Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering

    Industrial Engineering

    Design, control and improve systems with Wayne State University's bachelor of science in industrial engineering. Studying part-time or full-time, you will build foundational knowledge and gain extensive hands-on experience to prepare for key roles in sectors from manufacturing to health care to information management and beyond.

     

     

    Program highlights

    • Rolling admissions — apply any time!
    • Easily transfer from community college, high school and pre-professional programs
    • Part- and full-time study options
    • Internships and co-op opportunities
    • Affordable flat-rate tuition
    • ABET-accredited

    What is industrial and systems engineering?

    Industrial engineers are big-picture thinkers. To understand and improve relationships between people, technology and resources, they study system structures, apply analytical approaches, model processes, optimize systems and eliminate waste in industries like manufacturing, health care, automation, data science, supply chain and transportation.

    Learn more about industrial engineering.

    Industrial engineering program learning outcomes

    When you graduate with a B.S. in industrial engineering from Wayne State, you will be able to:

    • Develop creative and innovative solutions to design problems.
    • Apply industrial engineering design solutions to develop product designs that meet user needs and preferences.
    • Communicate effectively with a range of audiences and demonstrate excellent teamwork skills.
    • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities that consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.
    • Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use industrial engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
    • Utilize technical skills and practical problem-solving to deliver significant organizational value and leadership.
    • Practice industrial engineering with integrity, innovation and objectivity.
    • Demonstrate knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials, and apply this knowledge to design for manufacturability and sustainability.

    Program curriculum and courses

    Develop a foundation in pre-professional engineering courses and general education before narrowing your interests in your third and fourth years. You can complete the industrial engineering bachelor's degree on a full- or part-time basis: it generally takes four to six years to complete the 121 credits necessary for graduation.

    All industrial engineering majors study technical communication, systems simulation, data science and analysis, principles of quality control, operations research, project management, and production control. You'll build out your expertise in elective topics like CAD/CAM, integrated product development, human factors engineering, digital automation and more. 

    Review the industrial engineering program curriculum.

    Experiential learning

    A top-quality engineering program extends beyond textbooks and written exams. Wayne State University's hands-on curriculum empowers you to apply your learning in physical and computer labs, internships with industry leaders, co-op placements and a cumulative year-long capstone engineering design project. 

    From your first semester through graduation, you'll practice ideating, collaborating, designing, testing and presenting your concepts and solutions.

    Learn more about how Wayne State prepares you for the real world.

    Guided by distinguished faculty 

    Wayne State's industrial engineering faculty are dedicated teachers, thoughtful mentors and nationally recognized experts equipped with real-world experience. 

    In your courses and through collaborative student-faculty research projects, you will learn from leaders in artificial intelligence, big data and business analytics, health care systems engineering, product development and quality control, smart manufacturing, systems engineering, supply chain logistics, sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and more. They can also connect you to robust professional networks with organizations like Ford Motor Company, Hikma and Henry Ford Health Systems. 

    Meet our industrial engineering faculty.

    Industrial engineering majors career outlook

    Seize opportunities in a fast-growing, consistently in-demand field. Industrial engineers' integrative work between people, materials, machines and resources is crucial to both short- and long-term system functionality. 

    When you graduate with an industrial engineering bachelor's degree, you will be a crucial contributor to the success of manufacturing operations, waste management, occupational safety and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for industrial engineers is projected to grow by 10% over the next decade, and salaries for these positions average over $95,000 per year. 

    Take on roles like:

    • Quality engineer
    • Manufacturing engineer
    • Process engineer
    • Industrial engineer
    • Industrial designer
    • Mechanical designer
    • Supply chain analyst
    • Occupational health and safety manager

    Tuition and cost

    Invest in an affordable and highly regarded industrial engineering bachelor's degree through Wayne State's flat tuition rate structure, one of the most cost-effective tuition programs among Michigan's best universities. 

    You'll also have access to generous financial aid opportunities such as College of Engineering scholarships, first-year and transfer student scholarships, grants, loans, and financial partnerships with Detroit agencies and foundations.

    Estimate your total costs and savings with our net price calculator.

    Quality guaranteed - ABET accreditation

    The Bachelor of Science in industrial and systems engineering program at Wayne State University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org. It assures confidence that a college program has met the standards essential to preparing graduates to enter the professional world. 

    Why Accreditation Matters ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission logo

    Learn more about Wayne State University's industrial engineering program ABET accreditation.

    Admission requirements

    To be admitted to the pre-professional program, you must meet the following requirements:

    • a 2.8 GPA with a 3.0 in math and science courses from high school or community college 
    • a minimum Math ACT score of 22 (Math SAT of 550) if you are applying directly from high school
    • completed courses in pre-calculus, chemistry and physics
    • completed the Mathematics Placement (MP) and Chemistry Qualifying (CQ) exams to place you in MAT 2010 and CHM 1225.

    Students who do not meet these requirements will need to complete coursework at Wayne State or a community college in order to reach these expected levels.

    Learn more about Admissions.

    Transferring to the program

    In your junior year, you'll transfer to the professional industrial engineering bachelor's degree program and focus on courses that support your major. Professors in the department of industrial and systems engineering have developed classes and sequences that provide in-depth understanding of the principles of industrial engineering.

    For admission to the professional program and continuation in 3000- and 4000-level engineering courses, you will need to meet one of the following criteria:

    • Direct from high school – must have earned a GPA of 3.5 or above in science/math, along with a score on the Math ACT higher than 26 or Math SAT higher than 650. In addition, scores on the MP and CQ (see Testing and Placements Services) must be sufficient to enter MAT 2010 and CHM 1225/1230.
    • Direct from community college – must have earned a GPA of 3.0 or above in MAT sequence (16 cr), CHM 1225/1230, and physics sequence (8 cr), with no grade lower than a C.
    • From a pre-professional program – must have completed pre-professional courses with a GPA of 2.5 or above and no grade lower than a C-. Must also have completed critical thinking and English proficiency exams.

    Apply to the B.S. in industrial engineering degree program

    Centered on active learning and flexible full- or part-time study options, Wayne State University's ABET-accredited bachelor of science in industrial engineering program bolsters your long-term success with networks, mentors and highly sought-after professional experience. 

     

    Involvement through Wayne State organizations and learning communities is what shaped me to be a leader. The positive climate of Detroit and WSU allows for students to thrive and serve their community.

    Heba Al-Hassan

    BSIE '22