MANUAL FOR

GRADUATE STUDENTS

in

INDUSTRIAL AND MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING

Version December 20, 2013

Dear Graduate Student,

We are pleased that you have chosen the I&ME Graduate Program and

Montana State University! We don't mind sharing that we have great

expectations for our graduates, and endeavor to inspire their superior

performance. Consequently, we try to enroll only the best. If you have

already been accepted into the program, congratulations and keep up the

good work!

We are most pleased to present you with our Manual for Graduate Students.

This manual answers the majority of the questions that students ask, and we

recommend its careful reading along with the online Graduate Catalog

provided by the Graduate School

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/catalog.html). These two publications

provide guidelines for our program in terms of philosophy, policies, and

procedures. The information will benefit you greatly. We encourage you to

do your best, and we promise you will be well satisfied with your program

when you finish.

So welcome to the Program of Industrial and Management

Engineering (since 1923 and the oldest west of the Mississippi)! If

you have any further questions, contact our Graduate Program

Coordinator.

Sincerely,

Your Faculty Friends

Program of Industrial & Management Engineering

Montana State University

iii

SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES The following three tables summarize the formal procedures required to complete the

Master of Science degree (Plans A and B) and the Ph.D. degree, for quick reference.

TABLE 1. M.S. DEGREE, PLAN A (THESIS)

What Procedure When

Apply for Montana

residency for

domestic students

See MSU Catalog, Residency Requirements for Fee Purposes. Forms

are available from the Registrar’s Office:

http://www.montana.edu/registrar/?8#top8

As soon as

possible

File graduate

program and

establish committee

Fill out “Graduate Program of Study and Committee Form” and

submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/CompProg.pdf

Read:

http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/dgeforms/Instructions%20for%2

0Masters%20Program%20of%20Study.pdf

and

http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/cat_for_masters_stud.html#m_c

omm

By end of 2nd

semester

Application for

Advanced Degree

Fill out “Application for Advanced Degree” and submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/app-advanced-degree.pdf

Start of last

semester

File changes in

graduate program or

committee, if

necessary.

Fill out “Graduate Committee Revision Form” or

“Graduate Program Change Form” and submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/committee-revision.pdf

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/graduate-program-

change.pdf

.

1 month

before end of

last term

Draft of thesis given

to committee

Make arrangements with committee chair 15 business

days prior to

defense

Thesis Defense

(examination)

Schedule time with your committee chair and members, Defense

announcement and reserve a room (see MIE office); Committee chair

responsible for obtaining and filing completed “Report on

Comprehensive Exams / Thesis Defense” form

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/comp_report.pdf)

14 calendar

days prior to

end of final

term

Commencement See Graduate School website (e.g.,

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_masters_stud.html#m_com

mence)

End of spring

semester

iv

TABLE 2. M.S. DEGREE, PLAN B (NON-THESIS OPTION)

What Procedure When

Apply for

Montana

residency for

domestic

students

See MSU Catalog, Residency Requirements for Fee Purposes. Forms are

available from the Registrar’s Office:

http://www.montana.edu/registrar/?8#top8

As soon as

possible

File graduate

program and

establish

committee

Fill out “Graduate Program of Study and Committee Form” and submit for

approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/CompProg.pdf

Read:

http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/dgeforms/Instructions%20for%20Maste

rs%20Program%20of%20Study.pdf and http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/cat_for_masters_stud.html#m_comm

By end of

2nd

semester

Application for

Advanced

Degree

Fill out “Application for Advanced Degree” and submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/app-advanced-degree.pdf

Start of last

semester

File changes in

graduate

program or

committee, if

necessary.

Fill out “Graduate Committee Revision Form” or

“Graduate Program Change Form” and submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/committee-revision.pdf

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/graduate-program-change.pdf

.

1 month

before end

of last term

Commencement See Graduate School website (e.g.,

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_masters_stud.html#m_commence)

End of

spring

semester

v

TABLE 3. PH.D. DEGREE

What Procedure When

Apply for

Montana

residency for

domestic students

See MSU Catalog, Residency Requirements for Fee Purposes. Forms are

available from the Registrar’s Office:

http://www.montana.edu/registrar/?8#top8

As soon as

possible

File graduate

program and

establish

committee

Fill out “Graduate Program of Study and Committee Form” and submit for

approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/CompProg.pdf

Read:

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/Instructions%20for%20Doctoral

%20Program%20of%20Study.pdf

and

http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/cat_for_doc_stud.html#d_pos

By end of 3rd

semester

Qualifying

Examination

Meet with advisor to request qualifying examination from I&ME Graduate

Program Committee

Within 3

semesters after

matriculation

Application for

Advanced Degree

Fill out “Application for Advanced Degree” and submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/app-advanced-degree.pdf

Start of last

semester

File changes in

graduate program

or committee.

Fill out “Graduate Committee Revision Form” or

“Graduate Program Change Form” and submit for approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/committee-revision.pdf

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/graduate-program-change.pdf

.

1 month before

end of last term

Comprehensive

Exam

Meet with advisor to request qualifying examination from IE Graduate

Program Committee (which then establishes examination committee and

chair for student’s comprehensive exam).

