE department approval and forward the form to the Graduate
School. Once the final grades for the semester have been posted the M.E.A. degree will be
awarded.
Off Campus Academic Advisor:
Paula Van Curen
241 Durham Hall, MC-0118
1145 Perry Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-2364
[email protected]
45 2014-2015 ISE Graduate Manual
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Systems Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that integrates many different engineering
specialties into a total engineering effort to ensure an efficient and effective product (system)
output. Systems engineering analyzes the operational needs of industrial, business and
government enterprises and by applying scientific and engineering technology develops the
integrated hardware and software required to meet those needs. A major feature of systems
engineering is its concern for the complete life cycle of the system, from planning, design,
development, testing and production to operations, sustaining maintenance and support, and
system retirement. Within this broad spectrum, many different categories of systems are in use
today, and the complexities of design, production, operations and support vary significantly. A
systems engineer is one who can apply the team approach to the process of bringing systems into
being and can define their various components, identify and integrate the engineering disciplines
needed to develop them and understand the system's operational and maintenance requirements
for the entire consumer-use period.
Areas of Concentration
With 30 years of experience, Virginia Tech continues the tradition of bringing engineering and
systems thinking to practicing professionals in distributed learning environments. Virginia Tech
offers a flexible graduate engineering program to enhance the student’s personal/professional
development and contributions to the workplace. Some students pursue this degree as a full-time
student while many in our program have a full-time job and are taking one, two, or three courses
in a semester. For full time students it is possible to finish the degree in three semesters. Typically
part-time students take one or two courses per semester and no courses in the summer and finish
in three or four years.
The Systems Engineering graduate program leads to a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. It is
designed primarily to enable engineering practitioners in specialized fields (e.g., aeronautical,
ocean, civil, electrical, mechanical and industrial engineering) to develop an interdisciplinary
approach to the practice of professional engineering. It is presumed that a student entering the
program already has a solid foundation in some specialized field of engineering (or the equivalent)
and wishes to broaden his or her technical knowledge base. Thus, students in the program continue
to pursue a chosen technical specialty while also selecting courses of personal interest in other
engineering areas. Specialty tracks, or areas of concentration, may include any field of engineering
including, for example, civil, electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering. Further, there are
required systems engineering courses that provide the tools for integrating these various specialties
into an overall “systems approach.” Upon completion of ten courses with a B average or better,
including a capstone project course, the student receives a master’s degree in systems engineering.
Systems Engineering Degree Requirements
The program objective is to present a broad interdisciplinary perspective of systems and the
numerous considerations necessary in the engineering development of systems. Program
requirements include the successful completion of a minimum of 10 courses (30 semester hours)
with a B average or better.
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Requirements for the degree include two systems engineering courses dealing with the systems
engineering process; engineering design; system dynamics; analytical techniques and tools used
in systems analysis (e.g., simulation, optimization, modeling, etc.); and engineering management.
Also required is a system engineering project course that serves as a capstone experience for the
program. The objective of the capstone project course is to instruct and coach the systems
engineering approach as applied to any system or process. It provides the students an opportunity
to demonstrate the application of systems engineering principles and methods in a "real world"
situation relating to engineering practice.
Each student must complete four engineering courses in an area of primary concentration
(specialty track). A specialty track is a series of four courses chosen from a discipline-focused list
that Virginia Tech engineering faculty have assembled to ensure and certify the student’s
understanding of that discipline at the master’s degree level of academic maturity. Students
typically choose electrical, mechanical, industrial, civil, aeronautical or ocean engineering as a
specialty track. However, with permission of an academic advisor the student may tailor a specialty
track in other engineering areas.
Students have several options to consider in choosing their three elective courses. One option is to
take two courses in an additional engineering discipline outside that represented by the four-course
specialty track, plus one free elective. Another option is to take three courses in business from a
list assembled by the faculty in the College of Business. Upon completion of the three business
courses, the student receives a certificate for completion of the business option.
Program Course Requirements
1. Six (6) credit hours in Systems Engineering principles and techniques.
ENGR 5004
ENGR 5104
The Systems Engineering Process
Applied Systems Engineering
2. Twelve (12) credit hours in an engineering discipline/department chosen as the student’s area
of concentration (specialty track).
Note: A list of suggested, pre-approved engineering courses being offered by various
departments in the Virginia Tech College of Engineering is available from the student’s
academic advisor. Courses in these and other engineering disciplines offered by other
accredited programs in other universities can also be proposed by the student for inclusion in
their plan of study, subject to current policies of the Virginia Tech Graduate School..
3. Six (6) credit hours in an additional engineering discipline/department.
4. A three (3) credit hour course taken outside of engineering.
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Note: Students are encouraged to consider the selection of a course in technology management,
business administration, public administration, organizational dynamics, economics, etc. that
compliments their personal interests and their Systems Engineering plan of study.
5. A three (3) credit hour capstone course requiring the completion of an approved systems
engineering project that demonstrates the student’s understanding of technology integration,
life-cycle design, and collaborative engineering considerations. The objectives of the required
capstone experience are to instruct and coach the systems engineering approach as applied in
the design and ongoing improvement of any system, enterprise process or enabling technology.
ENGR 5204
ENGR 5904
Systems Engineering Project Course or
Project and Report
_____________________________________________________________________________
Note: With the approval of the student’s academic advisor at the time of admission, a plan of study
can also be tailored to include an ISE four-course concentration (#2 above) coupled with three
business courses (in lieu of #3 and #4 above) selected from a list of suggested courses available
from the student’s academic advisor.
Plan of Study and Degree Completion
An advisory committee is required and the committee will grant final approval of the course work
by signing the plan of study form. The plan of study must be completed and submitted to the Offcampus Academic Advisor prior to the completion of 24 hours of course work.
To complete the degree all students must have an approved plan of study, be registered in the
semester they wish to confer the degree and submit the ISE non-thesis degree verification form.
Once the non-thesis degree verification form is complete and signed by the advisory committee it
should be turned in to the Off-campus Academic Advisor. The Off-campus Academic Advisor
will verify that all the degree requirements have been met, including the SYSE capstone course
presentations, sign for ISE department approval and forward the form to the Graduate School.
Once the final grades for the semester have been posted the degree will be awarded.
Note: Core coursework for the SYSE masters degree cannot be used to fulfill minimum degree
requirements for any other ISE graduate degrees unless specifically noted.
Off Campus Academic Advisor:
Paula Van Curen
241 Durham Hall, MC-0118
1145 Perry Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-2364
[email protected]
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