Dr. Mark Miller has spent his career asking a simple but important question: How can systems work better? His drive to answer that question has shaped not only his professional journey, but also the online Master of Science in Industrial Management program at the University of Texas at Tyler.
As chair of UT Tyler’s Department of Technology, Dr. Miller has guided the program’s evolution for more than 20 years. What began as an industrial management degree has transformed into a fully online master’s program designed for today’s technology-driven workplace. “You have to evolve and you have to change with the times and improve all your processes,” Dr. Miller said. That philosophy is embedded in every aspect of the curriculum.
At the core of the program is a strong emphasis on real-world relevance. Input from an industrial advisory board—made up of leaders from a range of industries—has played a key role in shaping the coursework.
“Employers consistently emphasized three critical skill areas for technology managers: project management, logistics and supply chain understanding, and the ability to eliminate waste and reduce variation,” Dr. Miller explained. “If you’re at that level, you’re going to have to run projects. You have to control them.”
Those insights led to a curriculum overhaul that sets the program apart. Students don’t just earn a master’s degree; they also have the opportunity to prepare for career-advancing certifications as part of the program.
“When you’re through with the whole program you can get Lean Six Sigma black belt certified, you can get project management certified, and you can get supply chain management certified,” Dr. Miller said. “The whole idea is to make you as marketable as possible.”
That marketability shows up in outcomes. The program attracts students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, reflecting the universal applicability of Industrial Management skills. “Project management, learning the logistics, the supply chain for everything, and then learning how to improve everything and make it better—everything that you do, that applies to pretty much anything,” Dr. Miller noted. Graduates have gone on to leadership roles across manufacturing, defense, HVAC, and other sectors, with many advancing rapidly into plant manager and senior quality roles.
The Industrial Management program is built on continuous improvement which is a principle Dr. Miller champions both personally and professionally. Courses are reviewed regularly with input from the advisory board, ensuring content stays current and aligned with industry needs. Dr. Miller points out that this commitment to excellence and continuous improvement is what really sets UT Tyler’s Industrial Management program apart.
Other key standouts of this program include a combination of rigorous coursework, industry certifications, and accreditation by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). “We had a perfect score. On the ATMAE website, they use our self-study for accreditation as the example,” Dr. Miller noted proudly.
This global recognition positions UT Tyler as a leader in Industrial Management education, offering students not just a degree but a competitive edge in the job market.
The program’s structure is another important factor for potential students, especially for working professionals. Delivered fully online, the degree can be completed in as little as one year through an accelerated format of seven-week terms. Instead of juggling four courses over a traditional 15-week semester, students focus on just two classes at a time.
For prospective students weighing whether a master’s degree is worth the investment, Dr. Miller’s message is straightforward.
“It’s just one year of your life. That’s one sacrifice that’s going to pay benefits later in your career,” Dr. Miller said, underscoring the program’s flexibility and return on investment. “I haven’t heard anybody that’s regretted getting this degree.”
Learn More About the Online Master’s in Industrial Management at UT Tyler
The online M.S. in Industrial Management program is designed for professionals who want to move into higher levels of leadership without stepping away from their careers. Built with flexibility and relevance in mind, the program blends advanced management principles with applied technical knowledge that translates directly to the workplace.
It is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE), making it the only graduate program in Texas with this distinction. Students benefit from experienced faculty mentors, like Dr. Miller, who bring real-world insight into the classroom and are deeply invested in student success.
The program also offers a unique opportunity to earn multiple industry-recognized certifications while completing the degree, including Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, and FANUC Robotics. Combined with UT Tyler’s affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities, the program provides a practical, high-value path to career advancement.
Learn more about the MS in Industrial Management online program
What Careers Can You Pursue with an Industrial Management Degree?
A master’s in Industrial Management opens the door to advanced leadership roles where technical knowledge and managerial decision-making are key. Graduates are equipped to oversee complex systems, lead cross-functional teams and improve organizational performance through data-driven strategies. The degree prepares professionals to manage people, projects and technology simultaneously.
Alumni of this online master’s program have found success in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, logistics and defense. Graduates have been employed by well-known organizations such as AAON, Argon Medical Devices, Cardinal Health, Eastman Chemical Company, Ingersoll Rand and Komatsu Technologies.
Common Industrial Management career paths include:
- Production manager
- Plant manager
- Quality control systems manager
- Logistician
- Supply chain manager
Whether advancing within a current organization or pivoting into a new field, UT Tyler’s M.S. in Industrial Management program can enhance your skills, credentials and confidence so you can lead in technology-driven environments.