Within two

years of

qualifying exam

Thesis Defense Schedule time with your committee chair and members, Reserve a room (see

MIE office); Committee chair responsible for obtaining and filing completed

“Report on Comprehensive Exams / Thesis Defense” form

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/comp_report.pdf)

14 calendar

days prior to

end of final

term

Commencement See Graduate School website (e.g.,

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_for_masters_stud.html#m_commence)

End of spring

semester

vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY OF PROCEDURES .................................................................................. III

1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1

1.1 IMPORTANT CONTACTS ......................................................................... 1

2 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRADUATE PROGRAM ........... 2

2.1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ................................................... 2 2.2 OTHER REQUIRED COURSES ................................................................. 2 2.3 GRADE REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................... 3

2.3.1 Pass/Fail .................................................................................................3 2.4 TRANSFER OF CREDITS ........................................................................... 3

3 THE M.S. PROGRAM ............................................................................................. 4

3.2 PLAN A - THESIS ........................................................................................ 5

3.2.1 Types of Theses/Dissertations .................................................................6 3.2.2 Thesis Proposal .......................................................................................8 3.2.3 Thesis Defense ........................................................................................8

3.3 PLAN B - NON THESIS ............................................................................... 9 3.4 SWITCHING PLANS ....................................................................................... 10

4 THE PH.D. PROGRAM......................................................................................... 11

4.1 DEGREE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 11

4.2 MATRICULATION ................................................................................... 12 4.3 QUALIFYING EXAMINATION ............................................................... 12

4.4 SELECTING AN ADVISOR ...................................................................... 13 4.5 DOCTORAL COMMITTEE ...................................................................... 13 4.6 FORMULATING A PROGRAM OF STUDY ........................................... 13

4.6.1 Approval Process ..................................................................................14 4.6.2 Changes and Revisions .........................................................................14

4.7 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION ...................................................... 14

4.8 DISSERTATION DEFENSE ..................................................................... 15

5 GRADUATE PROGRAM POLICIES ................................................................. 17

5.1 ACADEMIC HONESTY ............................................................................ 17 5.2 LABORATORY USAGE ........................................................................... 17

5.2.1 Computer Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory .................................17 5.2.2 Decision Support Laboratory ...............................................................18 5.2.3 Ergonomics and Human Factors Laboratory .......................................18

5.3 STUDENT OFFICES ................................................................................. 18

1

1 INTRODUCTION You are a person with special gifts and talents; and you are to be congratulated for your

accomplishments to date! Your performance record indicates that you have the ability to handle

graduate work. However, you will be challenged! The work will be harder and you must

depend on your own initiative. Nonetheless, the work will be more interesting, and you will

have more options. You will discover new and exciting things that will contribute to your career

development. Remember, you are free to determine how much time to devote to learning, and

even whether or not to graduate. Take advantage of seminars, talks, short courses, and other

activities coming your way. Also, take time to enjoy the surroundings; we live in one of the

most beautiful places on earth.

One of the first things you should think about once you arrive is forming your graduate

committee. The graduate committee advises the student on academic matters and is the

examining committee for the comprehensive examination and dissertation defense. Your

graduate committee typically includes three faculty members that have interest and expertise in

your areas of study. Committee nominees are professors who will most likely be teaching the

courses you take during your program of study. You must personally ask each professor if they

are available and willing to serve on your committee. As part of this committee, you will have a

major advisor (professor) who serves as committee chair (and thesis adviser if you are

completing a Plan A degree option). The graduate committee is comprised of three faculty

members. The committee chair should be someone with expertise in your area of emphasis and

with whom you expect to have major contact through your course work. The minor field of

study (if you choose one) must be represented by one member on the committee. Committee

membership must be approved by the department head and the Vice Provost of Graduate

Education.

Committees are revised only to accommodate change of emphasis or to replace a member

that has become unavailable. Committee revision requests are made with Graduate Committee

Revision Form (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/committee-revision.pdf) requiring

all new and former committee members to acknowledge the revision. When a committee is

revised, the new committee should reexamine the overall plan of study and may require a

different set of courses. All changes are subject to final approval by the graduate program

coordinator.

1.1 IMPORTANT CONTACTS

Graduate School: http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/

Forms Necessary for Graduate Education: http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/forms.html

International Programs: http://www.montana.edu/international/admissions/graduate.htm

Industrial Engineering Graduate Program: http://www.coe.montana.edu/ie/gradprog/default.htm

English Language Academic Preparation:

http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/opportunities/spec10.html

English Writing Center: http://www1.english.montana.edu/wc/index.php?s=Graduate-Services

2

2 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE GRADUATE

PROGRAM The Graduate School grants admission only if you have graduated from a four-year

program with a grade average of B (3.0) or higher. Graduates from any ABET (Accreditation

Board for Engineering and Technology) program in Industrial Engineering (I.E.) are eligible for

regular admission. Graduates from other engineering, technology, or non-ABET accredited

programs (such as psychology, computer science, business, mathematics, statistics, physics, etc.)

must take some other required courses, and are thus eligible for “provisional admission”. Under

provisional admission, students may take graduate-level courses for which prerequisites have

been met. Provisional status is removed after completing all other required courses.

2.1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

If your first language is not English, you must achieve a TOEFL score of at least 80 on

the iBT (or 213 on the CBT). However, your graduate committee may require that you take

additional courses to improve English language proficiency even if you have achieved the

minimum test score. This is because incorrect English grammar and spelling that appears in

written assignments and reports may result in lower grades. Help for students whose native

language is not English is readily available from the A.C.E. Language Institute

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/opportunities/spec10.html). Additional assistance for all

graduate students for writing skills is available through the MSU Writing Center

(http://www1.english.montana.edu/wc/index.php?s=default).

2.2 OTHER REQUIRED COURSES

Other required courses consist of industrial engineering basics, and mathematics and

computing requirements, depending on your academic background. The Graduate College will

grant provisional admission to students requiring up to 15 credit hours for these required courses.

Beyond 15 credit hours, your graduate application will be deferred until these deficiencies are

reduced to 15 credits. During this period of deferment, we recommend enrollment in a second

bachelor's degree program, preferably in Industrial and Management Engineering so that you

will have an advisor from our faculty that can later assist you in the graduate program.

