Industrial Engineering
Do you ever look at a process or system and think, "Here's how I'd make it better if I was in charge."
If so, then welcome to industrial engineering—the perfect major for people who want to use science and math to improve efficiency and productivity. How should a hospital schedule its surgeries? Where is the best location for a new factory? How do we make autonomous vehicles safer to drive? If these types of questions get you excited, then come join us.
What will I learn?
For your first year or two, you’ll typically take some foundational engineering courses along with classes and labs in physics, chemistry and calculus (through differential equations). In junior and senior years, you’ll learn more about industrial engineering topics such as ergonomics and facilities design. You’ll also have flexibility to take electives in subjects like psychology and economics—which are important, given that industrial engineers often focus on streamlining costs, and also have to understand how people behave in different environments.
What can I do with an industrial engineering degree?
Supply planning analyst for a technology company. Operations expert at a jewelry manufacturer. Ergonomics specialist for a hospital. These are just a few of the positions that have been held by our alumni, who have worked around the world for leading companies such as Boeing, Disney, Dyson, General Motors, M&T Bank and United Health Care.
Whether you want to design inventory systems for an e-commerce company or reduce the number of accidents in a manufacturing plant, a degree in industrial engineering is the perfect start. You’ll find industrial engineers working in a variety of fields, including:
- Airline operations.
- Automotive manufacturing.
- Banking and financial services.
- Construction.
- Consulting.
- Defense.
- Education.
- Energy.
- Food and beverage.
- Government.
- Health care.
- Hospitality.
- Manufacturing.
- Military.
- Research and development.
- Social services.
- Transportation.
- Warehouses and distribution.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Managers | $187,990.00 | $90.38 | |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $113,360.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Industrial Engineers | $82,860.00 | $39.84 | Rapid Growth |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,040.00 | $31.27 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.