Is an Industrial Engineering Degree Right for Me?

Industrial engineering is a field of engineering that aims to optimize industrial processes and improve efficiency. Industrial engineering careers are available in many different sectors.

Earning an industrial engineering degree can be difficult but rewarding. Keep reading to learn more about industrial engineering degrees and how to decide if an industrial engineering degree is right for you.

What Is an Industrial Engineering Degree?

Industrial engineering degrees are available at the bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctoral levels. These programs train students in the field of industrial engineering.

Industrial engineering is an engineering discipline focused on improving the quality of complex processes. There's often overlap with other fields of engineering like:

• aerospace engineering
• chemical engineering
• electrical engineering
• manufacturing engineering
• mechanical engineering
• systems engineering

Bachelor's degrees in industrial engineering usually take about four years of full-time study to complete, while master's degrees average around two years. Some schools offer dual bachelor's-to-master's degrees, allowing students to finish both programs more quickly. Students can also find various online industrial engineering programs.

What Does an Industrial Engineering Major Study?

Industrial engineering majors study how to do things better. They learn the best ways to refine products and processes to improve efficiency and optimization.

At the bachelor's level, these majors usually start with a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, statistics, calculus, and economics. After that, they can move into core industrial engineering courses that cover topics like:

• ergonomics
• production processes
• quality control
• structure and properties of materials
• supply chains
• systems design

Many industrial engineering programs offer labs, internships, and other hands-on activities for students to gain industrial engineering experience.

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Industrial Engineering

There are multiple reasons that someone may want to pursue a degree in industrial engineering. We've highlighted some of the top reasons below.

Variety of Industrial Engineering Jobs

Industrial engineers generally design, develop, and test industrial systems and processes. Because there is such a wide variety of processes that occur within these industries, various jobs are available.

Some industrial engineering roles focus specifically on the human side of production, while others focus on manufacturing. Other industrial engineers ensure that systems and machines are safe to use. Some may oversee manufacturing, while others manage supply chains. There are tons of career options within industrial engineering.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are several types of employers for industrial engineers, including:

• transportation equipment manufacturing
• professional, scientific, and technical services
• computer and electronic product manufacturing
• machinery manufacturing
• fabricated metal product manufacturing

Wide Range of Job Settings

Because of the variety of industrial engineering jobs, professionals in this field can work in a range of settings. Some industrial engineers work in multiple locations, while others may work in an office; some may even set up an office at a manufacturing plant. Industrial engineers may also visit these plants as part of their jobs, with common examples including healthcare facilities and railyards.

Professionals Are In-Demand

The products you use daily would never make it on store shelves without industrial engineers. As a result, many industrial engineering roles are in high demand.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for industrial engineers will increase by 12% by 2032, which is much faster than the average occupation. Other related roles, like health and safety engineers and supply chain managers, also indicate growth in the coming decade.

Room for Career Growth

While there is predicted job growth in the field of industrial engineering, there's also plenty of room for career growth for industrial engineers as well. Often, industrial engineering grads will start with an entry-level role in industrial engineering. With experience, you may be eligible for roles in leadership and management.

In many states, engineering leaders need to hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license. This requires a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program, completing work experience, and passing the required exams.

To further their careers, many industrial engineering professionals choose to earn additional certification or join the Insitute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE).

Learn Valuable Skills

Predictably, industrial engineering coursework teaches students valuable technical skills, like simulations, modeling, Lean Six Sigma, and basic computer science; however, it can also teach engineering students valuable life skills.

Engineering students will develop problem-solving, project management, data analytics, and communication skills. These skills can help students no matter what career path they take.

Job Opportunities for Industrial Engineering Degree Majors

Aside from working as industrial engineers, there are several related roles that industrial engineering majors can pursue, including:

• distribution manager
• inventory analyst
• operations research analyst
• process engineer
• project manager
• quality engineer
• supply chain manager

As mentioned, these roles are available in a variety of settings and industries, giving you a wide range of career opportunities.

Industrial Engineering Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

If you're still not sure if an industrial engineering degree is right for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you decide. These include:

• Will an industrial engineering degree help me reach my career goals?
• Do I enjoy planning and problem-solving?
• Are math and science strong subjects for me?
• Will the average salary of an industrial engineer meet my lifestyle needs?
• Are industrial engineers in demand in the area I want to live in?