MSU announces new online industrial technology master’s degree
Contact: Bethany Shipp
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State is introducing a new online industrial technology master’s degree to equip students with industry-driven managerial and technological skills, positioning them for career advancement.
Beginning this fall semester, MSU’s new Master of Applied Science in Industrial Technology will prepare students for industrial management positions while providing a pathway for technical educators to pursue leadership roles. Housed in the College of Education’s Department of Technology, Leadership, and Design, the new program builds on the success of MSU’s existing industrial technology bachelor’s degree.
“With the workforce trending toward higher degree requirements for management positions, we saw a need for our students and alumni who consistently asked about a master’s degree,” said Lara Threet, instructor and program coordinator. “We are excited to meet this need and equip our students with cutting-edge manufacturing, data analytics and project management skills to serve America’s modern-age industries.”
The program offers three specializations: industrial management, community college leadership for technical programs and instructional design for technical programs. Students who choose industrial management will gain advanced technological skills in data science, business analytics, smart manufacturing, systems integration and predictive maintenance, along with traditional manufacturing knowledge of production control and lean six sigma. The program will also develop students’ managerial skills to effectively manage U.S. technology-intensive corporations.
The community college leadership for technical programs concentration prepares students to advance into administrative roles or teach in the industrial technology field. The instructional design for technical programs specialization helps technical educators and industry trainers strengthen their skills to enhance the learning process.
Threet said MSU’s program is distinct not only to the state but also nationwide.
“There are several programs across the nation that offer a version of the industrial management concentration, but few are fully online and none offer opportunities in all three specializations,” Threet said. “Our degree is designed to focus on managing industrial technologies while also providing an avenue for education.”
The new master’s degree also provides a dedicated pathway to graduate study for students pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. It even offers students the option to participate in the university’s Thrive in Five program, which allows undergraduate students to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years.
“This innovative program expands opportunities for our students by preparing them to lead in multiple professional environments,” said Vance Durrington, department head. “It offers working professionals a clear and relevant pathway to advancement, and we are proud to provide a degree that aligns so closely with workforce needs.”
MSU’s College of Education, home of the Department of Technology, Leadership, and Design, also includes four additional academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.
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