Production Systems

In production systems engineering, problems in manufacturing systems are tackled through the application of the engineering sciences; e.g., analytic models, information and knowledge-based methods, operations research expertise, and advanced computer technology. 

The focus is on purposeful work systems in which people and technology work. Areas concerned include production planning and scheduling, computer-integrated manufacturing, control of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, robotic systems, materials handling and storage systems, facilities location and design, statistical quality assurance and control, and Total Quality Management. Students in this area typically have a bachelor’s degree in industrial or mechanical engineering, or another engineering field.

Production systems research is funded by such agencies as the National Science Foundation/Environmental Protection Agency, as well as such national and local corporations as Boeing, GE Transportation Systems, and the Erie County Medical Center. We often work in teams with faculty and students from our other programs, such as human factors and operations research, to solve problems beyond the expertise of any single discipline.

The PhD program requires a minimum of 72 credit hours. 

Generally, coursework is completed in 2 to 3 years. Course requirements vary by specific program (Operations Research, Human Factors, or Production Systems) and student research interests. 

A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 credit hours of dissertation research are required. The variable credit dissertation exists to allow students flexibility to take additional content courses. It does not impact the expectations for the scope and effort of the dissertation.

The following courses are required for the PhD degree with a specialization in production systems engineering:

IE 504 Facilities Design

IE 505 Production Planning and Control

IE 506 Computer-Integrated Manufacturing

IE 507 Design and Analytical Experiments 1

IE 551 Simulation and Stochastic Models

IE 508 (Quality Assurance) and IE 509 (Six Sigma) are strongly recommended as elective courses for students in the Production Systems Engineering Specialization.

• A baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related technical field, such as math, physics, behavioral sciences or health sciences. Appropriate academic background varies by graduate specialization.
• A minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) for all undergraduate work undertaken during the last two years of the applicant's studies. 
• GRE (General) test scores
• TOEFL scores (international applicants only) 
• We will also consider demonstrated practical engineering experience and demonstrated leadership skills
• Earned MS degree or demonstrated research experience is preferred for admission to the Doctoral Program

The financial aid process for graduate and professional degree students is similar to that of an undergraduate student; however post-baccalaureate students also need to be aware of a few additional factors that may influence your financial aid awards.

Types of Aid Available

Federal financial aid options that you may be eligible for include:

• Federal Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal Graduate/Professional PLUS Loans
• Health Profession Student Loans
• Federal Nursing Student Loans
• Federal TEACH Grant

To be eligible for federal financial aid awards you must complete a FAFSA application and indicate that you are seeking a graduate or professional degree.

New York State also offers the following programs for graduate and professional study:

• Economically Disadvantaged First Professional Study (EDPS) Program
• Veterans Tuition Award
• Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarships
• SUNY Graduate Diversity Fellowship
• Graduate Opportunity Program
• Masters-in-Education Teacher Incentive Scholarship