There has never been a better time to begin a career in industrial management. The field has seen an increase in demand over the past decade and is expected to grow more by 2025.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment of industrial production managers will rise by 17 percent through the year 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Industrial management professionals combine managerial techniques with technical knowledge to optimize production processes within a manufacturing environment. If this interests you and you’re looking for schools that can help launch your career in this exciting field.
Top Business Schools for Industrial Management and Manufacturing
We have compiled a list of Top Business Schools for Industrial Management and Manufacturing
1. Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management
Founded in 1908, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management is one of the oldest and best business schools in the United States. It is also one of the most well-known, holding the second spot in U.S. News & World Report’s list of “Best Business Schools” for 2019.
Kellogg’s campus is located in the city of Chicago, which has one of the best business climates in the country. It is a perfect place for industrial managers and manufacturers to network and find work. The Industrial Management track at Kellogg is a two-year program that allows you to customize your education with elective courses.
The curriculum includes supply chain management, operations management, and engineering production courses.
Students also get to participate in an internship as part of their degree. Kellogg’s Industrial Management track is a great choice for individuals who want to understand the manufacturing process from start to finish.
2. University of Pennsylvania
Wharton School of Business The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business is one of the top business schools in the world, and the Industrial and Operations Management track is the best program for industrial management majors.
Wharton’s IOM program is a one-year program that focuses on manufacturing strategy, supply chain management, and operations optimization. Wharton’s I.M. track prepares students for management roles within the manufacturing sector.
Graduates from this program have become plant managers, engineering leaders, and production managers.
This program is perfect for individuals looking to enter the manufacturing sector as managers or leaders.
In addition to their coursework, I.M. track students also get to intern at Wharton. The I.M. track at Wharton offers a great mix of theoretical, managerial, and technical elements, making it one of the best programs for industrial management majors.
3. University of Michigan
Ross School of Business The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a world-renowned business school with an excellent Industrial and Operations Management MBA specialization.
Ross’ IOM MBA is a one-year program focusing on engineering production management and operations strategy. Ross’ I.M. track prepares students for leadership positions within the manufacturing sector. Graduates from this program generally are placed as Production Managers or Operation Managers.
Ross’s Industrial and Operations Management track is known for its technical and managerial focus, making it one of the best programs for industrial management majors.
4. Harvard Business School
The Harvard Business School’s MBA program is one of the world’s most well-known and respected graduate degrees. It is also one of the most expensive business degrees you can earn.
Harvard has a one-year MBA specialization that focuses on the operational side of manufacturing.
The Harvard Business School is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. It is ranked first in the world by the Financial Times and The Economist.
Harvard Business School also offers a wide range of MBA programs, including Full-time, Part-time, Executive, and Professional Development Programs.
The Full-time MBA program at Harvard Business School is a two-year program that includes courses on leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, and operations management.
The Part-time MBA program at Harvard Business School is a three-year program that includes courses on leadership, strategy, finance, marketing, and operations management.
5. University of California at Berkeley
Haas School of Business The Haas School of Business is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world.
The Haas School features a unique curriculum that teaches students how to think like an entrepreneur and to shape new industries and careers. The school’s most popular programs are industrial management, supply chain management, and marketing.
Located at the University of California, Berkeley, Haas is consistently ranked among the best business schools in the world. It was named one of Bloomberg Businessweek’s top 25 MBA programs for people who want more than a traditional MBA degree.
6. Princeton University’s Woon School of Business
Princeton University has been a pioneer in operation management. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in supply chain management.
One of the most popular programs is Princeton’s industrial engineering program. There are an undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to choose from in this field.
A few of the courses offered include:
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Operations Management
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Capacity Planning
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Supply Chain Systems Management
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Inventory Control Systems
7. Columbia University’s Columbia Business School
Columbia Business School is a private Ivy League school in New York City. It has been ranked 1st for its MBA program by The Economist and 2nd by Bloomberg Businessweek. It also ranks 2nd for its undergraduate program in the U.S. News and World Report.
Columbia Business School offers MBA, Master of Science, Doctorate, and Executive Education Programs. They have an excellent alum network that can help their students find jobs or internships after graduation.
In recent decades, Columbia Business School has been renowned for all its different majors. They have now added a new major in supply chain management to their program, which we will explore today.
Columbia Business School has always been known for its high ranking in operations, supply chain, and manufacturing management. In the past years, they have added an MBA degree in supply chain management to their list of degrees offered.
The Bottom Line
Are you interested in pursuing a career in industrial management or manufacturing? Then it would be best if you considered attending one of the top business schools on our list. Why?
As all the business schools on the list are top-notch and world-renowned. A prestigious degree will help you secure a job after graduation and can open many doors that would otherwise be closed to you.
Second, these business schools offer a wide variety of course offerings. Allowing you to specialize in an area of your choosing and learn about other disciplines simultaneously.
Finally, they give you access to excellent facilities and top-notch faculty members. Which will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need to excel in your chosen field and make the most of your education.
This comprehensive guide explores the top destinations for pursuing an MBA, including the US, UK, Canada, and more. It also dives into the factors to consider when making your choice, such as program quality, affordability, and industry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top business schools for Industrial Management and Manufacturing?
The top business schools renowned for their Industrial Management and Manufacturing programs include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - Sloan School of Management, Stanford University - Graduate School of Business, University of Michigan - Ross School of Business, and Harvard Business School. These institutions offer comprehensive programs that integrate business principles with industrial management and manufacturing expertise.
2. How can I determine which business school is the best fit for Industrial Management and Manufacturing?
To determine the best fit for Industrial Management and Manufacturing programs, consider factors such as faculty expertise, curriculum relevance, industry connections, alumni network, and experiential learning opportunities such as internships and consulting projects. Additionally, review rankings and accreditations to gauge the reputation and quality of the programs offered by different business schools.
3. What career opportunities are available for graduates of Industrial Management and Manufacturing programs?
Graduates of Industrial Management and Manufacturing programs often pursue careers in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer goods, and healthcare. Common roles include operations manager, supply chain manager, manufacturing engineer, production planner, quality assurance manager, and logistics analyst. These roles involve optimizing processes, managing resources, ensuring quality standards, and driving efficiency within manufacturing and industrial operations.
4. Are there online or part-time options available for studying Industrial Management and Manufacturing at business schools?
Yes, several business schools offer online or part-time options for studying Industrial Management and Manufacturing to accommodate the needs of working professionals or those unable to attend full-time programs. Institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Michigan, and Stanford University offer online courses and part-time programs tailored to individuals seeking to advance their careers in industrial management and manufacturing while balancing other commitments.
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Alpha Education Abroad is an initiative by IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad alumni. The firm helps students get admitted to top universities overseas in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and many other countries. It allows students to apply for graduation as well as post-graduation courses abroad. It also helps students get admitted to top 1 year MBA programs such as ISB and IIM Ahmedabad in India.