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What is Industrial Engineering?

Industrial engineering is a field of study in engineering focused on the optimization of complex industrial processes, organizations, and systems.  The field of Industrial Engineering analyzes people, systems, processes, information, equipment, knowledge, materials, and money through a lens of improvement, value-generation, and development of integrated systems.

Practically speaking, an Industrial Engineer will work to reduce waste or eliminate inefficiencies associated with a business or organization’s: time, money, resources, materials, man-hours, energy, machine time, along with any other processes that do not add value.

Depending on the industry and scope of job responsibilities, an Industrial Engineer may overlap with specialties that include: safety engineering, systems engineering, operation design, manufacturing engineering, management science, production engineering, ergonomics, management engineering, and lean manufacturing.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$88,530

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

58.13%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

256,550

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Industrial Engineering Degree

Established in 1754, Columbia University is recognized as one of the private Ivy League and one of the oldest institutions in New York. Columbia University is also known for providing a distinctive learning environment for undergraduate and graduate students who are taking different courses in diverse fields of study. The university is also made up of approximately twenty colleges and schools. In addition, Columbia University offers upwards of 73 majors with over 50 concentrations and hundreds of electives. CU offers qualified students access to a top ranked degree in Industrial Engineering as a viable academic pathway to a future in IE.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University is a private institution that has been offering outstanding research and academic programs since 1851. The university is known as a leading university in the fields of chemistry, materials engineering, communications, business, education, economics, and journalism. It is also known for being prominent in medicine and law and as one of the nation’s prestigious universities that combines pioneering research and innovative teaching in a highly supportive, diverse, and multidisciplinary environment. Northwestern University also allows students to pursue a wide range of academic disciplines while pursuing their undergraduate careers. Students of the university can choose among its nearly 200 majors, minors, certificates, and concentrations.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Tufts University sought to open a nonsectarian institution of higher learning. The university is located in downtown Boston and offers various programs with the help of schools in arts, business, engineering, and sciences that serves undergraduate individuals as well as a number of graduate and professional students. Tufts is an accredited university ranked as one of top academic programs for Industrial Engineering degrees that offers quality education and exact training students need to take their aspirations to the next level.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Johns Hopkins University was founded in 1876 as a private research institution in Baltimore, Maryland. It offers a number of degrees including various undergraduate majors wherein students can earn a bachelor of science or administration degrees as well as various majors leading to master’s and doctorate degrees. Students of the university will receive high-quality education, internships, seminars, and research programs from various disciplines and fields. Industrial Engineering is one of the university’s most recognized programs, students can choose to participate in the undergraduate or graduate options in the field. Johns Hopkins University also allows students to explore ideas within their interest while helping them to find people who inspire and challenge them to make life-changing discoveries.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California was founded in 1880 as a private institution that offers research and academic learning opportunities for the people of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. During the 2020-2021 academic year, more than 40,000 students are enrolled in the graduate, undergraduate, and professional programs of the university including business, film, law, medicine, occupational therapy, industrial engineering, and pharmacy. In addition, Social Sciences, Business, Visual and Performing Arts, Management, Communication, Marketing, Engineering, Journalism, and Related Programs are some of the most popular majors at university. Students are also eligible to receive scholarships and financial aid, and the average need-based scholarship or grant award is just over forty thousand dollars.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Michigan serves more than 20,000 students on its campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was founded in 1817 with the aim to offer a variety of programs including Industrial Engineering, STEM fields, humanities, and social sciences, as well as professional degrees in business, social work, architecture, law, medicine, public health, pharmacy, nursing, and dentistry. Most students of the university are starting their educational goals by taking undergraduate programs that emphasize arts and sciences. Some of the most popular majors at the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor includes Business Administration, Economics, General Studies, Experimental Psychology, Computer Science, Information Sciences, and Computer Engineering.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Georgia Institute of Technology, or more commonly recognized as Georgia Tech, is a public institution that provides excellent research and technology education for the community of Atlanta, Georgia. The institution was founded in 1885 with the aim to help build the economy during the post-Civil War in the United States. The university offers a variety of programs including Industrial Engineering where the program is designed to provide the best for their students. In addition, the most popular fields of study at Georgia Institute of Technology includes Computer and Information Sciences, Engineering, Management, Biology, Finance, Communication, Business, Biomedical Sciences, Marketing, and Physical Sciences. Georgia Institute of Technology also provides some kind of need-based financial aid full-time for undergraduate students wherein they tend to receive substnative scholarships and/or grant awards. 

