The Capstone Course (ISyE/ME 641 - Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems) is the centerpiece of the MSE curriculum and an essential part of the MSE experience. It combines classroom theory and industry experience in hands-on team projects. The projects address pressing challenges of area companies and come as close to a future job situation as possible.

Over the course of four months, students work in multi-disciplinary teams to develop recommendations for their particular industry situation. Instruction from both faculty and industry representatives, homework assignments, data analysis, company visits and more - the demanding course combines all components of the MSE curriculum to solve a real world industry problem.

Throughout the course, students concentrate on practical aspects of modern manufacturing and have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to industry operations. This hands-on approach can provide concrete career opportunities. In the past, several companies have offered jobs and internships to students after the formal presentation of recommendations to members of industry at the end of the semester.

The capstone course is probably the single most valuable course that I have ever enrolled in - not just because of the content but because of work in teams comprised of a diverse group of individuals all working towards the same goal. The lessons I learned during this course, individually and as a member of a team, have helped me tremendously in my career so far.

- Sushanta Sahu, MSE Graduate '04