All students (regardless of previous degree) must have a background in mathematics

equivalent to M 171 (differential calculus) and M 172 (integral calculus), and must have some

exposure to matrix algebra (or take M 221). Any doubt will be cleared by an evaluation from the

Department of Mathematical Sciences. In addition all students must have prior education in

computing, including programming in at least one language (e.g., CSCI 111).

The following courses in industrial engineering basics are required for graduate students

entering the master's program without a previous degree completed in Industrial Engineering.

EIND 313 Work Design and Analysis 3

EIND 325 Engineering Economy 3

EIND 354 Engineering Probability and Statistics I 3

EIND 364 Principles of Operations Research I 3

EIND 458 Production and Engineering Management 3

3

2.3 GRADE REQUIREMENTS

Graduate students are expected to be superior performers, and must maintain a

cumulative average of B (3.0) or better overall courses listed on their graduate Program of Study

(see below) in order to retain graduate standing. Provisional acceptance to the program that

states a specific grade minimum may override this requirement. Only grades of C- or better will

be counted toward the plan of study. Grades lower than C- mean the course must be repeated.

However, if you receive a C- or lower in more than one course (including other required

courses), you will be asked to explain to your graduate committee why you should be allowed to

continue in the program. The student may be placed on probation at the discretion of the

student's committee and/or the Graduate School. Continued poor performance will result in

dismissal from the Graduate School.

2.3.1 Pass/Fail

Courses or individual study projects (excluding thesis) taken on a pass/fail basis may not

be used to meet minimum credit requirements of the graduate program, although, up to three

credits may be included in the program of study. A grade of B- is taken as the threshold for

pass/fail for other required courses taken on the pass/fail basis.

2.4 TRANSFER OF CREDITS

The student may receive transfer credits (up to the limit allowed by the Graduate School:

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/cat_trans_credits.html) for courses completed at other

accredited colleges or universities only if: (1) s/he was formally admitted to the Graduate

College of the institution offering the course or was admissible to Montana State University

when the course was taken, (2) the course was approved for graduate credit, (3) the IE Graduate

Program Coordinator and the student’s graduate committee determines which courses are

applicable to the plan of study, (4) if the course was not used to satisfy B.S. requirement, and (5)

you must receive a B or better in order to use transfer credits on a graduate program of study..

Transfer credits must be clearly identified on the plan of study for final approval by the Vice

Provost of Graduate Education.

4

3 THE M.S. PROGRAM Two master’s degree plans are offered. Plan A (Thesis) leads to a research and design

oriented degree requiring a 10-credit thesis. Plan B (Non-Thesis) requires only coursework, with

the option of completing a professional paper/project. Table 4 and Table 5 summarize the course

requirements for each plan. These plans included regular course offerings as well as individual

study.

3.1 FORMULATING A MS GRADUATE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Program of Study formalizes the student’s graduate committee and the courses to be

taken for the degree. The coursework identified on the Program must meet all of the degree

requirements in Table 4 or Table 5, plus any additional requirements stipulated by the graduate

committee or the conditions of provisional admission. In addition, the committee composition

must conform to Graduate School regulations.1

Once a Program is approved, it can only be modified by filing the appropriate revision

request (explained below). The Program is in essence a kind of contract between the student and

the University; it says, “If you successfully complete these courses, and pass the examinations

given by this committee, we will grant you the stated degree.” So the Program should be given

careful consideration in its creation.

This program must be approved and filed by the end of the second semester of study.

3.1.1 Approval Process

The student should select an advisor (graduate committee) and file a Program of Study by

the start of their second semester (see

http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/dgeforms/Instructions%20for%20Masters%20Program%20

of%20Study.pdf and http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/cat_for_masters_stud.html#m_comm).

To prepare the Program of Study, the student should meet with his/her advisor and decide

(1) on the remaining membership of their graduate committee composition, and (2) the courses

that will be taken to satisfy the requirements of the selected degree option

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/courses/i-me.html), excluding EIND 442, 444, 445, 492, 489,

490.

The Program of Study must then be registered and approved by completing the required

form and obtain graduate committee approval

http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/CompProg.pdf). This form is then circulated to the

advisor and committee members for approval, then submitted to the I&ME Graduate Program

Coordinator. Finally, the Program of Study must then be approved by the Department Head and

Vice Provost of Graduate Education. YOU ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE WORKING

TOWARD A DEGREE UNTIL FINAL APPROVAL HAS BEEN OBTAINED.

1 Faculty shall not enter into relationships with graduate students that may impose a conflict of interest with respect

to thesis supervision, assignment of grades, or provision of examinations.

5

3.1.2 Changes and Revisions

From time to time, changes to the Program of Study become necessary or desirable.

Changes must be discussed and approved by the graduate committee before registering for

classes not appearing on the graduate program. The student should present a memo to the

committee clearly stating the requested change and reasons for the request. After obtaining

approval from the committee, student will complete the Graduate Program Change form

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/graduate-program-change.pdf) and submit for the

appropriate approvals.

3.2 PLAN A - THESIS

Plan A requires the student to research and write a Master’s thesis as a major component

of the degree program. Thesis research may consist of making creative application of existing or

new methods to substantive old or new problems (the most usual approach to a Master's thesis),

or it may expand the body of knowledge in a particular area (a minimal requirement for a Ph.D.

thesis). Since research may not follow a prescribed timetable, it may be necessary to extend your

stay until it is completed (i.e., it’s difficult to say when you’ll be done).

Table 4 indicates the minimum credit requirements for Plan A. Note that EIND 590

(Thesis) is a restricted entry course. The student will obtain and complete for approval Form 4,

Restricted Entry Request to Register for Graduate Research (available from MIE office), which

is signed by the graduate committee chair and department head, before being permitted to

register for thesis credits.

