Manufacturing Leadership MS

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Manufacturing Leadership: Online
Master of science degree

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Online Admissions Contact

Karen Palmer, Associate Director Combined Accelerated Programs
585-475-5656,

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Offered within the
Department of Engineering Leadership

A degree driven by real-time employer demand

These jobs are growing by 9%, double the rate of the overall labor market.

The operations leadership job market

108k+

Average salary nationwide

9%

Job growth for operations managers

26%

Demand growth for engineering management skills

28%

Demand growth for process management skills

Program Highlights

The master of science degree in manufacturing leadership is designed for experienced professionals moving to mid- and senior-level positions in manufacturing and service organizations. The program integrates business and engineering courses, delivering them in a part-time format where students continue to work while taking classes.

Manufacturing leadership is a highly focused program developed jointly by Saunders College of Business and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. Particular emphasis is placed on supply chain management, global manufacturing and operations, lean thinking, leadership, and decision making. A capstone project, oriented to the solution of a manufacturing or services management problem or process improvement initiative, enables students to apply new skills and capabilities to the solution of a pressing real-world problem, with significant financial benefit to sponsors.

Curriculum packed with high-demand skills

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Leadership

Engineering leadership jobs are growing 26%.

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Process Improvement

Demand for process improvement is growing 39%.

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Salary Premium

Project management, process improvement, and systems engineering are sought-after skills which offer both a competitive advantage and salary premium in this field.

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Supply Chain Management

This sought-after skill is a focus of this curriculum.

Curriculum

MGMT-740
Leading Teams in Organizations
Credits 3
This course examines why people behave as they do in organizations and what managers can do to improve organizational performance by influencing people's behavior. Students will learn a number of frameworks for diagnosing and dealing with managerial challenges dynamics at the individual, group and organizational level. Topics include leadership, motivation, team building, conflict, organizational change, cultures, decision making, and ethical leadership.
ISEE-771
Engineering of Systems I
Credits 3
The engineering of a system is focused on the identification of value and the value chain, requirements management and engineering, understanding the limitations of current systems, the development of the overall concept, and continually improving the robustness of the defined solution. EOS I & II is a 2-semester course sequence focused on the creation of systems that generate value for both the customer and the enterprise. Through systematic analysis and synthesis methods, novel solutions to problems are proposed and selected. This first course in the sequence focuses on the definition of the system requirements by systematic analysis of the existing problems, issues and solutions, to create an improved vision for a new system. Based on this new vision, new high-level solutions will be identified and selected for (hypothetical) further development. The focus is to learn systems engineering through a focus on an actual artifact
ISEE-682
Lean Six Sigma Fundamentals
Credits 3
This course presents the philosophy and methods that enable participants to develop quality strategies and drive process improvements. The fundamental elements of Lean Six Sigma are covered along with many problem solving and statistical tools that are valuable in driving process improvements in a broad range of business environments and industries. Successful completion of this course is accompanied by “yellow belt” certification and provides a solid foundation for those who also wish to pursue a “green belt.” (Green belt certification requires completion of an approved project which is beyond the scope of this course).
ISEE-745
Manufacturing Systems
Credits 3
This course will provide an introduction to concepts and techniques in the design and analysis of production systems. A blend of traditional and modern approaches is brought into the classroom. At the end of the term, the student will be able to assess and analyze the performance of a given manufacturing system as well as to provide a framework for system redesign and improvement. Modern aspects such as lean manufacturing and setup time reduction are included in the context of the course.
ISEE-703
Supply Chain Management
Credits 3
Supply chain management is unique in that it is one of the oldest business activities and yet has been recently discovered as a potentially powerful source of competitive advantage. Supply chain system activities planning production levels, forecasting demand, managing inventory, warehousing, transportation, and locating facilities have been performed since the start of commercial activity. It is difficult to visualize any product that could reach a customer without a consciously designed supply chain. Yet it is only recently that many firms have started focusing on supply chain management. There is a realization that no company can do any better than its supply chain and logistics systems. This becomes even more important given that product life cycles are shrinking and competition is intense. Logistics and supply chain management today represents a great challenge as well as a tremendous opportunity for most firms.
ISEE-723
Global Facilities Planning
Credits 3
Facilities planning determines how an activity's tangible fixed assets best support achieving the activity's objective. This course will provide knowledge of the principles and practices of facility layout, material handling, storage and warehousing, and facility location for manufacturing and support facilities. Tools for sizing the resources needed, planning, design, evaluation, selection, and implementation will be covered. The focus of the course will cover both management and design aspects, with the focus being more heavily on the management aspects.

