DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAM

The WSU Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department is committed to instruction and research in the design, analysis, and operation of integrated systems of people, material, equipment, and money. It offers graduate programs leading to Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees with specialization in industrial ergonomics/human factors, manufacturing systems engineering, and engineering systems. The department also offers a Master of Engineering Management Program. The department is equipped with modern laboratories in manufacturing processes, computer integrated manufacturing, computer aided design, and ergonomics. Several of these laboratories are housed in the National Institute for Aviation Research located on the WSU campus.

Admission Requirements

Following are the minimum requirements for admission to the Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering program.

  1. TOEFL and TSE - Students with English as a second language must have a minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based, or a 550 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL, or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS. Students who have attended a US university for one year in academic-only coursework, and who have achieved a 3.00 or higher GPA may have the English proficiency requirement waived. This will be determined at the point of application by the Graduate School office. Students requesting financial assistance are encouraged to submit a score of 23 or higher on the speaking portion of the Internet-based TOEFL, or a 50 or higher on the SPEAK test.

  2. Prerequisites

    (a) Completion of (with B or better) the following or equivalent courses:

    • IME 255 Engineering Economy

    • Math 344 Calculus III (students deficient in this are considered for admission only on non-degree status)

    • A Natural Science course equivalent to that of undergraduate engineering requirement

    (b) Programming competence in at least one of the following languages:

    C, C++, or Visual BASIC

    (c) Possession (or nearing the completion) of a master degree in engineering, physical science, or other related disciplines.

  3. Cumulative GPA in graduate courses - On a 4.0 scale, must have at least 3.25 in all graduate work.

  4. GRE score is not required for admissions. However, students who are applying for assistantships are encouraged to submit GRE scores.

  5. Declaration of an area of concentration - Applicants must indicate the selection of one of the following areas as a major area of concentration: Ergonomics/Human Factors, Manufacturing Systems Engineering, or Engineering Systems.

Please apply online at the Graduate School Website (Apply Here)

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

Before completing twelve PhD hours at WSU, a student must select an advisor and an advisory committee. With the help of the advisor, the student must prepare a plan of study that need to be approved by the advisory committee, graduate coordinator and graduate school before the comprehensive exam is attempted.

  1. Total credit hours

    Graduate Course Work: at least 60 credit hours; 60% of the PhD courses (incl. dissertation) must be at 800 or higher level and 60% of all graduate courses (incl. dissertation) must be at 700 or higher level.

    Dissertation: at least 24 credit hours.

    Required Courses: IME724, CESP750D

    Major: at least 21 hours from the declared major which must be one of the following areas: (a) Ergonomics/Human Factors, (b) Manufacturing Systems Engineering, (c) Engineering Systems

    Minor: at least 9 hours from a declared minor (usually one of the above IE areas or computer science or psychology or other engineering disciplines). Note, minor and math/stat hours must add to at least 18 hours.

    Mathematics/Statistics: at least 6 hours in calculus-based mathematics and/or statistics from the mathematics department

    Technical Electives: as many hours as necessary to satisfy the total hour requirements.

  2. Preliminary examination

    Before completing nine PhD hours at WSU, a student must pass the preliminary examination administered by the department. A student may attempt the exam no more than twice.

  3. Advisor, Advisory Committee and Plan of study

    Before completing twelve PhD hours at WSU, a student must select an advisor and an advisory committee. With the help of the advisor, the student must prepare a plan of study that need to be approved by the advisory committee, graduate coordinator and graduate school before the comprehensive exam is attempted.

  4. Comprehensive examination

    Must pass the comprehensive examinations covering the major and minor areas. A student may attempt these exams no more than twice in each area. A student can enroll in dissertation hours only after passing the comprehensive exams.

  5. Dissertation approval examination

    Prepare a dissertation research proposal and pass an oral examination of the proposal. A student cannot attempt the examination more than twice. A student must be continuously enrolled in IME 976 after the dissertation approval examination.

  6. Dissertation defense

    Must pass an oral examination of the dissertation.

  7. Time Limits and Residency Requirement

    From the time the student is admitted to the program, no more than six years may elapse until requirements for the degree have been completed.

  8. Transfer of Credit from Another University (check the transfer rules in graduate catalog)

    Up to 12 hours may be transferred from another accredited graduate school

For more information, contact:
Graduate Coordinator,
Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Wichita State University, Wichita, KS 67260-0035
Phone: 316-978-3425,
E-mail: IMEgradprogram@wichita.edu,
Web: https://www.wichita.edu/ime