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Degrees and Schools
Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in engineering. However, programs that concentrate on industrial engineering are offered less commonly. All states require that industrial engineers be licensed, and one requirement of licensure is graduation from an engineering degree program that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
The structure of engineering programs can vary greatly. Here are some of the most common varieties:
- Traditional four-year bachelor's degree - The first 2 years provide an introduction to engineering, and a general foundation. Remaining years focus on industrial engineering courses.
- Five-year double bachelor's degree - Taken at a liberal arts school, the first 3 years of courses include general courses and required pre-engineering courses. Then core subjects are taken at an engineering school over the next 2 years. Both colleges award a bachelor's degree.
- Five or six-year cooperative program degree - Combining classroom study with practical work experience, students finance some of their education over 5-6 years.
- General engineering four-year bachelor's degree - All four years are spent on general engineering and liberal arts courses. Graduates plan to develop skill in specialty areas in graduate school or on the job.
- Four-year partnership bachelor's degree - Students complete 2 years of engineering and general courses at a community college or vocational school, then are automatically admitted into an engineering program at a partner college or university.
- Five-year "accelerated" master's degree - Students apply just once for both bachelor's and master's degrees, which are earned sequentially.
Industrial engineering students who prefer more hands-on learning and preparation for certification often choose engineering technology as their degree program. These degrees can be earned in either 2 or 4 years, and place less emphasis on theory and principles than traditional engineering programs.
Many employers realize that engineers who specialize in one field can easily apply principles to other fields; therefore they may not require a degree or concentration in industrial engineering.
Coursework
Introductory engineering, physical and life sciences, mathematics and humanities make up the typical coursework in the first two years of engineering programs. (See the different varieties of program structures listed above.) Industrial engineering courses are usually taken in the last two years.
Engineering technology programs put more emphasis on preparing students for employment or certification once they've graduated; classes are more hands-on than traditional engineering degrees.
Online Classes and Programs
E-learning programs that include bachelor's degrees in engineering are easily found. Most online programs are offered by bricks-and-mortar colleges and universities as part of their standard curricula. Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Any e-learning programs should also be US-accredited by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Employment Requirements
Most beginning industrial engineering jobs require a minimum of an engineering technology or engineering bachelor's degree. Undergraduate engineering program applicants must demonstrate a solid background in science, the humanities, social studies, math, and English.
All states require that industrial engineers who provide direct services to the public be licensed professional engineers (PEs). Applicants must:
- Be a graduate of an ABET-accredited engineering program
- Have a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience
- Pass a state licensing exam
The first part of the exam is Fundamentals of Engineering (FE). Taken by recent graduates, a passing score allows them to work as engineers in training (EITs) or engineering interns (EIs). Principles and Practice of Engineering is the second part of the exam, and is taken after enough work experience has been achieved.
Both engineering technology and engineering graduates are eligible for similar jobs, but engineering technology-degree holders are not qualified for state licensure. They are usually hired in roles between technician and engineer.
The Institute of Industrial Engineers offers professional certification, which can provide a competitive advantage.
How to Evaluate Schools
Prospective students who are evaluating engineering degree programs may wish to consider asking the following questions:
- Program type - What kind of engineering degree program suits the student best? Are there schools located near manufacturing centers where particularly interesting products are made and distributed?
- Accreditation - Has the program been accredited by ABET?
- Type of degree - Does a degree in engineering technology best support the student's goals, or a traditional engineering degree?
- Research interests - What kinds of research projects in industrial engineering are taking place at a given school? Are computer labs well-equipped with the latest technology?
- Financial aid - What kinds of resources are available to help students find loans, grants, work study opportunities, and scholarships?
- Practical experience - Are internships coordinated by the program? If so, are there plenty of varied opportunities?
- Career search - What are previous graduates doing now? Are industrial engineering employers well-represented at school job fairs? What other kinds of job placement assistance are available?
Industrial Engineer Job Description
When companies look for ways to save money, reduce costs, maximize productivity and avoid waste, they turn to industrial engineers. Using mathematical models and methods, industrial engineers determine the most efficient ways to use machines, materials, people, information and energy to provide a service or make a product. They then create systems for managing information or manufacturing to implement these new means of efficiency.
To maximize efficiency, industrial engineers study product requirements carefully and then design manufacturing and information systems to meet those requirements with the help of mathematical methods and models. They develop management control systems to aid in financial planning and cost analysis, and they design production planning and control systems to coordinate activities and ensure product quality.
Industrial engineers also design or improve systems for the physical distribution of goods and services and determine the most efficient plant locations. They develop wage and salary administration systems and job evaluation programs. Many move into management positions because the work is closely related to the work of managers.
As a group, engineers earn some of the highest average starting salaries among those holding bachelor's degrees.
Job responsibilities often include:
- Creating new processes for making a product or providing a service
- Making sure project designs make the most efficient use of resources while still accomplishing established goals
- Analyzing existing processes to identify areas of waste or low productivity
- Recommending and solutions using people management, business organizational methods, and technology
- Developing computer systems that help control where money is spent by assisting with cost analysis and financial planning
- Creating control and planning systems to ensure quality of products and coordinate the activities of workers
- Designing system enhancements or entire systems that help with determining the best location for manufacturing plants, and distributing goods and services
- Developing systems for the administration of salaries, wages and job evaluations
- Preventing negative effects on the environment, and complying with government regulations
- Performing the tasks of managers including supervising employees
Industrial engineers frequently move into management positions, since their roles and responsibilities are similar.
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