Requirements
In addition to the Graduate School minimum requirements, applicants are required to:
- Hold a B.S. degree
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.2
- Submit GRE scores
- Submit a statement of purpose
- Provide three letters of recommendation
- Submit a resume
Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Advance your career in systems innovation and research.
Earn your Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering at Northern Illinois University and prepare to lead in research, academia and industry. This program develops engineers who can identify critical challenges and create data-driven, systems-based solutions that improve organizations, technologies and processes.
You’ll build advanced expertise while conducting meaningful research that contributes to economic, societal and industrial advancement at local and global levels.
How Can Earning a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering Advance My Career?
With a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering, you’ll be prepared for a variety of leadership roles across diverse industries, including:
- Healthcare systems and operations
- Advanced manufacturing and production systems
- Supply chain and transportation
- Data analytics, machine learning, and AI
- Colleges and universities
- National and government research laboratories
- Federal and state agencies
The program emphasizes both theory and application, empowering you to design solutions that improve systems performance and innovation outcomes.
At a Glance
90 credit hours
In person
Full or part time
Start in the fall, spring or summer semester
Testimonials
A Ph.D. isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about learning to stay steady through uncertainty, to adapt when things don’t go as planned, and to keep moving forward no matter how slow the progress feels. We have wonderful faculty and staff; everyone has an open-door policy. Just knock on it.
Dheeban Kumar, Ph.D., industrial and systems engineering, 2025
I use advanced operations research methods and artificial intelligence technology to develop novel tools for decision-making support in supply chain management and healthcare. Ph.D. students play a critical role on my research team because they bring a great variety of skills and perspective, backed by curiosity and energy. I enjoy working with and mentoring Ph.D. students; it’s extremely rewarding to see them succeed in their research and career.
Ziteng Wang, associate professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering
How to Apply
You’ll apply through the Graduate School.
Application deadlines:
- Fall: August 1 (May 1 for international applicants)
- Spring: Dec. 10 (Oct. 1 for international applicants)
- Summer: June 1
Costs and Funding
Our competitive tuition and fees help ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about CEET scholarships and additional funding opportunities for graduate students.
Curriculum and Requirements
At 90 credits, it will take approximately three to five years to complete your degree.
Faculty
Having worked with Nestle, Del Monte, Woodward, 3M, IBM, Caterpillar and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, among other companies, our faculty bring distinctive and relevant experiences, backgrounds, scholarship and expertise across the field of industrial and systems engineering. They’re committed to supporting and collaborating with students in their scholarly and research endeavors.
Contact Us
Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Engineering Building, Room 230
590 Garden Road
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-1282