Admissions
Explore admissions requirements for the Master of Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MIMSE) Program.
Last Updated:Â 09/23/2025 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
Graduate Admissions
We accept applications from students who have earned undergraduate degrees in engineering or related disciplines from accredited colleges or universities. The discipline does not have to be engineering, but it must include a strong engineering or mathematical curriculum. You will need to have some experience in:
- Mathematics (calculus)
- Computer Programming
- General manufacturing Processes
NC State handles applications at the university level through The Graduate School; therefore, it is essential to start your process there. Additionally, to be considered for admission into the MIMSE program, you must carefully follow our application procedures.
What is the process?
When do I apply?
What are the costs?
IMSE Graduate Admission Process
Admission Requirements
GPA
You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in previous academic programs.
GRE
You are required to submit GRE scores with the following minimums:
- Verbal: 450 (=150)
- Quantitative: 680 (=153)
- Analytical: 3.0
When submitting GRE scores:
- Use NC State Institution Code: 5496
- Use Any Department not listed Code: 5199
GRE Waivers
GRE waivers are possible for well-qualified applicants. Contact the IMSE director, Michael Kay | kay@ncsu.edu.
TOEFL
If you have completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a four-year U.S. college or university, you do not need to submit TOEFL scores. However, submitting scores can enhance the review process. To request a TOEFL waiver, contact the Graduate School at graduate_applications@ncsu.edu.
Internet-based Test (iBT) with a total score of at least 80. Minimum test scores for each section:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score:
- Listening: 18 points
- Reading: 18 points
- Writing: 18 points
- Speaking: 18 points – for admission to the Graduate School
TOEFL or IELTS test date must be no older than two years (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term. For the computer-based TOEFL, you must have a score of 213 or higher, with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13. For the paper-based TOEFL, you need a score of 550 or higher, with at least 50 on two of the three sections and no section score below 45.
IELTS
Provide your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section:
- Listening: 6.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Speaking: 6.5 – for admission to the Graduate School
The TOEFL or IELTS test date must be no older than two years (24 months) prior to the beginning of the requested entry term.
Duolingo
The Graduate School accepts Duolingo scores. A minimum score of 110 is required for full admission to NC State.
Letter of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation from three individuals; and some of these letters should be from the applicant’s former professors.
Most successful applicants exceed these minimum scores. The average scores for a recent class of about 60 students were: GPA = 3.45; GRE-Verbal = 500 (154); GRE-Quantitative = 750 (160); GRE-Analytical = 3.5; and for international students, the average TOEFL = 101 (607 paper-based, 253 computer-based).
IMSE PRO TIP: The MIMSE Program has stricter admission requirements than the Graduate School.
Application Deadlines
MIMSE Admissions for US Students:
- Fall: June 25
- Spring: November 25
- Summer 1: March 25
- Summer 2: May 10
MIMSE Admissions for International Students:
- Fall: March 1
- Spring: July 15
- Summer 1: December 15
- Summer 2: December 15
IMSE PRO TIP: Priority for financial awards goes to students who apply before Jan. 15th (for Fall) and June 15th (for Spring).
Application Procedures
- Read through the NC State Graduate Catalog for important Graduate School information such as:
- Apply online at NC State Graduate School Online Application
Please upload your Personal Statement (2 pages max, no word limit). In your statement, address the following: highlights of your qualifications, reasons for seeking a graduate degree in IMSE, and reasons for applying to NC State.
Once you upload your documents, you do not need to mail or email duplicates to the ISE Department. If you need help updating your documents after submission, email graduate_applications@ncsu.edu. The Graduate School will assist you with your documents.
MIMSE Admissions Checklist
- Statement of Purpose
- Official transcript or transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (after admission is approved)
- Submit residence form if claiming NC residence for tuition purposes (for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents only)
- Submit online references from at least three people who know the academic record and potential for graduate study of the prospective student
- Submit official GRE test scores from ETS
- Submit official TOEFL test scores (International Students) from ETS
- A non-refundable application fee ($75 U.S. dollars for U.S. citizens and permanent residents; $85 for internationals)
IMSE PRO TIP:Â The application fee cannot be waived under any circumstances for foreign applicants.
