Industrial engineering is a branch of the greater engineering professions that combines and streamlines resources of people, energy systems, technical equipment, and materiel to help organizations run efficiently. The industrial engineering field is dedicated to saving time, cutting operating costs, increase productivity and product life. Engineers in the specialty employ their experience and theory, historical statistics, probability, quality assurance techniques, and process analysis to help their clients succeed.

Training programs in industrial engineering traditionally lead to the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) degree. There are also training programs in mathematics or physical science that can lead to industrial engineering specializations, as well as the more customary college degrees in electrical, mechanical, electronics, or civil engineering.

BSIE degree programs may offer specialized training in chemistry, physics, statistics, computer science, advanced math (differential equations and calculus), and mechanical engineering. Students may choose to concentrate on industrial engineering competencies include facilities design, operations and organizational management, supply chain theory, process control, ergonomics, financial planning, human resource management and cost controls.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were 177,000 about industrial engineering professionals holding jobs in 2004, accounting for about 12 percent of all working engineers. Employed in most every major American industry, industrial engineers typically worked most often in the machinery manufacturing and automobile manufacturing industries. The BLS predicts that industrial engineering positions will continue to grow as companies and organizations hope to control costs.

Industrial engineering earnings, the BLS says, range from $49,567 for professionals holding a bachelors degree to $85,000 for those with a PhD.

Online Degrees in Industrial Engineering

Walden University

Walden University offers students a comprehensive Bachelor's or Master's degree program in an exclusive online environment. The online tools and resources available allow students to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of independent learning, structured class curriculums, and easy access to instructors. more

Industrial Engineering Degrees Offered:

M.S. in Engineering Management
This program is designed to provide you with the necessary processes and tools to define and validate system requirements, develop effective designs, and ensure those designs are safe and meet customer requirements. It offers a multidisciplinary graduate program developed specifically for engineers, the opportunity to collaborate and exchange best practices with fellow engineers, and exceptional student services and supportive faculty.

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Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster Schools, the largest accredited school of independent home study, offers more than 80 distance education career diploma programs. Students enrolled in these programs have the option of studying online, in print, or through a combination of the two. In addition, Penn Foster Schools offers high school diplomas and 22 different associate degrees. more

Industrial Engineering Degrees Offered:

Industrial Engineering Technology
There are certain skills you need to begin a career in Industrial Engineering Technology. Learn valuable skills with courses such as Manufacturing Processes, Engineering Materials, Physical Science, Technical Mathematics, Quality Control Systems, Technical Writing, Operational Analysis, and Industrial Safety

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UMassOnline

The University of Massachusetts has been providing high quality educational opportunities for Massachusetts residents and for students and faculty from all over the world for more than 140 years. The University of Massachusetts President and Board of Trustees created UMassOnline in 2001 to meet the online educational needs of people locally, nationally, and internationally by offering accredited educational programs via interactive, Internet-based learning systems. more

Industrial Engineering Degrees Offered:

Certificate in Plastics Engineering
The Graduate Certificate in Plastics Engineering Fundamentals is designed to provide engineering professionals involved in the design of plastic parts - with the plastics background they generally do not receive as part of their undergraduate education. The Plastics Engineering Fundamentals Graduate Certificate is open to students that have earned a B.S. Degree in science or engineering. All of the courses in this certificate program may be applied towards any of the graduate degree programs offered through UMass Lowell's Department of Plastics Engineering.

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Most Requested Programs for Engineering

Earning a degree in engineering is an excellent opportunity to put your math and science skills to use and to embark on an exciting career. For more information on online engineering degrees, review our program listing and decide which path is right for you.

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