Dhruv Bhate in the iNnovation Hub speaking to ASU students.

Manufacturing engineering, MS

The manufacturing engineering MS explores manufacturing processes, systems and management.

Program description

Manufacturing engineers are leading the future of modern manufacturing. 

ASU’s master’s degree in manufacturing engineering prepares graduates to consider all aspects of integrated systems, leading to the output of high-quality, economically competitive products and processes. Special attention is focused on smart manufacturing techniques that are optimized for industrial automation, integration with information technology, sustainability, efficiency, cost and performance.

You will be able to focus your program by developing a deeper expertise in either the process of altering materials for manufacturing, or manufacturing and systems management.

You will learn how to conceptualize, design and build complex manufacturing systems, applying knowledge gained in these areas: 

  • automation
  • additive and subtractive manufacturing processes
  • modeling and simulation
  • microelectronics manufacturing
  • manufacturing management

Career outlook

Graduates of the master of science program in manufacturing engineering will find opportunities in both large and small corporations and government agencies as well as within startup enterprises where they play a critical role. 

Typical job responsibilities include 

  • digital manufacturing engineer
  • manufacturing process design,
  • automation engineer
  • manufacturing process management, and
  • quality control and assurance.

Graduates with advanced degrees have opportunities to participate in and lead research teams that are developing the next generation of advanced manufacturing technologies. Our graduates are well placed and command top salaries in their engineering careers.

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

  • Minimum of an earned U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or a similar field.
  • Minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.0=A) in the last 60 hours of a student’s first bachelor’s degree program.
  • Minimum of 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.0 = A) in the applicable master’s degree.
  • If the applicant does not meet the minimum GPA requirements, the application may still be considered. In certain cases, demonstrated aptitude through professional experience or additional post baccalaureate education will be considered.
  • An online graduate admission application, including upload of unofficial transcript, personal statement and resume.
  • Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
  • GRE is not required for this program.
  • Submit a professional resume and personal statement as part of the online admissions application.
  • International applicants must also meet the English proficiency requirements, as defined by Graduate Admissions. Please be sure to review the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score requirements, as your application will not be processed without valid proof of English proficiency.

Curriculum

The 30 credit hours must include 3 required core courses (9 credit hours), and 4 courses (12 credit hours) from a focus area of interest. The remaining courses can be taken from approved technical electives that span the course designation MFG or EGR. Other Engineering courses are also acceptable but verify your selection with the advising office before enrolling.

Following are highlights of the M.S in Manufacturing Engineering curriculum:

  • Prepares you with a core understanding of Applied Linear Algebra, Industrial Statistics and Manufacturing Systems Management for advanced manufacturing operations.
  • One of three focus areas for the student to focus their learning: Advanced Manufacturing Processes, Factory Operations Management and Smart Manufacturing
  • Allows students to pursue a portfolio of courses to complete their Master’s degree.
  • Or pursue the option of an applied technical project or a thesis level work in a focus area of interest.

Manufacturing engineers collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to design, manufacture and deliver innovative technological products and services. The graduate program enables students to develop not only sophisticated engineering technical skills but also the important professional skills of communication, teamwork and collaboration, and the adaptability that many employers seek.

  • EGR 520 Engineering Analysis OR EGR 501 Applied Linear Algebra
  • EGR 522 Statistics for Quality Control in Manufacturing
  • MFG 598 Manufacturing Systems Management

This focus area emphasizes manufacturing processes that are typically carried out in production floors to manufacture products. Particularly suited to those who are interested in core design and scalable manufacturing processes, with emphasis on industrial metrology.

  • MFG 598 Design for Additive Manufacturing
  • MFG 598 Integrated Circuit Manufacturing
  • MFG 598 Micro/Nano Additive Manufacturing
  • MFG 598 Nondestructive Testing
  • MFG 598 Scalable Nanomanufacturing
  • MFG 545 Modern Manufacturing Methods (or MAE545)

Pick any 4: Not all courses are offered every semester. See Advising for assistance.

This focus area emphasizes sustainable and removal of wasteful practices in factory floor operations with a blend of statistics and lean management. Particularly suited to those who have a penchant for lean engineering management within factory floors.

  • EGR 525 Lean Systems
  • MFG 581/EGR 581 Simulating Manufacturing Systems
  • OMT 570 Advanced Project Management
  • IEE 561 Production Systems*
  • IEE 572 Design of Experiments*

Pick any 4: Not all courses are offered every semester. See Advising for assistance.

This focus area emphasizes integration of computing, data science and information technology in manufacturing operations. Particularly suited to those who have interests at the intersection of manufacturing & information technology.

  • RAS 598 Machine Learning and AI
  • MFG 522 Artificial Intelligence for Smart Manufacturing
  • MFG 598 Engineering Computing with Python
  • IEE 572 Design of Experiments^
  • IFT 540 Information Systems Development^
  • IFT 520 Advanced Information System Security^
  • IFT 598 Managing Intelligent Devices in an Enterprise Environment^

Pick any 4: Not all courses are offered every semester. See Advising for assistance.

Acceptable electives include 500-level courses with a prefix of MFG or EGR. Other courses may be acceptable; verify your selection with the advising office before enrolling.

Elective credits vary based on student selection of culminating experience. See program handbook or Advising for details.

Select one culminating experience:

  • Portfolio (0 credits)
  • MFG 593 Applied Project (3 credits)
  • MFG 599 Thesis (6 credits)

See program handbook or Advising for details.

Degree requirements

The MS in Manufacturing Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credit hours. These credit hours must reflect one of the following options:

  • 30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
  • 30 credit hours including the required Applied Project course (MFG 593), or
  • 30 credit hours including the required Thesis course (MFG 599) and a thesis

Review the MS manufacturing engineering degree requirements and coursework in the program handbook for additional information.

Application priority deadlines

September 15 Spring semester (January)

April 1 Fall semester (August)

These are priority deadlines. Applications received after this date may still be considered but are not guaranteed to be evaluated for the semester of application.

Accelerated master’s

Finish two degrees faster by combining advanced undergraduate and graduate coursework during your senior year as part of the accelerated master’s program.

Contact

Advising

[email protected]

Graduate program chair: Thomas Sugar