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University is a private research institution that was established in 1898 with the aim to provide various learning and research opportunities for the individuals in the community. The university offers various undergraduate and graduate programs on its different campuses in North Carolina, Washington, California, Vancouver, and Maine. Northeastern University also offers undergraduate programs in more than 50 departments while also offering students with a wide range of graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university are the following: Social Sciences, Humanities, Technology, Business Health Professions, Communication, Marketing, Engineering Management, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences. These programs are designed to broaden the skills of students in their future endeavors and equip them with 21st century skills.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

In 1865, Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania was established to become a private institution wherein students can learn and study about a wide range of study and research programs. The university offers colleges and schools that are focused on arts, engineering, sciences, education, and more. Lehigh University also helps to develop the skills of the students by providing real-world experiences wherein they will learn to work in a professional and collaborative environment that prepares them for successful employment after college. The university offers a variety of programs concentrating in Industrial Engineering as well as Finance, Education, Mechanical Engineering, Humanities, Accounting, Marketing, and Applied Sciences that are designed to provide incredible careers after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

New York University is located in the most popular city in the world and has been operating since 1831 as a private non-sectarian institution that offers higher education programs divided into 25 undergraduate and graduate professional schools. Students who are interested to enroll in the university can choose between high-quality programs that concentrate on social sciences, visual and performing arts, management, marketing, liberal arts, health professions, general studies, business, humanities, and other related programs. 42% of full-time undergraduate students at New York University will be qualified to receive financial aid with a scholarship or grant award of just over thirty-two thousand dollars.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Texas at Austin was established in 1883 to provide outstanding academic programs for students living in Austin, Texas and its surrounding areas. In 1929, the university was inducted by the American Universities’ association and has been recognized for being a member of the University of Texas System. It offers approximately 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as optional honors programs covering a variety of academic fields, including humanities, agriculture, humanities, journalism, history, business, computer science, engineering, natural sciences, and health sciences. The University of Texas at Austin also allows students to participate in the Natural Sciences Multidisciplinary Scholar Program, which provides students with rigorous interdisciplinary learning. In addition, it is also known as a world-class university.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The University of Miami aims to provide unique opportunities for the people of Coral Gables, Florida by developing their skill and enhancing their creative works in arts to conduct quality research and teaching programs. Established in 1895, the university offers more than 400 programs wherein students can obtain graduate, undergraduate, and professional degrees upon completing the requirements. The university currently houses 2,697 full-time faculty members who are mostly holding doctorates degrees in their field. The University of Miami also offers a variety of programs including an Industrial Engineering degree where the program is designed to provide prepared students for an exciting future in the field.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers academic and research programs focusing on the applied sciences and technical arts. It was founded in 1865 as one of the first engineering and technology universities in the nation. Today, the university has more than 10 academic departments with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs that covers topics such as science, management, engineering, technology, humanities, social sciences, and arts wherein students can receive graduate and undergraduate degrees after completing the program requirements. The university is also known for creating rounded experience through academic programs and student services that prepare students to become well-rounded professionals in their chosen field. In addition, Worcester Polytechnic Institute also provides Industrial Engineering degree designed for students who are interested to broaden their skills in the field to achieve their career and academic goals.

Acceptance Rate

49.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is known for being the oldest technical university in America, having been founded in 1824 with the aim to apply science in daily lives of the people living in the rapidly changing society. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is divided into six primary campuses, each of which has 37 departments focused on science and technology. Industrial engineering, computing, liberal arts, information technology, business, sciences, and architecture are among the degrees offered by the university. The schools of architecture, humanities, engineering, finance, arts, management, social sciences, and technology, are some of the schools at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute that provides high-quality educational curriculum for students.

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The California Polytechnic State University is one of two liberal arts universities in the CSU system and is located in San Luis Obispo, California. The six colleges of the university offer over diverse areas of study that provide bachelor's and master's degrees programs. It also has six colleges that allow students to choose certificate, undergraduate, or graduate degrees depending on their educational and career goals. California Polytechnic State University also offers an Industrial Engineering program wherein students will be provided by the skills needed to have better employment opportunities after graduation.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Founded in 1851, Florida State University located in Tallahassee, Florida is known for being a part of the Florida State University System that comprises more than 10 separate colleges and 110 laboratories, facilities, institutes, and centers that offer various programs of study including Fine Arts, Applied Studies, Education, Arts & Sciences, Business, Criminology & Criminal Justice, Communication, Information Technology, Human Sciences, Engineering, Law, Agriculture, Motion Picture, Arts, Tourism, Medicine, Music, Social Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, and Social Work. Florida State University also provides students with outstanding educational programs by offering baccalaureate, advanced master's, specialist, doctorate, and professional degree programs.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The Ohio State University was founded in 1870 and was originally named Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. Today, the university is recognized as a public institution that offers higher educational and research opportunities for students around the globe. It is also known as one of the prestigious universities in the United States by offering more than 200 high-quality undergraduate programs, as well as a Personalized Study Program wherein students are allowed to design their own educational curriculum. Students who want to pursue a career in the field of engineering can enroll in the Industrial Engineering major offered by the university that aims to provide or broaden the skills of students.

