Master of Science in Industrial Operations

Developed primarily for professionals working in industrial, technological, process, engineering, production, or operations management, this program provides a highly specialized approach to the management of capital/technological and human resources. Related undergraduate programs with a management focus are offered by Lawrence Tech’s College of Engineering and College of Arts And Sciences.

Nothing is more exciting in a career than to work in a fast-paced, competitive manufacturing environment. The University and American manufacturing grew up next door to each other - literally. From its beginnings in 1932 next to Henry Ford’s first assembly line, the University has forged a strong interactive relationship with national and international business. In Lawrence Tech’s Master of Science in Industrial Operations (M.S.I.O.) Program, you will join a small, select group of people who represent the future of business and technology. Students concentrate on “real life” industrial problems and applications. Successful completion of eight core courses plus two additional electives from any graduate program (30 hours) is required for graduation. The program can be completed in two years of evening study. Students can complete their structured coursework in 12 months by attending class on Saturdays at our Plymouth Satellite.

Introduction

The M.S.I.O. degree was developed primarily for professionals working in industrial, technological, process, engineering, production, or operations management who desire a more focused approach to their graduate education. The M.S.I.O. program is designed to be highly specialized in the management of capital/technological and human resources.

M.S.I.O. Philosophy

The Master of Science in Industrial Operations seeks to prepare graduates to participate as highly skilled members of a professional team in a manufacturing or industrial environment. It is intended primarily so employees/graduates can accelerate their learning curves and to be provided with the depth of knowledge and understanding only available in a structured program.

Computer Usage

The M.S.I.O. extensively utilizes commercially available computer programs. One purpose of the computer component within the M.S.I.O. program is to allow instructors to expand class materials with graphics and design techniques which are suited to computer applications. Students utilize the computer via simulation programs which allow the examination of complex manufacturing and operation issues. Simulations in areas such as manufacturing design and information systems augment course materials.

M.S.I.O. Curriculum Design

The M.S.I.O. program requires completion of 30 semester credit hours. Pre-core courses may be required of students who are not proficient in math, statistics, or computers. The core courses are designed to increase the student’s expertise in technological/industrial operations. Provided the pre-core requirements have been completed or waived, the student may select Accounting for Decision Making, Management Science or Human Resources Management. Courses in which students already have a strong foundation may be waived and another class substituted. The remaining core course work includes Quality Control Techniques, Materials and Processes, and Facilities Management, Topics in Operations Management, and the “capstone” course, Cases in Operations Management. Lastly, the student may take elective course work from any Lawrence Tech graduate level program.

M.S.I.O. Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the M.S.I.O. program requires:

  • 30 semester credits consisting of 24 hours of core courses and six hours of electives with at least 21 credits taken at Lawrence Tech;
  • completion (or waiver) of pre-core courses in math, statistics, and computers;
  • an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 in core/ elective program areas; and
  • completion of the above requirements within seven years of program entry.

If a student’s GPA falls below a 3.0, he or she will be placed on probation and will have until the end of the following semester to improve his or her overall GPA to a 3.0 or better. Failure to maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 may result in dismissal from the college.

Admission

MSIO classes begin each September, January, and May. Completed application packages should be received by the College no later than two weeks before start of classes. The application package includes:

  • Completed and signed application form
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Letter of endorsement from the employer where applicable (See admissions requirement C)
  • Official transcript from every college or university attended
  • Application fee
  • Results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam for applicants whose native language is other than English. This requirement is waived for international students holding degrees from colleges and universities in countries where English is the native language.

MSIO Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the MSIO program requires:

  • 12 courses consisting of one inaugural course, eight core courses, and three electives with at least eight courses taken at Lawrence Tech;
  • Completion (or waiver) of all pre-core courses;
  • Overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.00 in core/elective program areas; and
  • Completion of the above requirements within seven years of program entry.

Transfer

A petition for transfer of credits should be initiated by the student in the form of a letter addressed to “Director, Graduate Programs”. This petition should be made prior to the completion of the first semester of the graduate program. Nine semester credits are the maximum accepted by Lawrence Tech’s College of Management for the MSIO program. These courses must be graduate-level courses taken at an accredited college/university. A grade of 3.00 or better must have been earned -- “passed/not passed”, “pass/fail”, or “pass/no entry” grades are not acceptable. The course should have been taken within seven years of application for admission. Transfer student should apply for admission through the Office of Admissions.

The student may be required to submit additional evidence (e.g., course syllabi, catalog descriptions and tests/examinations) in order to justify transfer of credits. The Management Graduate Admissions Committee may require the applicant to demonstrate proficiency in the subject either through an interview or written examination prepared by faculty members who have expertise in the subject/discipline.

To request an MSIO application, contact:

The College of Management
Graduate College
Lawrence Technological University
21000 West Ten Mile Road
Southfield, MI 48075
Phone (248) 204-3050
Fax (248) 204-3099

Lawrence Technological University
21000 West Ten Mile Road • Southfield, MI 48075-1058 • ©2008 1.800.CALL.LTU