Manufacturing Leadership Master of Science Degree
Manufacturing Leadership
Master of Science Degree
Providing experienced engineers and business professionals with the leadership skills to optimize business operations in a range of organizations and industries.
Overview
The master of science in manufacturing leadership is for experienced engineers, business, and technical professionals who aspire to high-level positions in operations, supply chain management, and process improvement. The program integrates business and engineering management courses, delivering them online or on-campus where students continue to work while taking classes.
Manufacturing leadership is a focused program developed jointly by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and Saunders College of Business. Particular emphasis is placed on supply chain management, global manufacturing and operations, lean systems thinking, leadership, and decision making. A capstone project, oriented to the solution of a manufacturing or service 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. The program can also be taken on a full-time basis, with several courses available on campus. Students may start any term (fall, spring, summer) and complete courses at their own pace.
Sponsorship
Most students are sponsored by an employer, who is committed to improving leadership capabilities in operational excellence. Sponsorship includes financial support and a commitment to work with the student to provide clear expectations and a well-articulated career development plan that builds upon the program. Candidates are welcome to sponsor themselves. Students should contact Financial Aid and Scholarship for more information.
Related Programs
Visit the Engineering Leadership department for information on related offerings, including the master of science in product development, graduate certificate programs, and non-credit workshops and training programs.
Programs are available online, on-campus, or onsite at your location. Contact us for information about partnerships and customized programs for your organization.
Students are also interested in: Product Development MS, Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems Integration MS
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Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Join us virtually
Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Join us virtually
Discover how graduate study at RIT can help further your career objectives.
Featured Profiles
Dag Lindquist
Corning Advanced Optics - Manager, Manufacturing and Service
“After many years in manufacturing, stepping back into the classroom offered a refreshing recharge for my career. Top notch faculty with industry experience, along with the diverse industry experience...
Linda Marks
Corning Incorporated - Manager of Characterization Sciences Global Lab Support
“My capstone project provided immediate and long-term savings to Corning that more than covered the cost of attending the program. The diversity of thought and broad experiences of faculty and...
Matthew Crump
BorgWarner Morse Systems - Senior Engineer
“The skills and toolsets learned through the MML program provided me the opportunity to lead a global cross-functional team in pursuit of the first business partnership between Morse Systems Ithaca...
Curriculum for Manufacturing Leadership MS
Educational Objective
To prepare graduates to lead teams and organizations within a manufacturing or service enterprise for successful competition in a complex global economy, through the integration of business and technical skills.
Key Capabilities of Graduates
- Ability to make sound business decisions in a complex global economy: business planning with full understanding of outsourcing and offshoring; financial management and total/life-cycle cost; agile decision-making.
- Ability to manage the global supply chain: supply chain strategy development and execution; logistics management (quality and delivery assurance); systems needs for supply chain management; and supply chain optimization.
- Ability to manage global, multi-site production and operations: managing distributed teams; process technology transfer to domestic and international locations; service operations; enterprise and manufacturing strategies; lean operations; location strategy and facility design; state-of-the-art tools; regulatory issues and established norms.
- Comprehensive understanding of quality and continuous improvement principles, with application to the manufacturing and operations management.
- Strong leadership and management skills applied to global high technology manufacturing: systems thinking, planning, and management; applications (“hands-on”) orientation; project management expertise (planning, relationship management, control, risk management and decision-making); creative leadership to drive innovative solutions; enhanced ability to recognize barriers to success early, when corrective actions are least costly.
