Master's in Optimization overview
The Master of Science (MS) in Optimization in Lehigh University's Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) is one of the top programs in the US and equips students with leading-edge decision-making techniques using advanced data analytics, machine learning, and computational approaches. Under the guidance of Lehigh ISE's world-renowned faculty, students gain specialized technical knowledge to optimize complex processes, systems, networks, investments, and organizations across nearly all sectors of society. The department fosters a welcoming, close-knit, and dynamic intellectual community that elevates the trajectory of its graduates and prepares them to make a lasting impact in their career.
Master's in Optimization highlights
- The ISE department places in the top 20% in all industrial engineering rankings.
- The department has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- More than 50% of the faculty hold prestigious awards and/or international board positions.
Optimization salary and career outlook
Lehigh ISE alumni hold influential positions in leading companies across the country and around the world. The Optimization program prepares graduates for highly competitive roles in industry with exceptionally competitive salaries. An example of a graduate placement is an applied scientist at Amazon. Other graduate placements include:
- Accenture
- Amazon
- Boeing
- Goldman Sachs
- Geisinger Health System
- IBM Research
- Merck
Optimization program format
The Master of Science in Optimization is available both on-campus and online. The curriculum is rigorous, yet designed with flexibility to allow students to choose a path suited to their desired pace. The program can be pursued as a standalone degree or in combination with various graduate certificates offered within the ISE department or across the College of Engineering. Many students complete a 12-month, three-term course sequence, while others choose a four-term sequence to enable course-free summer research or internship opportunities.
Optimization collaborations
Lehigh’s Industrial and Systems Engineering research is supported by a wide array of public and private sponsors, and students can work with internationally recognized faculty experts. The department is also affiliated with Lehigh’s Interdisciplinary Research Institutes (IRIs) such as the Institute for Data, Intelligent Systems, and Computation (I-DISC).
Optimization external funding
Industrial and systems engineering research at Lehigh is supported by a wide array of public and private sponsors, including the National Science Foundation, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S. Department of Energy, and U.S. Department of Defense.
Master's in Optimization admissions requirements
To be considered for admission to the master's program, candidates must hold at least a Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in a related field. A complete application must include:
- A candidate's personal statement detailing their motivation for graduate study and research interests.
- The candidate's resume summarizing background relevant to graduate study.
- Complete transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Unofficial copies may be uploaded initially, but official transcripts are required upon accepting an offer of admission.
- Two (2) letters of recommendation from qualified individuals.
- For international students whose first language is not English who have not studied in the US or countries where English is an official and widely spoken language, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge English Qualification test scores are required.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50.
- GRE test scores are not required.