TABLE 4: CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAN A

6

IE Undergraduate

Degree

Non-IE Undergraduate

Degree

EIND 5xx2 Minimum 12 credits Minimum 12 credits

EIND 4xx

Maximum 9 credits Maximum 9 credits

EIND 5923

Non EIND 4xx/5xx4

EIND 590 (Thesis) 10 credits 10 credits

Total 31 credits 31 credits

3.2.1 Types of Theses/Dissertations

In order to help students plan an appropriate thesis, the following sections provide guidelines

on the types of thesis that can be undertaken, as well as information about what differentiates a

thesis from a project (EIND 575). It is suggested that you discuss these types of thesis with the

chair of your graduate committee. This discussion is important as it will help focus your

proposal as well as ensure your final thesis meets the requirements for your degree.

An Engineering Thesis seeks focuses on solutions applies to real world problems. It

either seeks to translate a solution demonstrated in one context to another, or modify the

accepted solution (propose an alternative) in a given context.

An engineering thesis is oriented towards engineering practice. Its four essential

questions are:

1. What is the engineering problem to be solved?

2. In what sense are previous solutions to this problem unsatisfactory?

3. What is my solution?

4. How does my solution compare to previous solutions? What are its benefits and

drawbacks? What are its limitations and boundaries for generalizability?

The novelty in an engineering thesis is normally found in the solution to the problem. The

problem should be general enough that its solution is interesting outside the immediate

context of your thesis. Your work’s academic value comes from the rigorous evaluation of

2 EIND 575 (Research or Professional Paper / Project) may not be used as part of the Plan A MS Degree. Similarly,

any course similar to EIND 575 from other departments also may not be used as part of the Plan A MS Degree.

3 A maximum of three independent study credits of EIND592 (Independent Study) may be applied to a Plan A MS

Degree. EIND592 cannot be substituted for other 500 level requirements. Form 5, Request for Offering Graduate

Individual Problems (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/592Requestform.pdf) must be completed by the

student and approved by the department head along with the written proposal (developed with the advisor) before

you will be permitted to register.

4 An independent study credit course (592) may be used from any department approved by the committee, but no

program of study may have more than a total of three independent study credits. Thus, it is not possible to take

EIND 592 and another independent study credit course from another department.

7

your solution and comparison with other solutions (4). You shouldn’t expect to graduate

without satisfactory answers to questions (2) and (4).5

If you only think your topic can answers only questions 1 and 3, then you might want to

consider doing a Plan B thesis and include EIND 575 – Research or Professional

Paper/Project (http://www.montana.edu/wwwcat/courses/eind.html#EIND%20575).6

A Research Thesis focuses on theories that make predictions about how systems and

humans function (i.e., phenomenon). It either tries to validate an existing theory by

testing its implicit tenants and derived hypotheses, or proposes an alternative theory with

supporting data.

The four essential questions in this kind of thesis are:

1. What is the phenomenon about the world that needs to be explained?

2. In what sense are previous theories adequate to explain this phenomenon?

3. What is an alternative theory to explain this phenomenon?

4. How satisfactory is this alternative theory (in comparison to the alternative)?

An experimental research thesis asks “is prediction P made by theory T accurate?”(1 &

2) Prediction P must be interesting and non-trivial to test. The novelty in an

experimental thesis comes from the design, execution and analysis of the experiment.

The evidence is partially in the form of the results and partially a logical argument that

the experiment adequately tests the prediction.

A theoretical research thesis asks “what theory adequately explains observations O?” (2

& 3) The novelty in a theoretical thesis is found in the theory itself. The evidence for its

utility is normally its ability to explain the previously-unexplained observations and to

make non-obvious predictions about other features of the world. 7

There are many guides for how to write a thesis, but you should always agree on a format

with your chair and committee (and Graduate School):

http://www.montana.edu/etd/

http://www.montana.edu/gradwriting/?page_id=12

http://www.jou.ufl.edu/grad/forms/Guidelines-for-writing-thesis-or-dissertation.pdf

5 http://last3.in/ggg/thesis.html

6 The student researches a problem of mutual interest to him/her and the supervising professor. The resulting paper

or project report must demonstrate creativity and synthesis of engineering methodologies at the graduate level.

7 http://last3.in/ggg/thesis.html

8

http://online.sfsu.edu/mgriffin/WritingTheThesis.pdf

http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/writing/forms/Writing%20Theses%20and%20Dissertations.

pdf

3.2.2 Thesis Proposal

Plan A requires the student to research and write a Master’s thesis as a major component

of the degree program. As discussed above in Section 3.2.1, there are two types of acceptable

thesis. Whereas collaboration with the thesis supervisor and committee is part of the graduate

research learning process, the student is expected to engage in a component of independent

research defined as research question and methodology development, collection and analysis of

data, and writing of the thesis report.8 In all cases, the thesis research must demonstrate an

original (“something that has not been done, found, proved, or seen before”) and significant

contribution (“something that is useful and will have an impact” in application or in the

development of theory).9 As a good evaluation metric of originality and significance, consider if

the expected results could be presented at a high quality conference in the domain area.

A Thesis Proposal is required of all students choosing Plan A. The chair of your graduate

committee will have explicit instructions and requirements for your proposal. It is your

responsibility to determine the requirements of your chair and to get the consent of other

committee members. As a minimum, you must provide a written proposal to your chair and

committee to review and approve. In addition, your chair may also require that you make an oral

presentation of your proposal to the committee. Once the thesis has been approved, obtain a

memo from the chair of your graduate committee that indicates approval was made (and any

stipulations) and take this memo to the MIE office to be placed in your student file.