Choose one of the following:

ISEE-750
Systems and Project Management
Credits 3
Systems and Project Management ensures progress toward objectives, proper deployment and conservation of human and financial resources, and achievement of cost and schedule targets. The focus of the course is on the utilization of a diverse set of project management methods and tools. Topics include strategic project management, project and organization learning, cost, schedule planning and control, structuring of performance measures and metrics, technical teams and project management, information technology support of teams, risk management, and process control. Course delivery consists of lectures, speakers, case studies, and experience sharing, and reinforces collaborative project-based learning and continuous improvement.

Choose one of the following:

ACCT-603
Accounting for Decision Makers
Credits 3
A graduate-level introduction to the use of accounting information by decision makers. The focus of the course is on two subject areas: (1) financial reporting concepts/issues and the use of general-purpose financial statements by internal and external decision makers and (2) the development and use of special-purpose financial information intended to assist managers in planning and controlling an organization's activities. Generally accepted accounting principles and issues related to International Financial Reporting Standards are considered while studying the first subject area and ethical issues impacting accounting are considered throughout.
ACCT-794
Cost Management in Technical Organizations
Credits 3
A first course in accounting for students in technical disciplines. Topics include the distinction between external and internal accounting, cost behavior, product costing, profitability analysis, performance evaluation, capital budgeting, and transfer pricing. Emphasis is on issues encountered in technology intensive manufacturing organizations. *Note: This course is not intended for Saunders College of Business students.

Choose one of the following:

ISEE-793
Manufacturing Leadership Capstone
Credits 3
For the MS in Manufacturing Leadership program. The purpose of the project is for students to demonstrate integrative application of knowledge and skills that they have acquired during the program. A capstone project will be oriented to the solution of manufacturing, operations, or supply chain management problem or to technically related processes. Each project will define an actual problem and solve it, or select and develop a needed process. Each project must be approved in advance by the Capstone Coordinator. A suitable project will be multi-disciplinary or multi-functional in nature and will have significant impact on one or more competitive capabilities of the organization, e.g., quality, lead time, cost, flexibility, or service. Team-based projects are strongly recommended.
ISEE-792
Engineering Capstone
Credits 3
For the Master of Engineering programs in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, and Sustainable Engineering. Students must investigate a discipline-related topic in a field related to industrial and systems engineering, engineering management, or sustainable engineering. The general intent of the engineering capstone is to demonstrate the students' knowledge of the integrative aspects of a particular area. The capstone should draw upon skills and knowledge acquired in the program.

* ISEE-792 is offered for full-time students only.

Elective

 
Engineering Elective
Credits 3

Admission Requirements

  • Complete the graduate application
  • Hold a baccalaureate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited institution or college
  • Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work
  • Submit one professional recommendation
  • Submit a current resume
  • Submit a personal statement of objectives
  • Have at least two years of experience in a manufacturing-related organization or business environment
  • A test of English Language aptitude is required of all applicants and course registrants whose native language is not English. Applicants are exempt from submitting the exams if they have worked or studied in the U.S. for the last two years or they are from countries and attended universities whose native language is English. 

Cost

The online MS in Manufacturing Leadership requires 30 credits and costs $2,171 per credit hour (Academic Year 2021 – 2022). 

Keep in mind that there are many options available that may help you lower your costs including: 

  • Military tuition benefits
  • Support from employers 
  • Private scholarships 
  • Financing 
  • Payment plans

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