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

As a public institution that offers higher academic learning, the University of Connecticut has a supportive student-centric campus located in Storrs, Connecticut. It was founded in 1881 with the name Storrs Agricultural School. Students at university can pursue various undergraduate, graduate, professional, certificate, and major degree programs. In addition, the university also offers an Industrial Engineering program that is designed to provide students with an improved system of thinking that helps them become prepared for a career in the field. Some of the most known majors at university include Speech Communication, Economics, Psychology, Registered Nursing, Business, and Biology.

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

George Washington University serves more than 20,000 undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students from the community of Washington, D.C. and beyond. It was first founded in 1821 with the aim to help students achieve success in their career in education and the industry. Some of the most popular majors at George Washington University are the following: Business Management, Journalism, Social Sciences, Health Professions, Communication, Marketing, and Engineering among others. At George Washington University, half of the full-time undergraduate students are eligible to receive financial aid wherein they will be granted for over thirty-three thousand dollars as a scholarship grant.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Established in 1861 with the mission to help the economic development of the United States, the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington is known as one of the oldest universities in the area. Students who are interested to pursue an education in the university can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees through its various departments, colleges, and schools. In addition, the university houses more than 46,000 students each year who are taking classes in the diverse areas of studies including the Industrial Engineering degree.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The State University of New York at Binghamton is one of the few university centers in the SUNY systems. It started operating in 1946, and has evolved throughout the years from a small liberal arts institution to a large research university. SUNY Binghamton offers undergraduate certificates, concentrations, majors, minors, specializations, and tracks as well as graduate and accelerated degree programs. Upon graduation, the university also requires students to complete general education studies in order to graduate. Medical studies, economics, business, technology, and accounting are some of the most popular majors at SUNY Binghamton. It is also known for offering a program that focuses on Industrial Engineering wherein students will broaden their skills and knowledge in the field, providing them a better way of thinking and professional manners.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Clemson University is the second-largest institution that provides research and higher education in South Carolina. Founded in 1889, the university consists of multiple colleges including Social and Health Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Humanities, Forestry and Life Sciences, Business, Education, and more. Full-time undergraduates enrolled in the university are allowed to receive financial aid and scholarships wherein they can receive grants of $9,711. Industrial Engineering is also one of the programs in the university that allows students to learn about the skills, methods, and techniques needed in the professional field.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

North Carolina State University at Raleigh has historical strengths in industrial statistics, engineering, agriculture, textiles and design, arts, life sciences, humanities, and technology, and allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned fields. It was established in 1887 as part of the UNC systems. The graduate school of the university offers doctorate and master’s degrees in various fields including medicine and sciences. Also, the university offers a program including Industrial Engineering where the program is designed to broaden the skills of students and to provide a better and quality service in the future.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign contains schools and colleges that serve more than 10,000 students by offering various graduate and undergraduate degree programs in business, sciences, finance, technology, history, arts, humanities, and more. Students who are interested to pursue an engineering course can enroll in the Industrial Engineering program that is designed to provide a solid academic foundation by training students and teaching them diverse skills and techniques that are important in the field. In addition, the university is also nationally recognized for its research and academic excellence.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Recognized as a Roman Catholic institution, the University of San Diego was founded in July 1949 that serves the community of San Diego, California, as well as the people who are from different parts of the world. In 1972, the university became a member of the CUNY systems along with other institutions of higher learning in the state. Its schools and colleges are divided into six categories and offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs that provide excellent career and educational opportunities for students and professionals. Industrial Engineering is one of the best programs developed by the university, it was designed to broaden the skills, knowledge, and techniques of students to excellently serve the industry after graduation.  The University of San Diego is also committed to creating, sustaining, and maintaining the diverse and inclusive community of students, faculty, and staff. 

Acceptance Rate

48.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Industrial Engineering Degrees

An industrial engineering degree from an accredited college or university in the United States can be either a graduate or undergraduate program.  The undergraduate degree in IE will typically be confined to a bachelor’s degree while the graduate degrees can be either a master’s degree or doctorate degree.

To help you decipher the best IE program or you, we have assembled salient points about each degree path below.  Connecting to accredited schools has never been simpler.  By simply requesting information here, accredited colleges will provide you necessary information to help you research programs that match your academic goals and career aspirations.

Industrial Engineering Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees in industrial engineering are conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE).   The BSE and BS degree programs are designed to be completed in 4-years given a full-time matriculation plan.  Students in this engineering track can expect to take a number of liberal arts classes in conjunction with core engineering classes.  General education classes like philosophy, English composition, creative writing, psychology, and economics are designed to provide students with a well-rounded, holistic educational experience.