3.2.3 Thesis Defense

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the format and delivery of the written

thesis satisfies the requirements of the committee and the Graduate School

(http://www.montana.edu/etd/). Thesis writing manuals are available at the MSU Bookstore and

additional assistance for all graduate students for writing skills is available through the MSU

Writing Center (http://www1.english.montana.edu/wc/index.php?s=default).

Plan A candidates must “defend” their thesis as part of the comprehensive examination.

A draft of the thesis must be submitted to the student’s graduate committee at least 10 business

days before the examination, to allow time for reading by the graduate committee. At the thesis

examination, the candidate will make an oral presentation on the thesis in a seminar format open

to the public. This will be followed by a closed-examination where only committee members

ask questions of the candidate on topics pertaining to the thesis.

8 It is therefore important for research linked to faculty funded projects that the study develops some additional

research question or dataset to demonstrate independence. Moreover, it is necessary for collaborative projects

(multiple students) sharing some common content that each student produce a distinct and independent written

theses while clearly acknowledging areas of shared effort and collaboration.

9 http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/writing/forms/Writing%20Theses%20and%20Dissertations.pdf

9

The candidate must (1) schedule a minimum two-hour block of time at least 14 calendar

days before the last day of classes of the final term for his or her presentation and comprehensive

oral exam, (2) reserve a room and equipment, and (3) notify the committee. It is recommended

that the candidate establish a personal review schedule beginning at least 90 days prior to the

exam.

At the conclusion of the exam, each committee member will report a pass or fail

evaluation of the candidate. Majority rule will determine the outcome. All members and the

department head must sign the Graduate School examination form

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/comp_report.pdf). The student’s advisor, as

committee chair, is responsible to provide the appropriate form and submit it. A committee

member may sign the examination form as a dissenter, in which case the Vice Provost of

Graduate Education may request further information before acknowledging majority rule.

A failed examination may be repeated only once. At least 60 calendar days must elapse

between the first and second examinations.

3.3 PLAN B - NON THESIS

For many, the Master’s degree is their terminal degree, or represents a change in career

path. In these cases thesis research is not necessary, and a larger breadth of coursework is often

desirable. Plan B is offered to accommodate these students. Table 5 displays the minimum

credit requirements for Plan B.

TABLE 5: CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAN B

IE Undergraduate

Degree

Non-IE

Undergraduate

Degree

EIND 5xx Minimum 21 credits Minimum 21 credits

EIND 4xx

Maximum 12 credits Maximum 12 credits

EIND 59210

Non EIND 4xx/5xx11

Total 33 credits 33 credits

In fulfilling the EIND 500 level requirements, students may elect to complete a maximum

of six credits with a “Research or Professional Paper/Project” (EIND575). The student

researches a problem of mutual interest to him/her and the supervising professor. The resulting

10

A maximum of three independent study credits of EIND592 (Independent Study) may be applied to a Plan B MS

Degree. EIND592 cannot be used to satisfy the 500-level requirements. Form 5, Request for Offering Graduate

Individual Problems (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/592Requestform.pdf) must be completed by the

student and approved by the department head along with the written proposal (developed with the advisor) before

you will be permitted to register.

11 An independent study credit course (592) may be used from any department approved by the committee, but no

program of study may have more than a total of three independent study credits. Thus, it is not possible to take

EIND 592 and another independent study credit course from another department.

10

paper or project report must demonstrate creativity and synthesis of engineering methodologies

at the graduate level. The graduate committee chair is normally the student's advising professor

for EIND575. However, another committee member can provide supervision, and for valid

reasons the committee may be revised, naming that member as chair. The final paper/project

report will be submitted to the advising professor for grading at the end of the semester. An oral

defense of the project to the student’s committee may also be requested at the discretion of the

supervising professor. Together with an advisor, the student will file a written proposal and a

Form 4, Restricted Entry Request to Register for Graduate Research (available from MIE

office), which is signed by the advisor, student graduate committee, and department head, before

being permitted to register for EIND 575.

3.4 Switching Plans

Switching plans will require adding and removing courses from the Program and Study,

and may require revision of the committee (see Changes and Revisions under Program of Study

below). Note that if a student switches from Plan A to Plan B, then thesis credits may be

counted as EIND575 credits. However, if a student switches from Plan B to Plan A, then

EIND575 credits will not be counted towards thesis credits (EIND590).

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4 THE Ph.D. PROGRAM We offer a Ph.D. in Engineering, with an Industrial and Management Engineering (IME)

option. The program is intended to prepare students for a research career in academia or

industry.

Students applying to the IME Ph.D. program must have an identified advisor before

acceptance into the program. A request can be made to Graduate Studies to append the

requirement for a one year probationary period (with the conditions specified by the identified

advisor) to the admission letter for a PHD candidate.

Any students applying directly to the PHD program without a prior MS degree will be

required to complete an MS degree before being transferred to the PHD program.12

Any student applying to continue from an MS degree in the IME option to a PHD degree

(“MS en route to PHD”) are subject to full review and approval by the IME Graduate Program

Coordinator and IME Graduate Committee. This may require additional material as decided by

the IME Graduate Program Coordinator including letter of support from the identified advisor

and a letter from the student proposing the area of research.

4.1 DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Ph.D. candidates must accumulate 60 total credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree

including the following:

ENGR 694

ENGR 610

3 credits of advanced math (EGEN 505, EIND 555, or EIND 557)

3 credits numerical methods (EIND 509)

24 credits of other graded courses

18 dissertation credits

Ph.D. candidates under the IE Option must take a minimum of 30 credits of 500-level

courses (in addition to ENGR 610 and ENGR 694), of which at least 18 credits must be EIND

courses, excluding thesis and project credits.

