Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Technology
Graduate Program in Manufacturing Systems Technology from JSU Applied Engineering on Vimeo.
Degree Overview
Manufacturing Systems Technology is a field of study designed to prepare management-oriented technical professionals for effective leadership in the manufacturing sector. The program balances academic instruction with practical applications in manufacturing systems to provide graduates with a broad base of knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and control production in manufacturing facilities.
Program Requirements
- The program is 30 semester hours of graduate-level coursework
- The 30 hours are comprised of 21 hours of major coursework and 9 hours of elective courses
Curriculum
Major coursework consists of the following:
MFG 505 - Manufacturing Operational Systems I
MFG 507 - Manufacturing Operational Systems II
MFG 511 - Manufacturing Computer/Information Systems
MFG 515 - Manufacturing Systems Simulation
MFG 521 - Manufacturing Value Analysis
MFG 531 - Automated Manufacturing Technology
MFG 595 - Project Development and Management
Detailed course descriptions may be reviewed here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a technical or engineering undergraduate degree to enroll in this program?
Our students come from a range of academic backgrounds, including engineering and engineering-related, business, accounting, and science. Several of our students have a non-technical bachelor's degree but have worked in the manufacturing sector for many years. This program is well suited to individuals interested in pursuing management and leadership roles in manufacturing.
How do I apply?
Please refer to the How to Apply section below. Admissions are on a rolling basis, with classes beginning in late August, early January and early May for Fall, Spring and Summer semesters, respectively. After submitting the required materials, you will hear from the College of Graduate Studies regarding the status of your application.
What are the meeting requirements for these online courses? Will I ever have to visit campus?
We do not have required meeting times for classes (that is, where students must log into the system at a particular point in time). Students may log in at times that are most convenient to them in order to complete assignments, participate in discussions, or work on other course tasks. Students are not required to visit our physical campus.
How is student interaction encouraged in these online courses?
Students are encouraged to develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, combining their work experiences, course instruction, assigned readings, and discussions with classmates. In the online environment, faculty-led discussion boards are used in many of the courses to facilitate interaction between students and faculty. JSU uses the Blackboard Course Management System. New technology now allows students to participate in conference calls, virtual lectures, and to make presentations to their online peers.
Which courses must be taken to satisfy the elective requirements?
It is recommended that students select electives that complement their career goals. For example, for students interested in management positions, they should select some graduate business classes. Students working in the education area should select some graduate education classes. Elective options are flexible so that the degree steers the student towards his or her career goals.
What is the cost of tuition for this program?
Jacksonville State University's current tuition rate for graduate distance education classes is $382 per credit hour (Summer 2018). Each course in our program is a three credit hour course.
What is the recommended course sequence?
Students may download the program's master schedule to aid in them in degree completion planning.
Can I get credit for professional experience?
Students may earn up to six hours of elective credit for professional, post-baccalaureate work experience. Eligible students apply for work experience credit during their first semester of enrollment.
How to Apply
Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association. An undergraduate degree in an engineering field is not required for admission, but candidates with other degrees may be required to complete additional undergraduate courses based on evaluation of academic and professional experiences.
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Application to JSU Graduate Studies
- Non-refundable $35 application processing fee
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. (Students that have previously attended JSU do not need to request a transcript from the University).
- Official test scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). The Miller Analogies Test is administered by Testing Services at JSU, and local students may come to campus to take the test. Test scores must be less than 5 years old.
- Three Graduate Reference Forms completed by individuals that can provide qualitative assessment of applicant's potential for success in graduate course work. The Graduate Reference Form is also available in the College of Graduate Studies, Room 320 of Bibb Graves Hall.
- If English is not the applicant's native language, the applicant is required to submit an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report. A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based or 173 on the computer based TOEFL is required for admission. The TOEFL is not required for international students that have earned a bachelor's degree from a United States regionally accredited institution.
For More Information
Program coordinator: Dr. Dana Ingalsbe
Phone Direct at 256-782-5229
Interim Department Head: Mr. Chris Marker
Phone Direct at 256-782-5129