Graduate Program Events
Graduate Programs Open House (Online)
When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026 from 10 a.m.-noon ET
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Join us for a virtual open house! Faculty from all four ISE program areas will present their research, current graduate students will talk about their experiences, and there will be a Q&A portion. You can attend for the whole two hours or just drop in for the twenty minutes.
The is open to anyone considering graduate study in industrial and systems engineering — master’s or Ph.D., domestic or international, and any major. This is a free event and does not require an application. The Zoom link will be sent before the event to the email you provide when registering.
- Presented by Hannah Parks, graduate program advisor
- M.S., MEng, the accelerated undergraduate-to-graduate route, and the Ph.D. — what each one is for
- Brief introductions from the recruiting committee
Presented by faculty members and two current graduate students
Presented by faculty members and two current graduate students
Presented by faculty members and two current graduate students
Presented by faculty members and two current graduate students
What the application actually asks for, when to submit, how assistantships and fellowships work, and how to request a fee waiver.
Cost of living, housing, getting around, and what there is to do. Stay as long as you like; we hold the room open past noon if questions are still coming.
Human factors blends psychology, physiology, and design to make technology work for people. As AI moves into everything, a huge question this field answers is how people and intelligent systems work together. If you're interested in how people think, sense, and move — and in keeping them safe while they do it — this is your area.
Skills that translate
- Experimental design and human subjects research
- Statistics and data analysis
- Cognition, perception, and attention
- Biomechanics and work physiology
- Usability and user research methods
- Occupational safety
What you'd work on
- Human-AI teaming and trust in automation
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Transportation and driving safety
- Display, wearables, and interfaces
- Industrial safety and injury prevention
Operations Research is applied math with impact. It uses optimization, modeling, and analytics to design and run real systems in industry. If you enjoy math, but want your work to change how something actually operates, OR is the bridge.
Skills that translate
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Machine learning and AI
- Simulation
- Programming
- Logical problem solving
What you'd work on
- Optimization and large-scale decision models
- Simulation, stochastic modeling, and uncertainty quantification
- Machine learning and AI for decision making
- Supply chain, logistics, and scheduling
- Healthcare operations and public policy
Management and Systems Engineering applies engineering design and analysis to complex systems involving people and technology. If you enjoy looking at the big picture and using quantitative tools to improve how systems run, this is your area.
Skills that translate
- Systems thinking and modeling
- Statistics, data, and analytics
- Simulation and decision analysis
- Economics and organizational analysis
- Project and process management
What you'd work on
- Enterprise and organizational systems
- Model-based systems engineering and architecture
- AI and analytics for decision support
- Systems dynamics and policy modeling
- System of systems and complexity science
Manufacturing Systems Engineering covers the design, automation, and efficient operation of how things get made. If you enjoy building, automating, and improving physical processes, this is the perfect fit for you.
Skills that translate
- CAD, design, and prototyping
- Automation and control
- Robotics and mechatronics
- Materials and processes
- Data, AI/ML, and quality methods
- Optimization
What you'd work on
- Additive and advanced manufacturing
- Industry 4.0: digital twin and cyber-physical systems
- AI and machine learning for smart factories
- Industrial robotics and automation
- Sensing, quality, and reliability engineering
- Production planning and decision making
- Lean manufacturing and supply chain management
- Biomanufacturing
No. The schedule is exact so you can join for the areas you care about. Many people attend only one or two portions.
Yes, the virtual open house is open to everyone, anywhere. We welcome applicants from across the United States and internationally.
Yes. We'll cover the M.S., the MEng, and the Ph.D. The opening session explains how they differ.
Ask about waivers during the session or email Hannah Parks. We will tell you what waivers exist and whether you qualify.
Yes. All registrants will be sent the recording afterwards whether or not you attend live.
No. Our graduate students come from mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, kinesiology, and mechanical engineering, among others.
Are you a prospective Ph.D. student who wants to visit campus?
FORGE is a funded three-day visit to Blacksburg happening Nov. 5–7.
Apply today for a chance to meet faculty and current graduate students, tour labs, see graduate posters, take part in an application workshop, and explore Blacksburg.
The department will reimburse up to $600 for travel, and provide lodging and meals during the program.
Contacts
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Bio ItemRobert Hildebrand , bio
Associate Professor and Graduate Recruiting Committee Chair | rhil@vt.edu
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Bio ItemHannah Parks , bio
Graduate Program Advisor | hsswiger@vt.edu | 540-231-5586
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Bio ItemMaury A. Nussbaum , bio
John Grado Professor, Graduate Program Director, and Assistant Department Head | nussbaum@vt.edu