Students must take at least two courses from each of the three emphasis areas

(http://www.coe.montana.edu/ie/gradprog/default.htm): Human Factors (e.g., EIND 510, EIND

511, EIND 513, EIND 514), Systems Modeling (e.g., EIND 509, EIND 557), Service

Engineering (e.g., EIND 506, EIND 525, EIND 574).

Double counting is not allowed; that is, any course can be applied to only one emphasis

area. However, courses selected to meet the emphasis area requirement can also be used to meet

12

The requirement for an MS en route to a PHD provides the security of an additional graduate degree for the

student and affords additional opportunities for the faculty to review the suitability of the candidate for entrance into

the PHD program

12

the advanced math and numerical methods. For example, EIND 555 or EIND 557 meets the

advanced math requirement, while EIND 509 meets the numerical methods requirement,

although other courses may qualify pending approval in writing from the IME Graduate Studies

Committee.

Candidates can meet the above requirements using up to 24 course credits from a prior

Master’s degree, but excluding independent study, project, thesis, or dissertation credits. The

student’s graduate committee will determine course equivalency as needed, and document such

in the student’s file.

The Ph.D. Program of Study cannot include EIND 442, 490, 492, 499, 575 and 590.

A maximum of six credits of EIND592 may be applied to a PHD Degree. EIND592

cannot be substituted for other 500 level requirements. Form 5, Request for Offering Graduate

Individual Problems (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/592Requestform.pdf) must be

completed by the student and approved by the department head along with the written proposal

(developed with the advisor) before you will be permitted to register.

4.2 MATRICULATION

The Ph.D. student is considered to have “matriculated” once all the requirements for full

admission have been satisfied. Normally, this means successfully completing the “other required

courses” (if any) as specified in the admission letter.

4.3 QUALIFYING EXAMINATION

The qualifying exam is written format (six questions), open book, and lasts up to four

hours. The purpose of the qualifying examination is to determine whether the student has

sufficiently mastered the core topics in Industrial Engineering. Specifically, the qualifying exam

will cover three of the following core undergraduate IE topical areas:

work design and measurement (EIND 313)

economic analysis (EIND 325)

probability and statistics (EIND 354)

linear modeling (EIND 364)

and three other EIND courses from among those the student has taken at MSU.

The procedure for the PHD Qualifying exam is reported in Appendix I.

The qualifying examination will be completed within three semesters but typically within

two semesters of matriculation into the Ph.D. program (see Section 4.2). The student will

request a qualifying exam from the I&ME Graduate Studies Committee within three weeks of

the start of the term in which s/he intends to take the qualifying exam. The I&ME Graduate

Studies Committee will assemble an examining committee to administer the exam.

Failure to take the examination in that time period may result in suspension of Ph.D.

candidate status, including stipend. Prior notice of the format will be given to the student. If the

student fails the exam the first time, a second opportunity shall be granted within 60 days of the

13

first attempt but no less than two weeks following the first attempt. If the student fails the

second attempt, the student shall be dropped from the program. The examining committee will

document the results of the examination in a letter to the student, and in the student’s file.

Copies should be given to the student’s graduate committee and the graduate program

coordinator as appropriate.

4.4 SELECTING AN ADVISOR

As part of the application process, Ph.D. students must have an identified advisor before

acceptance into the program. During this process, the student should be discuss (1) a mutually

agreed dissertation topic that matches the advisor expertise and research resources (see Section

3.2.1), and (2) funding available to the student (e.g., GTA, GRA) and the term of commitment.

An advisor may stipulate a probationary period for the first year until the student has

demonstrated the necessary knowledge and skills to complete a dissertation and/or function as a

GTA or GTA.

4.5 DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

The advisor serves as the chair of the student’s Doctoral Committee. To prepare the

Program of Study, the student should meet with his/her advisor and decide (1) on the remaining

membership of their graduate committee composition, and (2) the courses that will be taken to

satisfy the requirements.

The Doctoral Committee composition must conform to Graduate School regulations (i.e.,

a doctoral committee must have a least five members, with at least three from the major. The

student chooses the first four members (subject to approval of the Vice Provost of Graduate

Education) and the Vice Provost of Graduate Education appoints the graduate representative. In

addition, the committee must have a majority of members from MSU, one of whom serves as

chair. Committee members not holding faculty status at MSU must submit documentation of

their qualifications including a vita.

The Doctoral Committee advises the student on academic matters and is the examining

committee for the comprehensive examination and dissertation defense. The comprehensive

exam is a report and oral presentation of the dissertation proposal (see Section 4.7).

For a PHD thesis, the dissertation should show student independence in the development

and implementation of the research as well as a higher standard of originality and significance to

justify to publication in high-tier journals within the relevant field.

4.6 FORMULATING A PROGRAM OF STUDY

The Program of Study formalizes the student’s Doctoral Committee and the courses to be

taken for the degree:

www.montana.edu/gradschool/cat_for_doc_stud.html#d_pos

www.montana.edu/gradschool/dgeforms/Instructions%20for%20Doctoral%20Program%

20of%20Study.pdf

The coursework identified on the Program must meet all of the degree requirements

stated above plus any additional requirements of admission or of the Doctoral Committee. The

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student’s advisor will document in the student’s file how the program of study meets each degree

requirement. Once a Program is approved, it can only be modified by filing the appropriate

revision request (see Section 4.6.2).

4.6.1 Approval Process

The approval process for the Program of Study begins with the student completing the

required form (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/CompProg.pdf) in consultation with

the Doctoral Committee. This form is then circulated by the student for signature approval by

the Doctoral Committee. Final approval is made by the Department Head and Vice Provost of

Graduate Education. The advisor should place a copy of the approved Program of Study with

any supporting document in the Department file. YOU ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE

WORKING TOWARD A DEGREE UNTIL FINAL APPROVAL HAS BEEN

OBTAINED.

