Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering Programs | NC State IMSEI
Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering Programs
Last Updated: 08/20/2023 and all information on this page is accurate and up-to-date
On-Campus? Online? Which is Better for Me?
NC State’s Master of Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree (MIMSE) offers two programs, on-campus and online. But which one is the right one for you? Both provide a high-quality educational experience with many benefits. Before choosing a program, take a minute to explore which method you would benefit from the most.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
On-Campus – Pros
Experience Learning that Suits You
A traditional classroom provides a path for you to experience learning in various ways. You can listen to the instructor’s lecture, choose verbal discussion to engage with classmates and instructors, or ask questions and get responses immediately.
Relationship Building
Meeting face to face with peers and instructors makes it much easier to develop relationships and build community.
Availability of Facilities and Resources
As an on-campus student, you can access laboratories, athletic facilities, project workspaces, etc. Additionally, resources such as tutoring programs and homework help will be more readily available to you.
On-Campus – Cons
Schedule
Class schedules are predetermined and require you to shape your schedules around the class schedule.
Online – Pros
Flexibility
The flexibility to learn from anywhere or anytime, as long as you have an internet connection.
Enhanced Work/Life Balance
You have more freedom to work your school schedule around your other life priorities.
Broader Community
Learn with and from students throughout the world. Online forums and videos allow you to have impactful learning sessions and share ideas.
Online – Cons
Time Management
You must have the self-discipline to set aside time to complete your studies. Only you are responsible for learning.
Networking
Virtual settings make connecting with professors or classmates more challenging for networking purposes.
IMSEI Minor
An IMSE minor is also available for those pursuing the M.S. or Ph.D. program in a specific department. To minor in our program, you must take at least three (3) courses from a particular department, and if you have at least three (3) in another department, you can co-minor. IMSEI PRO TIP: You can only have one minor and one co-minor.
If you are pursuing master’s or doctorate degrees in an engineering or closely related degree, you may select IMSE as your minor. A minimum of nine (9) hours at the 500 or 600 levels is required for a Master’s degree with a minor in IMSE. These must include at least two of the IMSE common core courses. A minimum of 12 credit hours at the 500 or 600 level is required for a doctoral degree with a minor in IMSE. These must include at least three of the common core courses. If you are minoring in IMSE, you may be permitted to include six (6) hours of project work, IMS 675, toward satisfying your minor requirements.
Internship/Co-Op
The purpose of an internship/co-op is to provide you with the opportunity to gain practical experience in solving engineering problems of relevance. Typically, this will be accomplished by having you spend the summer and following semester or roughly seven months on your internship/co-op. During the assignment, you will work with industry partners on an engineering-related problem, which has been judged by IMSE faculty to form the basis of an acceptable project. Internships are found across the U.S.. Upon completion of your co-op/internship you are expected to write and defend a technical report detailing your experience.
You can find helpful information on Co-op’s/internships by visiting the Career Development Center website.
As an F-1 student, you should also know your requirements and obligations regarding internships and co-ops. The Office of International Services will provide you with in-depth information and how to get authorization https://internationalservices.ncsu.edu/curricular-practical-training/
