There are few graduate programs that offer the
instructional resources that management-oriented technical professionals need.
The need for highly skilled leaders in manufacturing today is unprecedented. While there are programs that offer technical instruction and others that teach management skills, those that embrace both are few and far between. Even less common are programs that are tailored for professionals working full-time in the manufacturing environment.
At Jacksonville State University, you can go to school part-time and complete your Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Technology in just two years.
You will learn a broad range of skills to effectively manage and control production in manufacturing facilities. You will learn about topics such as world-class manufacturing systems, how to integrate computer technology with manufacturing systems, how to make effective economic decisions, and how to implement the latest in manufacturing technology to give your organization the competitive edge.Contact us and enroll today!
Coursework
Graduate course descriptions (PDF document)
Downloadable brochure (PDF document)
Are you....
...a management oriented
technical professional?
...too busy or too far from campus to attend conventional classes?
...eager to pursue an advanced degree?
...interested in learning the latest strategies in the management of manufacturing technology?
Description of Program
The Department of Technology and Engineering offers courses leading to the Master of Science degree with a major in Manufacturing Systems Technology.
Manufacturing Systems Technology is a field of study designed to prepare management oriented technical professionals. 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.
Specifically, the purpose of this master's program is to produce industrial leaders who:
- Make decisions to integrate appropriate technologies into manufacturing operations.
- Apply advanced principles and practices used in manufacturing systems.
- Creatively use technology in solving practical problems in the manufacturing environment.
- Manage technology systems in manufacturing industries.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I apply?
Please refer to the Application Requirements 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 Office of Graduate Studies regarding the status of your application.
What are the meeting requirements for these on-line courses? Will I ever have to visit campus?
This on-line program is designed with the working professional in mind. As such, 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 never required to visit our physical campus.
How is student interaction encouraged in these on-line 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 on-line environment, faculty-led discussion boards are used in many of the courses to facilitate interaction between students and faculty. Jacksonville State University uses the Blackboard course management system. Students are graded on their contributions to discussions, both by faculty and their peers.
What 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 who are in management positions, they may select some graduate business classes. Some students are working in the education area, and may 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 Fall 2008 tuition rate for graduate distance education classes is $300 per credit hour. Each course in our program is a 3 credit hour course. You will find in comparing our program to other comparable programs that Jacksonville State University's tuition fees offer a great value!
Hear What Some of Our Graduates Say About This Program!
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Recommended Course Sequences
| Fall Start | Spring Start |
| Year One | Year One |
| Fall:MFG 505, MFG 531 | Spring: MFG 505, MFG 511 |
| Spring: MFG 507, MFG 511 | Summer: Elective 1 |
| Summer: Elective 1, Elective 2 | Fall: MFG 521, MFG 531 |
| Year Two | Year Two |
| Fall: MFG 521, MFG 595 | Spring: MFG 507, MFG 515 |
| Spring: MFG 515, MFG 596 | Summer: Elective 2 |
| Fall: MFG 595 | |
| Spring: MFG 596 |
Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from an institution accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting assocation. An undergraduate degree in Technology 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 for the Master of Science degree with a major in Manufacturing Systems Technology must submit:
- Application to the College of Graduate Studies
- Transcripts from all institutions previously attended. (Students who have previously attended JSU do not need to request a transcript from the Univeristy).
- Official test scores on the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).**
- Three "Graduate Reference Forms" completed by individuals who can provide qualitative assessment of applicant's potential for success in graduate course work. The "Graduate Reference Form" is available in the College of Graduate Studies or on the College of Graduate Studies website.**
- Non-refundable $20 application processing fee.
- 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 who have earned a bachelor's degree from a United States regionally accredited institution.
**There is a one-semester grace period for students to submit their GRE scores and reference forms after enrolling. Students may enroll prior to submitting these documents, but must have them submitted before registering for subsequent semesters.
Contact
Program coordinator is Dr. Dana Ingalsbe
Phone Direct at 256-782-5229
Department Head is Mr. Terry Marbut
Phone Direct at 256-782-5034