The student must have an approved Program of Study on file by the end of their third

semester.

4.6.2 Changes and Revisions

From time to time, changes to the Program of Study become necessary or desirable.

Changes must be discussed and approved by the graduate committee before registering for

classes not appearing on the graduate program. The student should present a memo to the

committee clearly stating the requested change and reasons for the request. After obtaining

approval from the committee, student will complete the Graduate Program Change form

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/graduate-program-change.pdf) and submit for the

appropriate approvals.

4.7 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION

The purpose of the PhD comprehensive examination is to determine whether the student

is ready for independent research in their chosen area of study. The comprehensive examination

is administered by the student’s doctoral committee (including the Graduate Representative

assigned by the Graduate School). It must be completed within two years after passing the

qualifying examination, and should be completed at least one year before dissertation defense.

The last day to take the comprehensive examination is on or before the fourteenth (14 th)

business day prior to the end of the semester.

The PhD comprehensive examination consists of:

A written proposal for the student’s PhD dissertation, and

An oral presentation of the proposal and oral examination.

The candidate will prepare a written proposal associated with the research topic for the

PhD dissertation, in a format designated by the student’s graduate committee. The successful

proposal will include a significant literature review, preliminary research to date, and the

research proposed to complete the PhD. The written proposal will be presented to the student’s

graduate committee in advance of the oral presentation, by a date agreed to by the student and

graduate committee. See Section 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 for guidance.

15

The student will then present the dissertation proposal as a public research seminar. This

will be followed by a closed-session oral examination by the student’s doctoral committee to

assess both the feasibility and quality of the proposed research (see Section 6), as well as the

student’s understanding and capability to perform the proposed research (e.g., understanding of

principles of IE and other disciplines relevant to the research topic and methodology).

The candidate must (1) schedule a minimum two-hour block of time for his or her

presentation and comprehensive oral exam, (2) reserve a room and equipment, (3) notify the

committee.

At the conclusion of the exam, each committee member will report a pass or fail

evaluation of the candidate. Majority rule will determine the outcome. The committee chair is

responsible to report the results of the examination using the Report on Comprehensive

Exam/Thesis Defense form (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/comp_report.pdf),

signed by all committee members and the department head. A committee member may sign the

examination form as a dissenter, in which case the Vice Provost of Graduate Education may

request further information before acknowledging majority rule.

A student not passing the comprehensive will have one opportunity to retake the

comprehensive after a span of six months has passed. Failure to pass the examination on the

second attempt is grounds for dismissal from the PhD program.

4.8 DISSERTATION DEFENSE

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the format and delivery of the written

thesis satisfies the requirements of the committee and the Graduate School

(http://www.montana.edu/etd/). Thesis writing manuals are available at the MSU Bookstore and

additional assistance for all graduate students for writing skills is available through the MSU

Writing Center (http://www1.english.montana.edu/wc/index.php?s=default).

The last day to defend a thesis if you plan to graduate during the same semester is on or

before the fourteenth (14 th) business day prior to the end of the semester. At the dissertation

defense, the candidate will make an oral presentation of the thesis in a seminar format open to

the public. This will be followed by a closed-examination where only committee members ask

questions of the candidate on topics pertaining to the dissertation. Questions may also cover

coursework related to the candidate’s doctoral research. The candidate must (1) schedule a

minimum two-hour block of time, (2) reserve a room and equipment, and (3) notify the

committee. A draft of the dissertation must be submitted to the student’s graduate committee at

least 10 business days before the defense to allow time for reading by the graduate committee.

At the conclusion of the defense, each committee member will report a pass or fail

evaluation of the candidate. Majority rule will determine the outcome. A committee member

may sign the examination form as a dissenter, in which case the Vice Provost of Graduate

Education may request further information before acknowledging majority rule. The committee

chair is responsible to report the results of the defense using the Report on Comprehensive

Exam/Thesis Defense form (http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/comp_report.pdf),

signed by all committee members and the department head. Written notification of the results

within one week of the defense must be delivered to the Graduate School and the student

16

(http://www.montana.edu/wwwdg/dgeforms/comp_report.pdf).

If failure occurs at the first attempt, a second defense must be held. At least six months

must elapse before the second examination takes place, with the time period not to exceed nine

months. Failure of the second exam will result in suspension from the program.

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5 GRADUATE PROGRAM POLICIES

5.1 ACADEMIC HONESTY

IME graduate students are expected to hold the highest standards of academic honesty.

Adhering to a few simple guidelines should sufficiently meet this expectation:

Do your own work. Any work submitted with your name on it should be of your

sole, original authorship.

Do not collaborate with others unless authorized to do so. When you do collaborate,

note with whom and to what extent.

Reference all external sources of information (books, journal articles, websites, etc.).

Learn how to do this properly if you do not know how.

Gain proper authorization before using any departmental equipment or facilities.

All graduate students will conform to the MSU Student Conduct Code, and if violated,

will be subject to the sanctions outlined therein. All students should be familiar with the MSU

Student Conduct Guidelines, which can be found at:

http://www2.montana.edu/policy/student_conduct/ .

5.2 LABORATORY USAGE

The EIND program has three laboratories available to graduate students: the Computer

Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory, the Decision Support Systems Laboratory, and the

Ergonomics and Human Factors Laboratory. The Production Systems Design laboratory

(Roberts 415) is dedicated to undergraduate student use. Described below are summaries of the

policies for student use in each laboratory.

