Overview of Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is a branch of engineering that combines the principles of engineering, psychology, mathematics, sociology, and other disciplines to analyze, design, improve, and control systems that involve people at work. Industrial engineers focus on integrating people, equipment, energy, money, materials, information, and time to create effective and efficient production and service systems. Industrial engineers are concerned with improving productivity and quality, managing projects, streamlining operations, and developing systems to solve problems that arise in the workplace.

Career Opportunities Associated with Industrial Engineering

Those who pursue industrial engineering have a variety of career opportunities available to them. Industrial engineers may be employed in areas such as management, operations research, ergonomics, information technology, and health and safety. They may also work in government, manufacturing, consulting, healthcare, nonprofits, and academia. Those with an industrial engineering degree may become project engineers, quality engineers, production engineers, and process engineers, among other roles.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Industrial Engineering

Students who are interested in industrial engineering can explore internship and co-op opportunities through their college’s career services office. These programs provide students with the chance to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field while they are still in school. In addition, many organizations offer internships specifically for industrial engineering majors, providing the student with numerous options for gaining invaluable experience.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Industrial Engineering

Most colleges and universities offer specialized tracks or concentrations within industrial engineering. These could include lean manufacturing, systems simulation, engineering economics, health and safety engineering, robotics engineering, and project management, among other topics. By specializing in a relevant area, students can learn more in-depth information related to their field and improve their competitiveness in the job market.

How Industrial Engineering Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Students who pursue an industrial engineering degree can develop the skills and qualifications they need to proceed to further educational opportunities. A degree in industrial engineering prepares students with strong undergraduate coursework in area such as mathematics, computer science, and technology. In addition, students can hone their skills in problem solving, critical thinking, project management, and other principles that are essential when pursuing a graduate degree.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Industrial Engineering

Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a major impact on industrial engineering and continues to shape the field. AI can be used to automate processes, improve efficiency, reduce errors, and diagnose and repair problems in factories and industrial environment. AI is also being used in industrial engineering to develop mathematical models that simulate complex systems, detect warnings and patterns, and optimize machine operations. Due to its flexibility, AI can be used in almost any type of industry.

Career Outlook for Industrial Engineering

The job outlook for those with a degree in industrial engineering is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for industrial engineers is expected to grow by 10% from 2019 to 2029. As businesses look for ways to increase efficiency and stay competitive, industrial engineers are in a strong position to find jobs in a variety of industries such as healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, retail, and consulting.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Industrial Engineering:

Northwestern University, Salary: $84,644

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Salary: $75,644

SUNY Maritime College, Salary: $74,670

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Salary: $74,354

University of Wisconsin-Madison, Salary: $74,061

North Carolina A & T State University, Salary: $73,414

Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Salary: $72,720

University of Houston, Salary: $72,713

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Salary: $72,643

University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Salary: $72,455

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering.