Industrial engineering is a specialization of engineering that
focuses on integrated systems. An industrial engineer can be
involved with the analysis and design of various projects, and
works towards efficiency by maximizing resources. Industrial
engineering can be applied in a variety of disciplines and
industries, and offers flexible options for different careers.
Industrial engineering schools provide students with the
training and education to branch out into dynamic industries
including manufacturing, production, systems processing, and
operations management. An industrial engineering degree program
that specializes in any of these areas provides the best
education for a successful career in the field.
What Is Industrial Engineering?
Industrial
engineering involves development and implementation of practical systems to
solve many of the world's problems. This may take place at the level of
production, where an industrial engineer is involved with operational
performance, making use of energy resources, calculating production costs, or
ensuring that processes are running smoothly. Industrial engineers are commonly
involved with the study and implementation of various mathematical problems and
formulas to solve problems. Industrial engineering also encompasses the area of
product quality control, transportation, and industrial processes.
Job Description and
Responsibilities of an Industrial Engineer
After completing industrial engineering career training, an industrial
engineer is commonly involved with projects such as:
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Development and design of new
products in manufacturing
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Streamlining production
processes
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Calculating cost of
production
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Analyzing product design to
ensure efficiency
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Analyzing the flow of
products at a factory
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Assurance engineering
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Quality control processes and
methods
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Determining producibility
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Production planning and
control systems
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Developing management control
systems
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Performing cost analysis
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Solving organizational and
production-related problems for efficiency
Industrial engineering colleges can prepare students with the skills and
education they need to learn key mathematical and scientific principles. Many
engineering colleges offer simulations and other lab-style classes that help
provide hands-on experience.
Industrial Engineer
Career Choices
After completing an industrial
engineering degree program, students can choose from a variety of
specializations and industries for a career. The most common industrial
engineering career options and positions include:
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Operations Management
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Operations Research
-
Industrial
Administration/Management
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Production Planning
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Logistics or Supply Chain
Management
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Statistical Process
Management
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Manufacturing Engineering
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Computer Aided Manufacturing
Operations management usually
involves supervising a staff of engineers, and ensuring efficient processes and
controls. Operations research helps a company understand processes and
performance, and an industrial engineer involved in this area will coordinate
various systems and testing procedures. Industrial engineering administration
and management occurs at both the production and deployment level. Logistics,
statistical processes, manufacturing, and computer aided applications are
research-intensive and are commonly pursued after completing a master's degree.
Enrolling in an Industrial
Engineering Degree Program
An industrial engineering
degree program trains students to become proficient in mathematics, statistics,
physical sciences, computer aided engineering, and understanding process-based
thinking. An industrial engineer may work at a plant or within a lab; they are
trained to study product requirements, mathematical methods, and design
information systems.
Most colleges offer a standard
engineering degree, but a 2 or 4-year industrial engineering degree program will
include both theoretical and scientific applications. Industrial engineering
colleges may offer a bachelor's degree program, along with master's degree
opportunities. A bachelor's degree in industrial engineering offers jobs beyond
the entry-level for most graduates, but many engineers choose to pursue a
master's degree in order to pursue a management position or further their
research within the field. A strong high school background in math, physics,
chemistry, and computer science will help those interested in pursuing an
industrial engineering career. Industrial engineering schools have varying
admissions requirements depending on the program and course of study.
An industrial engineering
degree program can provide training in subjects such as:
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Systems simulation
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Human factors in design
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Engineering economy
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Engineering administration
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Optimization of processes
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Facilities design
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Logistics
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Supply Chain management
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Statistical process control
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Production planning
Completing education with an
online industrial engineering degree also provides some flexibility with limited
schedules. An online industrial engineering degree can be completed from a
distance, and still provides extensive training in the fields of research and
development. Simulations for different projects can be completed with the
convenience of a home computer.
Accreditation for
Industrial
Engineering
Schools and
Colleges
The Accreditation Board for
Education and Technology (ABET) is the accrediting organization for industrial
engineering degree programs. This organization is also responsible for
monitoring and certifying various mechanical engineering education programs and
specializations.
Enrolling in an Online Industrial Engineering Degree Program
Earning
an online industrial engineering degree can offer new opportunities for
graduates, and the program can serve as a supplement to an existing engineering
degree in a similar industry. Since an industrial engineer may be interested in
pursuing a management position, they can increase their education and skills
with an online industrial engineering degree program, and continue to work while
they earn their credentials.
An
online industrial engineering degree program offers flexibility for a student
who is already working, or one that may be interested in pursuing an internship
in conjunction with their education.
Future Employment Prospects and Earning Potential for an Industrial Engineering
Career
An
industrial engineering degree can branch out into a variety of industries, and
the most common areas include semiconductor and electronic manufacturing,
navigational, architectural services, aerospace products, and motor vehicle
parts manufacturing. The areas of health and safety are another attractive
industry for those with an industrial engineering degree.
Industrial engineering colleges offer a variety of programs to enhance or
supplement a bachelor's degree, and many of these classes can be taken online.
The typical industrial engineer with a bachelor's degree earned $47,051 in 2004,
and the highest number of professionals in this industry were found in the areas
of navigational and semiconductor manufacturing.
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