IME Master's Programs Frequently Asked Questions

 

Dear Potential Graduate Student,

I receive several e-mails each day inquiring about our graduate programs. See if you can find answers to your questions in this page. I also provided links to several relevant web pages of Cal Poly for ease of navigation. Thank you for your interest at Cal Poly. I wish you the best with your graduate studies.

Sema E. Alptekin, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, IME Department
April 2001

What graduate programs does the IME Department offer?

The IME Department offers three graduate programs.

·         MS in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)

·         MS in Engineering, with specialization in Integrated Technology Management (ITM)

·         Engineering Management Program (EMP) – MS in Engineering + MBA

 

Does the IME Department have a Ph.D. Program?

We do not offer Ph.D. programs. If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D., I recommend that you attend a university that offers both MS and Ph.D. programs. You may save time by getting both degrees at the same institution.

 

What are the requirements?

Students who have completed undergraduate degrees in any engineering major are eligible for admission. Normally a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (out of 4.0 maximum) in the last 90-quarter units (60 semester units) is required for admission. Students with a GPA lower than 3.0 are encouraged to provide support letters demonstrating their class standing.

 

How do I apply to the IME Master's Program?

Obtain and submit an application form (available from the Cal Poly Admissions Office or Research and Graduate Programs). The selection process takes several months once Cal Poly receives your application. The graduate application deadline for Fall quarter is at the end of June; however, since we may not be on campus during the summer, I recommend you complete your portfolio by the end of May.

Cost of attendance?

The estimated cost of attending Cal Poly is provided at the web site of the Cal Poly Financial Aid Office. Foreign students and non-resident students pay fees plus $164 per unit out-of-state tuition.

 

Is financial aid available?

Yes.Cal Poly does provide financial aid for graduate students in the form of loans and grants. More information is available from the Cal Poly Financial Aid Office. The IME Department does not offer any research assistant positions. If funding is a problem, you may wish to work in industry for a while and save $$$$ to support your studies at Cal Poly for at least for the first two quarters.

 

How large are the IME graduate programs?

Our graduate programs are small, which means that students get more one-on-one time with professors. You would be a “big fish in a small pond.”

 

What if I don’t have any work experience?

While work experience is beneficial, it is not necessary. Our professors bring real world problems into the classroom. Remember, co-op and internship opportunities count toward work experience, too. 

 

Where can I get more information?

The Cal Poly Research and Graduate Programs Office will be able to answer many questions you have about the programs, admissions, or Cal Poly. You may want to check our website for more information about the IME Department.

 

Website: http://www.ime.calpoly.edu/

 

IME Department Office: Building 192, Room 223

Phone: (805) 756-2342

Fax: (805) 756-5439

Mailing Address:

Unny Menon, IME Dept Graduate Program Coordinator

Building 192, Room 230

Cal Poly State University

San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

umenon@calpoly.edu