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Department of Industrial Technology

M.S. in Industrial Technology

Program Highlights

Responding to a growing industrial need for technical personnel with advanced training, the M.S. in Industrial Technology (MSIT) degree program emphasizes the latest relevant technologies forming the basis of today's industrial environments. The program curriculum builds on a strong technology-oriented undergraduate preparation, and focuses on developing managerial, research, and educational skills within the applied sciences.

The program provides a technology-based core of advanced courses in management of new technology, materials and processes, manufacturing systems, communication concepts and visual presentation, and research methodology. Beyond this, students have the flexibility of selecting elective courses in technology, engineering, business, computer science, information science, management, and/or education, according to their individual career and education objectives.

It is our philosophy that each student should develop a broad technological awareness, applied research aptitude, strong oral and written communication skills. Upon completing the program, students would meet their individual goals and objectives as well as command their career direction.

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 30 units is required. All students must complete 15 units of common core courses. Under the direction of a graduate adviser, students will focus their individualized programs on 12 units of electives. An additional three units of thesis or project will complete the program of study.

Department criteria for the thesis will include (1) potential contributions to the body of knowledge, or (2) investigation of a new theory or product. Project characteristics will include (1) the application of known technology to a new product, process, and/or material, or (2) descriptive research.

Career Opportunities

The Master of Science in Industrial Technology degree provides our students with a broad range of career opportunities in major industries, such as manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, telecommunication, computer, automotive, agriculture, food processing, service, technology education, health care, and many others.

Our program prepares its students for a wide variety of career objectives, and its graduates hold positions in fields ranging from technology management to application engineering, technology training and education, production management, and manufacturing consultancy. As well, our students currently may be found pursuing doctoral studies or careers in entrepreneurship.

Facilities

The Department of Industrial Technology has some of the best facilities in the United States. These facilities provide an excellent environment for conducting research. Situated on the north side of the campus, the Industrial Technology Tower is a five-story building with an auditorium and numerous labs, including a modern computer lab where students can experience state-of-the-art information technology.

The department is actively involved in Solutions Center projects and internships with numerous California companies. Opportunity for practical experience in manufacturing and management is also available through the Advanced Technology Enterprise (ATE). Here, students design, manufacture, and market products for fund-raising activities. Generated revenue is reinvested in the department.

Central California is a world-renowned agricultural area. Benefiting from this, the Department of Industrial Technology is strategically located within the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, which offers a wide range of leading research opportunities in many areas. Following are examples of some of these:

  • ATI-Net is a department of the California Agricultural Technology Institute (CATI). Its mission is to use the latest technologies to disseminate information generated by the agricultural community.

  • The Center for Food Science and Nutrition Research (CFSNR) seeks to enhance academic research programs and to foster partnerships with industry, professional organizations and public agencies in food and nutrition sciences.

  • The Center for Irrigation Technology (CIT) is a research unit that conducts experiments and tests for designers, manufacturers and users. A wealth of research projects allow students to participate in such areas as component design, flow pattern analysis, intelligent control system, instrumentation and measurements, electronic monitoring system, simulation software, remote supervisory control via the Internet.

  • The Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) provides world-class research, and outreach programs in sustainable and value added viticulture and enology.

  • The Center for Agricultural Business (CAB) plays a vital role in helping California's agribusinesses meet the challenges posed by a changing and increasingly competitive world.

In addition, the Department has been actively engaged in information technology training and education. The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a partnership between Cisco systems and California State University, Fresno. The networking academy curriculum centers on teaching students to design, build, and maintain computer networks, design web pages and manage network servers. The course paths will lead to professional certificates and can be integrated into the degree programs.

Resources and Support

The department has been a strong advocate for internship programs and Solutions Center projects. Companies such as Hughes Aircraft Company, McDonnell Douglas, Boeing Company, FMC, Pelco, Grundfos Pump, Sunrise Medical, and many others, are frequent patrons for such projects. Students may find that the value of their experience on these projects exceeds that of any financial reward.

Graduate financial support and scholarships are available from several sources, including the Rodman Presidential Fellowship, the Leon Peters Graduate Scholarship, Graduate Student Research Merit Awards, Graduate Student Travel Grants, and the SAST Scholarship.