Got Questions? Please contact our program director, Michael Kay | kay@ncsu.edu | 919.515.2008.
Transferring to IMSE
If you are currently enrolled in another program at NC State University, you may be able to transfer to IMSE. If you’re considering transferring, contact the Director of IMSE, Michael Kay, by email (kay@ncsu.edu) as soon as possible to determine if you’re eligible. Transferring to IMSE requires approval from both the Director of Graduate Programs in your current department and the Director of IMSE.
The MIMSE degree has limited capacity due to staffing resources available to support student projects. MIMSE admissions and transfer decisions may be based on factors such as GPA, diversity of perspectives, industry internship availability, program capacity, and demand. MIMSE admissions or transfers may also be denied due to past honor code violations or decisions made by your current program regarding resources for admitted students. It’s highly recommended that you wait for confirmation of acceptance before making any financial or other commitments.
Course Registration
It’s important to apply for MIMSE admissions early so you can easily join the advising process. However, you don’t have to be admitted to a degree program to take online credit courses. Before applying to the Graduate School, you can sign up for Engineering Online courses as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student. This option works well for students who want to take classes without being in a degree program.
If you are admitted to the MIMSE program, you may apply for up to 12 credit hours taken as an NDS student or from another institution toward the 33-credit-hour requirement. You can register for online courses through Engineering Online. If you only want to take a few classes without pursuing a degree, you do not need to apply for formal admission to NC State University. However, if you plan to earn the MIMSE degree, you must formally apply for admission to the Graduate School. When completing your application, make sure to select the “Distance Track” version of the degree.
To register for an Engineering Online course, complete the registration form on the Engineering Online website. Registration for these courses is unavailable through the University’s MyPack Portal system.
Online Course Offerings
You can find a list of distance education courses available each semester on the Engineering Online website. If you work full-time, you may only enroll in two online courses per semester. It is strongly recommended that you take just one course during your first semester.
To see approved distance education courses for the fall, spring, or summer semesters, visit the Engineering Online website.
Sample Course Path
Here are some sample paths that show how you can complete the MIMSE degree. These examples highlight the program’s flexibility. IMS 675 is the only course required for all students. Although your path may be different, you can choose classes that fit your career goals.
| Student 01 | Student 02 | Student 03 | Student 04 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | ||||
| TE 505 Textile Systems and Control | ISE 519 Database Applications in Industrial and Systems Engineering | ISE 519 Database Applications in Industrial and Systems Engineering | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ||||
| TE 533 Lean Six Sigma | ISE 552 Design and Control of Production and Service Systems | ISE 535 Python for ISE | ISE 555 Digital Manufacturing | ||||
| TE 589 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering | OR 504 Introduction to Mathematical Programming | ST 516 Experimental Statistics for Engineers | ISE 589 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering-Product Development | ||||
| Fall Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | ||||
| ISE 535 Python for ISE | ISE 537 Statistical Model For System Analytics in Industrial Engineering | TE 533 Lean Six Sigma | ECE 535 Design of Electromechanical Systems | ||||
| ISE 589 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering | ISE 589 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering | ISE 716 Automated Systems Engineering | ISE 589 Special Topics in Industrial Engineering-Advanced Material Processing | ||||
| OR 504 Introduction to Mathematical Programming | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | ISE 725 Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Foundations of Smart Manufacturing | ||||
| Spring Term | MBA 590 Special Topics in Business Management | Summer Term | MAE 789 Additive Manufacturing | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | TE 533 Lean Six Sigma | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | Fall Term | ||||
| Summer Term | Summer Term | Fall Term | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | Spring Term | ||||
| Fall Term | Fall Term | Spring Term | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ||||
| COP 501 Co-Op Part Time Work | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ISE 541 Occupational Safety Engineering | ||||
| IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | Spring Term | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 589 Special topics in Industrial Engineering - Industrial Modernization | ||||
| ISE 519 Database Application in Industrial and Systems Engineering | BUS 554 Project Management | ISE 562 Simulation Modeling | ST 516 Experimental Statistics for Engineers | ||||
| MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ISE 748 Quality Engineering | |||||
| MBA 552 Data Engineering, Management and Warehousing | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ||||||
| MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | ||||
| ISE 725 Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Smart Manufacturing | ||||
| ISE 725 Foundations of Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Foundations of Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Foundations of Smart Manufacturing | ISE 725 Foundations of Smart Manufacturing | ||||
| Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | ||||
| TE533 Lean Six Sigma | TE533 Lean Six Sigma | TE533 Lean Six Sigma | TE533 Lean Six Sigma | ||||
| Summer Term | Summer Term | Summer Term | Summer Term | ||||
| MAE 789 Additive Manufacturing | MAE 789 Additive Manufacturing | MAE 789 Additive Manufacturing | MAE 789 Additive Manufacturing | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| MBA 590 Special Topics in Business Management | MBA 590 Special Topics in Business Management | MBA 590 Special Topics in Business Management | MBA 590 Special Topics in Business Management | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | ||||
| Summer Term | Summer Term | Summer Term | Summer Term | ||||
| Summer Term | Summer Term | Summer Term | Summer Term | ||||
| Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | ||||
| Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | ||||
| Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | Fall Term | ||||
| Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | ||||
| IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ||||
| COP 501 Co-Op Part Time Work | COP 501 Co-Op Part Time Work | COP 501 Co-Op Part Time Work | COP 501 Co-Op Part Time Work | ||||
| COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | COP 500 Co-Op Work Full Time | ||||
| IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ||||
| ISE 541 Occupational Safety Engineering | ISE 541 Occupational Safety Engineering | ISE 541 Occupational Safety Engineering | ISE 541 Occupational Safety Engineering | ||||
| IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ||||
| Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | Spring Term | ||||
| ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ||||
| ISE 589 Special topics in Industrial Engineering - Industrial Modernization | ISE 589 Special topics in Industrial Engineering - Industrial Modernization | ISE 589 Special topics in Industrial Engineering - Industrial Modernization | ISE 589 Special topics in Industrial Engineering - Industrial Modernization | ||||
| ISE 519 Database Application in Industrial and Systems Engineering | ISE 519 Database Application in Industrial and Systems Engineering | ISE 519 Database Application in Industrial and Systems Engineering | ISE 519 Database Application in Industrial and Systems Engineering | ||||
| BUS 554 Project Management | BUS 554 Project Management | BUS 554 Project Management | BUS 554 Project Management | ||||
| ISE 562 Simulation Modeling | ISE 562 Simulation Modeling | ISE 562 Simulation Modeling | ISE 562 Simulation Modeling | ||||
| ST 516 Experimental Statistics for Engineers | ST 516 Experimental Statistics for Engineers | ST 516 Experimental Statistics for Engineers | ST 516 Experimental Statistics for Engineers | ||||
| MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | MBA 515 Enterprise Risk Management | ||||
| IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | IMS 675 Manufacturing Systems Engineering Project | ||||
| ISE 748 Quality Engineering | ISE 748 Quality Engineering | ISE 748 Quality Engineering | ISE 748 Quality Engineering | ||||
| MBA 552 Data Engineering, Management and Warehousing | MBA 552 Data Engineering, Management and Warehousing | MBA 552 Data Engineering, Management and Warehousing | MBA 552 Data Engineering, Management and Warehousing | ||||
| ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ISE 510 Applied Engineering Economy | ||||
Can I Afford It?
There are several ways to help fund your MIMSE degree at NC State. Below are options to consider as you plan your budget:
Financial Aid
NC State offers many financial aid options to help cover tuition and living costs during your studies. For more information, visit the NC State Financial Support page.
Loans
You can apply for various loans, including federal loans, Direct PLUS, private loans, and short-term loans. To explore your options, visit the NC State Loans page.
Work On-Campus
While enrolled, you can work on campus in areas like libraries or other university departments. To learn more, visit the NC State Student Employment page.
Payment Plan
NC State allows you to pay your education costs monthly rather than all at once. For details, visit the NC State Payment Plans.