Manufacturing Leadership, MS degree
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| ISEE-682 | Lean Six Sigma Fundamentals 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). (This course is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students and dual degree BS/MS or BS/ME students in KGCOE.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| ISEE-703 | Supply Chain Management 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. (This course is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or ISE department dual degree students.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ISEE-723 | Global Facilities Planning 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. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking graduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| ISEE-745 | Manufacturing Systems 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. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
3 |
| ISEE-771 | Engineering of Systems I 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 (This course is restricted to students in the ISEE BS/MS, ISEE BS/ME, ISEE-MS, ISEE-ME, SUSTAIN-MS, SUSTAIN-ME, PRODEV-MS, MFLEAD-MS or ENGMGT-ME programs or those with 5th year standing in ISEE-BS or ISEEDU-BS.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| MGMT-740 | Leading Teams in Organizations 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. Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| PROF-710 | Project Management This course addresses project management from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering the fundamental nature of and techniques for managing a broad range of projects. Topics cover the Project Management Life Cycle from Planning to Termination. It also addresses the behavioral and quantitative facets of project management, as well as the use of methods, tools and techniques for the initiation, planning, and execution of projects. Introduces the standard framework, processes and knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute. *Note: Bachelors degree or minimum of 5 years of work experience in a project related business environment. Recommended education or work experience in organizational behavior, mathematics and basic accounting. *Note: BUSI-510 may not be substituted for BUSI-710 in a graduate concentration or the advanced certificate in project management. Additionally, a student may not register for and receive credit for both BUSI-510 and BUSI-710, whether taken as an undergraduate or graduate student. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| PROF-714 | Agile Project Management Business agility allows organizations to quickly adapt to new markets. In a fast paced ever changing world of highly competitive products and services, organizations need to be able to deliver solutions to market quickly in an uncertain environment. Agile Project Management provides an iterative and incremental framework to explore and deliver high risk solutions efficiently in a rapid response timeframe. We will explore Agile Project Management practices across multiple industries including Agile project roles following the Project Management Institute® Agile Practice Guide. (This course is available to RIT degree-seeking graduate students.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| ISEE-750 | Systems and Project Management 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. (Prerequisites: ISEE-350 or equivalent course or graduate standing in ISEE BS/MS, ISEE BS/ME, ISEE-MS, ISEE-ME, SUSTAIN-MS, SUSTAIN-ME, ENGMGT-ME, PRODDEV-MS or MFLEAD-MS programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
|
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| ACCT-603 | Accounting for Decision Makers 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. (This class is restricted to degree-seeking graduate students or those with permission from instructor.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring, Summer). |
|
| ACCT-794 | Cost Management in Technical Organizations 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. (Enrollment in this course requires permission from the department offering the course.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
|
| Choose one of the following: | 3 |
|
| ISEE-792 | Engineering Capstone 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. (This course is restricted to students in ISEE-ME, ENGMGT-ME, SUSTAIN-ME or the ISEE BS/ME programs.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
|
| ISEE-793 | Manufacturing Leadership Capstone 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. (This course is restricted to MFLEAD-MS Major students.) Lecture 3 (Spring). |
|
Engineering Elective or other non-Business Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 30 |
|
Elective courses
An elective course offers students the opportunity to better meet personal and organizational needs. Students may select from a long list of courses. Recommended electives include such offerings as Decision and Risk Benefit Analysis, Advanced or International Project Management, Breakthrough Thinking and Creativity, Customer Centricity, and others.
Capstone project
Students complete a project during the final academic year of the program, based on a real problem often identified in the companies where they work. The corporate-oriented capstone project is directed at the solution of a manufacturing or services management problem or process improvement initiative. It enables students to broaden the educational experience and demonstrate the knowledge and skills essential to business leadership. The project provides immediate benefits to sponsoring organizations and is an excellent opportunity for students to gain visibility and recognition. Projects often result in substantial cost savings or improved efficiencies. View our list of capstone projects for examples of projects past students have completed as part of the program.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS program in manufacturing leadership, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for information on application deadlines, entry terms, and more.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
- Recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- One letter of recommendation is required. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
- Not all programs require the submission of scores from entrance exams (GMAT or GRE). Please refer to the Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements page for more information.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives. Refer to Application Instructions and Requirements for additional information.
- Have at least two years of experience in a manufacturing-related organization or business environment.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit official test scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Refer to Graduate Admission Deadlines and Requirements for additional information on English requirements. International applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver. Refer to Additional Requirements for International Applicants to review waiver eligibility.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and students may begin the program in any semester.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Admitted students must possess knowledge and skills at the introductory course level in probability and statistics, engineering economy, or basic accounting. Areas that need strengthening may be addressed by guided reading, independent study, or formal course work.
Format
Students may start the program during any semester and complete the course work at their own pace. Classes are available online but several courses may be taken on campus for local or full-time students. Students may take up to three courses on a nonmatriculated basis. Credits earned while enrolled as a nonmatriculated student may be applied to the degree program following formal admission.
Tuition
The program's tuition is calculated using the part-time graduate tuition rate (12 credits or less). For information on tuition, scholarships, and financial aid, please visit Financial Aid and Scholarships. Discounts are available for groups.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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September 26, 2019
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RIT hosts two new webinars about engineering leadership programs
Professionals interested in advancing leadership skills in high-tech industries can learn about different degree options through an informational webinar hosted by Kate Gleason College of Engineering on Oct. 17 and Nov. 14.
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August 6, 2019
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Bringing creativity into cybersecurity
You do what? From accountant to the stars to sustainable chocolate producer, RIT alumni have some pretty cool careers. Read about Allison Ritter ’14 (media arts and technology), creative director for IBM’s X-Force Command in Boston.
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October 26, 2018
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IBM mobile cybersecurity center to stop at RIT on Friday
RIT Computing Weekend will have an extra special visitor—the new IBM X-Force Command Tactical Operation Center (C-TOC), which will be making its first visit to a university as part of the Nov. 2–4 event.
