Graduate Programs

IMSE Graduate Programs

Additional Information

The IMSE graduate program is ranked 18th in the nation among public universities and 26th overall by U.S. News and World Report (read more). Graduate research and courses focus on operations research, advanced manufacturing, ergonomics, and information engineering.

Operations Research

Operations research is concerned with the development of quantitative models that can provide new insights into the behavior of complex systems, identify areas where significant improvements can be made in system performance, and provide a basis for effective decision making. Quantitative models include mathematical and computer models based on principles of simulation, optimization, probability, and statistics.

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing research includes the investigation of new production methods for advanced products, studying process parameters of new processes, and understanding the interaction of processes in advanced manufacturing systems. Current IMSE efforts in this area include rapid manufacturing systems, advanced metrology and inspection, control and automation systems, and industrial energy efficiency.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the application of our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of human beings in the design of the workplace and consumer items. Current emphasis areas in IMSE include 1) physical ergonomics with a particular focus on spine biomechanics, prevention of low back injury and hand/wrist disorders such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome and 2) cognitive engineering with a focus on augmented human performance and human computer interaction.

Information Engineering

Information engineering research is focused on enhancing the decision making process through knowledge discovery methods and information modeling that helps us understand how information is used within an enterprise. Faculty working in this area conduct research related to data mining, experimental design, decision theory, and statistical analysis.