The core classes you may discover in an IE program will depend on the school’s program design and your chosen area of emphasis.  For example, you may elect a general IE path or a more specialized program such as economic systems, operations research, financial systems, quality & statistics, or supply chain engineering.  A general engineering degree program will typically include classes such as:

Computing Biomedical Engineering
Physics Systems Physiology
Calculus Chemical Engineering
Differential Equations Dynamics
Linear Algebra Geomatics
Database Systems Digital System Optimization
Multivariable Calculus Circuit Analysis
Engineering Economy Regression & Forecasting
Engineering Optimization Wireless Communications
Simulation Analysis & Design Radiation Physics
Probabilistic Operations Research Wind Engineering
Digital System Design Life Cycle Cost Analysis
Low Speed Aerodynamics

 

Industrial Engineering Master Degrees

General master degree programs in industrial engineering are conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or as a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MS IE) degree.  Specialized degrees can be found in a school’s course catalog similar to the following subcategories in IE:

  • Master of Science in Health Systems (MS HS)
  • Master of Science in Computational Science and Engineering (MS CSE)
  • Master of Science in Statistics (MS STAT)
  • Master of Science in International Logistics (MS IL)
  • Master of Science in Quantitative and Computational Finance (MS QCF)
  • Master of Science in Operations Research (MS OR)
  • Master of Science in Supply Chain Engineering (MS SCE)

Qualifying students will typically have completed a bachelor’s degree in math, science, engineering, or like field of study.  A MS IE program will typically take 2-3 years to complete based on full-time matriculation.  Part-time students can expect the program to take longer as a function of the course load and individual pace at which the courses are completed.  Students graduating with a master’s degree in industrial engineering can launch a career in a number of fields or continue their studies and earn a PhD.

Industrial Engineering Doctorate Degrees

The doctoral program for industrial engineers is a three to five-year program for full-time students.  Doctorate programs are most often conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy denoted as a PhD.  The courses found in the PhD program will vary from school to school but will be rigorous and demanding.  For reference purposes, a student in a PhD track specializing in system informatic can expect to take the following types on classes en route to completing their dissertation:

  • Systems Monitoring
  • Linear Programming
  • Advanced Simulation
  • Linear Systems
  • Stochastic Modeling
  • Queuing Theory
  • Multivariate Data Analysis
  • Computational Statistics
  • Variational Methods in Engineering
  • Supply Chain Systems
  • Engineering Database Management Systems
  • Manufacturing Systems Design

Industrial Engineer Requirements

Industrial engineers must meet specific school requirements before and after a degree is conferred. A set of typical classes you will see in an IE program will include the following courses in college:

Employment & Engineering Specializations

Industrial engineers are unique equipped professionals.  They meld disciplines from manufacturing, business, engineering, and fabrication to solve for complex business issues.  As such, the latent skills of an industrial engineer may qualify them for similar careers worth of consideration.  A handful of relevant examples include: operations manager, safety engineer, manufacturing engineer, systems engineer, fabrication design, production engineer, plant manager, corporate trainer, and management engineer.

Trade Names for Industrial Engineers

Students seeking employment after graduating with a degree in industrial engineering will need to understand the breadth of names synonymous with IE.  The titles below will help you understand the nomenclature and span of titles you can expect to see that will often represent industrial engineer jobs.  The most commonly used titles include:

Engineer Tool Engineering Technician
Plant Engineer Methods Engineer
Process Engineer Process Engineer
Production Engineer Product Integrity Engineer
Industrial Engineering Analyst Manufacturing Specialist
Industrial Engineering Technician Operations Engineer
Manufacturing Technician Supply Chain Engineer
Plant Manager Head of Operation and Logistics
Materials Engineering Liaison Engineer
Production Engineer Production Control Supervisor
Engineering Manager Quality Management Coordinator
Industrial Engineer Quality Tech Engineer

Industrial Engineer Jobs & Career Outlook

Industrial engineering jobs are slated to grow at a rate more than twice the national average.  In fact, the rate of industrial engineer job growth estimated by ONet is a brisk 14%.  Growth of this nature will add 19,700 high-paying jobs to the economy in the coming decade.  Similarly, the BLS has estimated employment growth for industrial mechanics at  16% and 10% for safety engineers during this ten year reporting period.

Industrial engineer salary numbers are currently at $85,880 per year.  The upper 25% average $107,960 a year with the bottom twenty-five percent averaging $68,500 a year.  The largest employers of industrial engineers is the aerospace industry followed by automotive manufacturers, engineering firms, and machinery manufacturers. States employing the most industrial engineers include Michigan, California, Texas, and Ohio.

Resources for Industrial Engineering Students

Outside academia, consider visiting the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and the International Association of Engineers (IAE).  Both trade groups provide support, tools, and resources for students and professional engineers seeking to remain competitive and make a difference in the community.

Additional associations for industrial engineers include:

  • American Society for Quality (ASQ)
  • Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
  • Institute of Industrial Systems and Engineers (IISE)
  • National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  • SAE International (SAE)

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