Category: Online Student Resources

Master your degree in Industrial Engineering with 3 specialized tracks

Master your degree in Industrial Engineering with 3 specialized tracks


The University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering offers a master’s degree program in Industrial Engineering with the option to choose from 3 focus areas: Data Analytics & Operations ResearchLogistics & Supply Chain, and Human Factors. The MS in Industrial Engineering is a 30-credit hour (10 courses) program that requires 2 core courses (6 credit hours) and 8 courses in an area of focus or across multiple areas for degree completion. The program is taught 100% online by the same professors who teach on campus, affording our students the flexibility to earn their degree, on their schedule, by professors who are experts in the field of industrial engineering. The program is arranged in a unique 8-week course format, allowing the student the flexibility they need to earn their master’s degree while continuing to work and take care of their family.  

Many students are able to complete the program and earn their master’s degree in as little as 1.5-2 years. Students entering the program have the option to choose from 3 specialized areas or to customize their coursework by selecting courses from across all the available options. The information below will break down the 3 focus areas and highlight the courses students can take:

Data Analytics & Operations Research Track

IE 515 Operations Research Methods

Formulation and solution of basic models in operations research. Topics to be covered include applications of linear, integer, and nonlinear programming; transportation and assignment problems, and network flows models.

IE 541 Simulation

The use of discrete event simulation to analyze systems. Topics include Monte Carlo techniques, sampling from and identifying stochastic distributions, estimating performance measures from simulation outputs, validation methods, and SIMIO simulation language.

IE 561 Decision Support System in Excel

This course teaches the fundamentals of computer programming using Excel’s macro language, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), as the language of instruction. The course starts by teaching students to simplify and extend code generated by Excels macro recorder and then builds on that base toward developing applications that analyze information and enhance decision making. This course also provides an introduction to the concepts and methods of Decision Science, which involves the application of mathematical modeling and analysis to management problems. It also provides a foundation for modeling with VBA in Excel.

Logistics & Supply Chain Track

IE 515 Operations Research MethodsFormulation and solution of basic models in operations research. Topics to be covered include applications of linear, integer, and nonlinear programming; transportation and assignment problems, and network flows models.

IE 621 Facility Planning

Design and layout of industrial facilities, facility location, space requirements, flow charts, relationship diagrams, material handling, quantitative layout techniques, production line balancing, and computer programs for layout planning.

IE 625 Production and Inventory ControlTopics include the context of inventory management and production planning decisions, economic order quantities, heuristics and models for probabilistic and time-varying demand patterns, coordinated replenishment systems, and aggregate planning. 

Human Factors Track

IE 580 Introduction to Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics

The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the study of human cognitive and physical abilities and limitations, and the application of that knowledge to engineering design. This course will demonstrate how the application of human factors and ergonomics principles can improve the design of systems involving the interaction of humans with tools, technology, and the work environment.

IE 581 Advanced Topics in Human Factors Engineering

The main goal of this course is to learn and apply advanced methods in human factors engineering, as well as newer models, theories, and frameworks related to the field.

IE 585 Usability Engineering

This course exposes students to the constructs of usability, usefulness, user-centered design, and user experience (UX) and their relation to engineering design. The course covers an interactive evaluation-centered user experience (UX) lifecycle as a template intended to be instantiated in many different ways to match the constraints of a particular development project. The UX lifecycle, sketching, conceptual design, and formative UX evaluation.

For students who choose the general study path, the 8 courses may consist of 1-2 courses in each of the focus areas listed above in addition to other electives. Regardless of which area of study you choose, students will work with the MSIE Program Director to develop a Plan of Study (PoS) upon admission, which may be revised as the student progresses throughout the program. 

If you are ready to take the next step in earning your master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, complete your application today. UofL offers 6 convenient start terms throughout the academic year. Click here to learn more.

 

100% Online Certificate in Public Health Training

100% Online Certificate in Public Health Training


The University of Louisville in conjunction with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences is proud to launch the certificate program for Public Health Training. The certificate is offered in a 4-course, 12-credit hour format and is available 100% online. This online graduate certificate is perfect for those seeking foundational knowledge to update their public health expertise to utilize the skills needed to advance their career in the healthcare field.

Students interested in the Public Health Training certificate will acquire the multidisciplinary education and training needed to meet professional goals and achieve the best health outcomes for people, animals, and the environment. As a student in the program, your coursework will cover key foundational areas such as: epidemiology, biostatistics, prevention, and early diagnosis treatment and practical applications of public health principles in healthcare organizations and government— both locally and at the state level.

Program Highlights:

  • Develop and demonstrate your knowledge in the core areas of public health with courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health principles, and integration, as well as public health at both the state and local levels.
  • Gain expertise and highly marketable skills for a rapidly growing field.
  • Skip the GRE—not required for admission.
  • Learn with focused research and accessible, world-class faculty with extensive applied experience.
  • Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes and 24/7 access.

Who Should Apply?

Students interested in the PHT certificate must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75.   The certificate program is ideal for individuals working in the public health field, including local, state, and federal departments of public health, as well as health-related professionals working in community and non-governmental agencies, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. This program is geared towards students who want to earn their certificate in Public Health Training but may not be ready to complete their master’s degree at this time.  However, students who complete the certificate program can transfer up to 6 credits earned from the Public Health Training certificate toward a master’s degree in the public health field at the University of Louisville. 

Course Descriptions:

  • PHEP 501 Introduction to Epidemiology

Basic epidemiological methods are presented: terminology; study design; issues of contemporary practice; basic skills for interacting with epidemiologists, reading disease control literature, and drawing on epidemiological concepts.

  • PHMS 501 Introduction to Public Health Practice and Administration

This course emphasizes the practical application of the principles of healthcare organizations to public health at the national, state, and local levels.

