More Information About Industrial Engineering

What should I know when considering a degree in Industrial Engineering ?

The engineering field is usually associated with the design and creation of structures and structural systems. Instead, the industrial engineering branch designs and creates various systems of operation by which organizations carry out their designated functions. Industrial engineering is a results-oriented field that focuses on achieving maximum productivity. These engineers specialize in helping organizations utilize available resources to improve their current systems or to develop and implement new systems. Practicing engineers use established methods of research and analysis to determine an organization's needs and make recommendations. Among the many systems designed by industrial engineers are: manufacturing, information, management control, cost analysis, design production planning, control, salary, and performance evaluation.

To be successful, every organization must have sound and effective systems of operation in place. As a result, there are a multitude of organizations that rely on the services provided by industrial engineers. The majority of professionals work in the manufacturing industry. Others may work in the business, healthcare, logistics, or utility industries; for state and federal government agencies, or as independent consultants. Industrial engineers may operate out of industrial plants, on location at diverse building sites, or in offices. The standard work schedule is 40 hours a week. However, extended hours may be necessary if complications arise on a project.

Education Required

Those planning to pursue a career in industrial engineering must obtain a college degree, preferably from a degree program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Online engineering degrees are also becoming an increasingly popular option, especially for those who are seeking to continue full-time employment while attending school.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is required in order to qualify for entry-level positions in industrial engineering. These four-year programs provide students with a comprehensive education that covers the basic principles used in the field. Students will take courses such as: chemistry for engineers, computing for engineers, industrial cost systems, and engineering systems design.

Master's Degree

Industrial engineering professionals often decide to pursue a master's degree after completing their undergraduate program. Admission requirements for these competitive programs usually include: a bachelor's degree, often a minimum 3.0 GPA, and satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Master's degree programs place a heavier emphasis on research. At this level, the student's concentration will shift from general education to the specifics of the field. Individual courses will vary according to institution but may include: advanced engineering statistics, engineering economics, operations research methods, advanced production systems design, and human factors in systems design. These courses will teach students the most effective problem-solving techniques as well as how to apply them in different situations. Master's degree students have two program options to choose from. The thesis option requires students to conduct a research project, and to document and defend their findings. Students in the non-thesis option will complete a final comprehensive examination at the end of the program.

State Licensing

Industrial engineers are required to obtain a state license in addition to their degree. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) regulates and administers these licenses, although each state determines its own specific requirements. Professionals must have at bachelor's degree and four years of supervised engineering experience. They must also pass both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Earning the title of Professional Engineer (PE) is not only a requirement, but an indication of skill and expertise.

Earning Potential

Reports from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a median annual wage of $71,430 for industrial engineers. The highest wage reports were $104,490 and the lowest were $46,340. Industries that paid the highest wages include: electronics and appliance stores, petroleum and petroleum products merchants, and internet service providers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth for the industrial engineering field to increase by about 20% through the year 2016.

Where an Advanced Degree Will Take You

Professionals looking to advance their careers may consider pursuing a doctoral degree industrial engineering. These programs are extremely competitive. They require that students possess a bachelor's degree in the field and a satisfactory GPA. Some programs give students the option to focus on specific areas such as: operations research, engineering management, manufacturing and production systems, distribution and logistics, and human factors in engineering. Courses in these concentrations may include: tools and methods for optimization, industrial control systems, engineering administration, scheduling theory, and industrial economics. Doctoral programs culminate in the completion and defense of an in-depth dissertation research project.

Type of Person Who Will Succeed in This Career

Industrial engineering involves a significant amount of planning, conceptualizing, and design. To succeed in these tasks, professionals should be creative, problem-solvers, and have the ability to visualize outcomes. Since they must collaborate with a variety of different people on a daily basis, flexibility and communication skills are very important.

Article References

Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
http://www.abet.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics
http://www.bls.gov

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
http://www.gre.org

National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
http://www.nspe.org

What are the leading schools offering programs in Industrial Engineering ?

• Polytechnic Institute of NYU Founded in 1854, Polytechnic Institute of NYU offers graduate training in Bioinformatics, Electrical Engineering, and Telecommunication. Students have the opportunity to receive a master's degree through online study. ( More Info )