5.2.1 Computer Integrated Manufacturing Laboratory

The CIM Lab is located at EPS 115, supervised by Dr. Durward Sobek. The CIM Lab

Coordinator is Greg Merchant. Student use of the laboratory equipment (including computers) is

restricted to laboratory or class projects, graduate or other type of research projects under faculty

supervision, and homework assignments. Permission is required for use of the laboratory

equipment beyond these types of assignments. No food or beverages are allowed in the

laboratory area.

Open hours for the laboratory are posted near the entryway. Students are encouraged to

use the laboratory during scheduled lab times and open hours. Generally, the laboratory will not

be available during other times, and permission to be in the lab during off-hours is required.

Unless granted specific permission from the CIM Lab Coordinator, students are not allowed to

add or delete any programs or files or change the computer settings in any fashion. Any data or

programs created will be stored only on the designated share drive or personal USB drive.

Please scan for viruses.

Safety is paramount in the CIM lab. Never attempt to operate any equipment without

authorization and proper instruction. If you are uncertain about how a machine may react to

an operator input, ask the CIM lab Coordinator for help. Eye protection is required for anyone in

the vicinity of all cutting, machining, drilling, sawing, turning, welding and other operations in

18

the lab. Long hair or loose clothing will be constrained to prevent getting caught in moving

components.

5.2.2 Decision Support Laboratory

The Decision Support Lab is located in Roberts 419 and provides computing support for

EIND course work. Use of the equipment and software in the Decision Support Lab is currently

restricted to students who 1) are enrolled in EIND courses requiring the software in the lab or

have specific authorization, and 2) have been instructed in proper procedures and policies prior

to first use. Authorization for lab use is given by the lab supervisor (Dr. Ed Mooney), at which

time the combination to the door lock will be provided.

Authorized students may use the lab as long as the following guidelines are observed:

ONLY students qualified by 1 and 2 above are allowed in the lab.

Students using the lab accept responsibility for professional behavior and security of the

equipment.

Make sure all exterior doors are locked and shut tightly. The last student out of the lab (if

even for a short time) will close the door tightly.

Logout before leaving a workstation.

Open and close the CD Rom drives only with the button!

Viruses can be detrimental to everyone:

o Check ALL external storage devices for viruses BEFORE accessing files

o Be VERY careful of email attachments.

Personal software and special software installation is NOT allowed.

Tampering with the hardware is NOT allowed.

Printing is charged on a per-page basis. See M&IE office to add money to your account.

Printer paper and toner for the printers will be furnished by the Department.

Food and drink are prohibited from the room.

Do not remove manuals from 419 – they are for everyone’s use and will not be replaced.

Use “Print Preview” whenever possible before printing to save paper (and cost to you).

5.2.3 Ergonomics and Human Factors Laboratory

The ergonomics laboratory is supervised by Dr. Laura Stanley and is located in Roberts

401. Use of the laboratory facilities is restricted to students enrolled in courses that require use

of the laboratory, or by projects that require use of laboratory equipment. Permission requests to

use laboratory facilities should be directed to Dr. Stanley.

5.3 STUDENT OFFICES

The EIND graduate student offices are currently located in Roberts 402, 417, and 420.

Normally, only students employed by the department (i.e., as a GTA, GRA, or grader) will be

granted office space, but other students may acquire office space if any is left over. The

Graduate Program Coordinator assigns office space on a semester-by-semester basis. If you

have office space needs, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.

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APPENDIX I – Qualifying Examination Procedure Fall 2012

1. Student makes a request for a qualifying exam to the Coordinator of the IMEIME Graduate Program within the

first three weeks of the term in which the student intends to take the examination. This exam should occur

before the end of the third semester after matriculation in the PHD degree program.

2. In consultation with their advisors, each Student will submit the six EIND courses over which the student will

be examined for approval by the Coordinator of the IME Graduate Program. See the Gradual Manual for

specific requirements on course selection. Students will be contacted if one of the selected courses are not

permitted with request to specify an alternative course.

3. The Coordinator of the IME Graduate Program creates an examining committee based upon the current

instructors of the courses selected by the student, and appoints a chair to manage the examination. Typically,

the chair shall be the instructor that has the most courses in the set selected by the student.

4. The examining committee chair solicits a 30 - 40 minute written exam from the appropriate committee members

currently teaching each of the selected courses. These exams may take any written format appropriate to the

course such as essays, short answers, or problems (e.g., representative of final exams used in that course).

5. The exam will be open book (e.g., any texts, papers, course note) and exclude computers, cellphones, and

internet access.

6. The total time to complete the qualifying examination is four hours. Students may use all or part of this time to

complete the examination. Individual course exams will not be timed. Food and drink is permitted. Bathroom

breaks can be requested.

7. The examining committee chair sets up a 4-hour block of time and private location for the exam. The exam

should be set within 1 to 2 months after the student makes the request for examination. At the appointed time,

the examining committee chair administers the exam to the student in one continuous four-hour time period.

8. To avoid the need for multiple questions in each course, the chairs will coordinate a common time for all

students being examined in the same semester.

9. After the exam, the examining committee chair distributes the student answers to the corresponding examining

committee members (course instructors) for evaluation. Each committee member grades their course exam and

submits a pass/fail evaluation to the chair within one week of the schedule examination.

10. The chair then collates the evaluations and determines whether the student passed the exam. As a minimum

guideline, the student must pass at least four of the six course exams. In the case that the committee chair is

also the main advisor of the student, the committee chair shall submit the evaluations to the Coordinator of the

IME Graduate Program to determine the exam outcome.

11. The examining committee chair informs the student in writing of the results of the examination within one week

of the time of examination. The chair copies the IME Graduate Program and the Graduate School on the

written outcome, and places a copy in the student’s file.

12. If the student fails the examination the first time, a second opportunity shall be granted within 60 days of the

first attempt but no less than two weeks following the first attempt. If the student fails the second attempt, the

student shall be dropped from the program.