  • HPB 501 Introduction to Public Health Behavior

This course reviews theoretical constructs of the causation of health-related behavior, including preventive, early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitative behavior.

  • PHST 500 Introduction to Biostatistics for Health Sciences I

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including descriptive and graphical methods, estimation, calculation of confidence intervals, 1- and 2-sample hypothesis testing, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and simple linear regression. The R statistical software environment will be used to introduce data management and descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

How to Apply?

Students who are ready to take the next step, must complete the graduate application, submit a $40 non-refundable application fee, submit 2 letters of recommendation, written within the past 12 months, and submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work from regionally-accredited institutions.

This certificate qualifies for financial aid and is offered at a credit rate of $775 (before financial aid) per hour or $250 (before financial aid) per credit hour for active-duty members. The certificate program is offered three start times per year, including Fall, Spring, and Summer.  For more information about the program, or if you are interested in applying for the next start term, click here.

Student Spotlight: Healthcare Leadership Student Answers 5 of Our Questions

Student Spotlight: Healthcare Leadership Student Answers 5 of Our Questions

Jenna Braden is a UofL Online student pursuing a BS in Organizational Leadership & Learning, with a track focus in Healthcare Leadership. She is also currently employed at Humana as a Manager for HPS Clinical Formulary Administration. Today, we’ll be reviewing her answers to some of our student spotlight questions to better understand her program and how it will prepare her for future career success! As Jenna notes, “This program was designed to transform the learning and college experience, making a degree possible for anyone, at any stage of life.”  

Let’s dive into her responses to our questions!  

  1. Why did you select the HCL program? I am currently in a Healthcare Leadership role and was looking for a degree program that would directly tie back to my career aspirations. While my college background was in Biology/Chemistry, I didn’t feel that continuing down that degree path would be as meaningful to my future success. The HCL program focus was exactly what I was looking for in a degree, so I knew right away it was the right program for me.

  2. What are you enjoying most about the program? The professors. The support and encouragement from the staff are outstanding. While I also love learning from the courses, I am most driven by how obvious it is that my professors also care about my success. They are great at giving direct, meaningful feedback and are thoughtful and encouraging in their responses. While I am motivated to succeed for my own career and personal growth, the support and motivation from the HCL staff makes it even easier to push myself to get there.

  3. Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career? Definitely. The content covered in the program is specifically designed to help you develop skills rather than just learn information. The coursework helps you understand how to apply those skills in real ways, and the professors are great at guiding you through the content and application.  

  4. Would you recommend the program? Why? I would absolutely recommend the program, and I actually have recommended it to many of my colleagues and friends. The flexibility and applicability in the design of the program make it a great option for anyone looking for a career in healthcare leadership. It is tailored to individuals already in the workforce which is a unique quality of this program. It gives you the freedom to balance your life, job, and schoolwork in a way that works best for your lifestyle. In addition to the schedule flexibility, it is made up of course content that can and will be applied in a healthcare leadership role, another quality of the program that is not always as apparent in other programs.  

  5. Any additional comments you would like to share! For anyone out there in the workforce with no degree but wanting more from their career and for themselves, take the leap. I put it off for years, overwhelmed by the thought of being in school while raising a family and working full-time. I wish I had done it sooner. There is no better time than now! Don’t be scared or intimidated. This program was designed to transform the learning and college experience, making a degree possible for anyone, at any stage of life.    

Curious about the Healthcare Leadership track? Click here and learn more!  


We Thrive Together – Top 6 Centers and Resources for Online Students:

We Thrive Together – Top 6 Centers and Resources for Online Students:

The University of Louisville offers a wide array of resources for our students, whether they are on-campus or online.  Check out this list of the top 6 resources available to students at UofL:

  1. Cultural Center – The vision of the Cultural Center is to offer an inclusive and accepting campus climate free of bias and hate where students, faculty, staff, and alumni work together to create positive change in the community.  The Cultural Center offers both in-person and virtual programs to help our students work together to create a positive change in the community. Some events offered by the Cultural Center include:
    • September – Celebrating Latinidad
    • October – Celebrating Pride
    • November – Celebrating Indigenous Heritage
    • January – Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
    • February – Celebrating Black History Month
    • March – Celebrating Women, Femmes and Non-Binary People
    • April – Celebrating AAPI History
  2. Disability Resource Center – In recognition of disability as an important part of the diversity of our community, the Disability Resource Center fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community.  The center provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services.
  3. International Center – The mission of the International Center is to promote and enhance the University’s goals by creating a community that appreciates global interdependence. The overarching goal of the International Center is to increase the number of international students at all academic levels; expand the number of students participating in study abroad programs; facilitate graduate student and faculty international research and travel; and provide quality services in support of these and other international initiatives.
  4. LGBT Center  – The University of Louisville LGBT Center is committed to dismantling CIS-heteropatriarchy and other systems of oppression. The Center strives to affirm LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty through an anti-racist lens, rooted in social justice and intersectionality.
  5. Women’s Center  – Established in 1991, the Women’s Center serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Women’s Center assists the University in achieving its goals by implementing programs that enhance, support, and empower women on campus and online.  The Center and its programs are open to all students without regard to gender. 
  6. Four Career Service Centers – The University of Louisville offers a broad array of career services through several offices on campus.  Whether you are a current student, alumni, or staff member, the Career Services Center offers resources to enhance career opportunities and programs designed to prepare everyone to make the transition from college to their careers.  The four Career Centers to help our students find employment post-graduation include:

No matter where you are on the journey to complete your degree, the University of Louisville wants to make sure you never feel alone. Our resources are available to all students in the hopes that you get involved – whether you are on-campus or remote.