Best Industrial Engineering Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Industrial Engineering Programs

Auburn University started in 1856 as a small male-only college. Today, the public school has awarded over 300,000 degrees to a diverse range of students. They currently have over 140 majors in 13 different colleges. The US News & World Report ranked Auburn University in the top 50 public universities for 23 consecutive years.

Auburn University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 99
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 601-800

Best Auburn University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering . This on-campus undergraduate degree program requires 120 credit hours, and a full-time student can complete the program in four years. Some major courses include engineering economy and stochastic operations research.
• Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering (MISE) . The MISE program focuses on giving the students experience in professional practice. It requires 31 credit hours, which usually takes around a year to complete. It can also be taken through distance learning or on-campus learning and studied as a dual degree with an MBA.
• Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering (MS) . The MS degree has almost the same course requirements as MISE, but four to six hours of the 31 credit hours are thesis work rather than elective courses. This is an on-campus program.
• PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering . This 60-credit PhD focuses on research and the students’ advanced proficiency in the field. The student must do at least one year of research to attain the degree. Students take this program on-campus.

Auburn University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

The industrial engineering curriculum expands on engineering math and science by adding other courses. These courses include manufacturing, operations research, engineering economics, and information technology.

Binghamton University is one of the best public universities in the Northeast. Founders established the public institution in 1946 to educate veterans returning from World War II. It has since garnered increasing national recognition for its quality education. The school offers various undergraduate and graduate degree programs and accelerated and honors programs in almost every major.

Binghamton University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 83
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 601-800

Best Binghamton University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering . Sophomores can take this undergraduate degree after completing their first year in general engineering at the university. Students may also take minors in computer science and sustainability engineering.
• Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering . This MS degree equips students with advanced skills in the field through three options. These options include a thesis, non-thesis, or a coursework-only option. Depending on the selected option, students must complete four to five courses along with a project or thesis, or ten courses.
• Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering with Engineering Management Concentration . This program is identical to the MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering but with course options geared toward engineering management. It also has the same number of courses as the above program.
• Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering with Health Systems concentration . This program equips the student with advanced skills in health systems. Course options lead toward an in-depth understanding of health systems and how to apply the student's knowledge.
• PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering . The PhD ensures the student satisfies all the proficiency and learning requirements of the program. Students must pass a comprehensive exam and submit and defend a dissertation.

Binghamton University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

Binghamton University has great accelerated programs and concentration choices and is one of the best public universities in the Northwest.

Clemson University is a public research university located in South Carolina. The school has more than 80 majors, 130 graduate programs, and more than 26,000 students. It boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 16-to-1, ensuring students get the attention they need to succeed.

Clemson University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 62%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 75
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 801-1000

Best Clemson University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering . The BS program educates students on supply chain management and design, engineering economic analysis, operations research, and ergonomics. Students need to complete 125 to127 credits on-campus in four years. They can choose to take the program with a computing emphasis.
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering . Students can take this MS degree with a thesis and non-thesis option. It requires about 30 credit hours, and students can complete it in two to four semesters. A student can take the program in preparation for their PhD.
• Master of Engineering (Meng) in Industrial Engineering . The Meng degree equips students with new and advanced knowledge they can immediately apply to their jobs. It is best for professionals already working in the field. It has a 30-credit-hour requirement, and students can study online.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Engineering . This PhD program requires 60 credit hours and focuses on doctoral research. This program will be perfect for students pursuing a career in teaching, research, or a highly specialized field in industrial engineering.

Clemson University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

Clemson University has a vibrant campus life and well-established curricula for industrial engineering, especially for graduate students.

Columbia University is the fifth oldest higher-learning institution in the United States. Today it is known as Columbia University in the City of New York. It has 21 schools dedicated to educating students in many different areas.

Columbia University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 11

Best Columbia University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) . The BSIE program emphasizes computer-aided and quantitative approaches to management problems. It requires nine credits of technical electives on top of the required core courses and general education courses taken on-campus.
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE) . An MSIE at Columbia University ensures students have advanced training in inventory control, production systems and planning, and industrial economics. Students can choose to study the 30-credit program full-time or part-time on-campus, and students have choices between various concentrations.
• PhD in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research . This PhD program trains students who wish to pursue careers in industry, academia, or research. Students attending the university's participating PhD programs, including this program, may also get a specialization in data science.

Columbia University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

Columbia University is one of the most prestigious universities in the US, with an excellent reputation.

Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia. It boasts a diverse student population and an enthusiastic campus culture with a sense of community. The university encourages an entrepreneurial state of mind. The school caters to 43,000 students over 11 colleges on two campuses.

Kennesaw State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 299-391
• Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A

Best Kennesaw State University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Industrial and Systems Engineering Bachelor's Degree . This Bachelor of Science program offered by Kennesaw State University focuses on designing and implementing different processes. Students need to complete a total of 127 credit hours on campus.
• Industrial Engineering Technology Bachelor's Degree . Students will create innovative solutions in the industrial and business environment in this program. It's offered online and in a hybrid format and requires 127 credit hours.
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering . This PhD program trains students in various engineering departments, including industrial and systems engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil and environmental engineering. Students will contribute to research and innovative solutions in the field.

Kennesaw State University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

Kennesaw State University is an affordable university with quality education and curricula for undergraduate and doctoral students.

North Carolina State University held its first class with 72 students , six faculty, and one building in 1889. Today, it is a top public research university that aims to produce graduates who are career-ready. The school also boasts a beautiful campus with prominent landmarks and state-of-the-art facilities.

North Carolina State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 46%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 79
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 301-350

Best North Carolina State University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) . The BSIE program equips students with skills to solve engineering problems, design systems and processes, and succeed in various engineering fields. Students need to complete a minimum of 127 credit hours on-campus to get their degree.
• Master in Industrial Engineering (MIE) . The MIE program requires 30 credit hours and is accessible online and on-campus. This terminal degree does not require thesis research and project work is optional. You can get this degree with coursework only.
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering . This MS program, in contrast to the MIE program, is a research-oriented degree. Students are well-prepared to enter a PhD and complete focused studies in a specific area with a research thesis. Students will attain their degree upon completing 30 credit hours on-campus.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering . The PhD program is for students who have a keen interest in independent research and study in the field. Students complete a written dissertation and an exam with 72 credit hours.

North Carolina State University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

North Carolina State University has two master’s degree choices. The first is a terminal degree, the second is a research-based master’s program that leads to a PhD.

After its small beginnings, Northwestern University now has 12 schools and over 20,000 students. The university is highly-rated and on the top ten lists for economics, business, materials engineering, and chemistry programs. Some of their famous alumni include George R.R. Martin and Meghan Markle.

Northwestern University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 9
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 24

Best Northwestern University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering . Students will develop analytical skills, business understanding, and systems interaction. Students must complete a total of 48 courses on-campus in four years to attain their degree.
• PhD in Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences. Students will research various strategies and tools for manufacturing and finance. They must complete any first-year courses on-campus, pass an oral final examination and submit a complete dissertation. The entire PhD takes four to five years to complete.

Northwestern University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

Northwestern University is a notable private institution with one of the best industrial engineering PhD programs.

Established in 1876, Texas A&M University was the first public higher learning institution in Texas. Today, it is a research-intensive university with over 133 undergraduate and 200 graduate programs. The school caters to 69,000 students and aims to produce leaders who serve the greater good.

Texas A&M University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 68
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 193

Best Texas A&M University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering . The Bachelor of Science degree will provide students with a solid foundation in production and inventory control, manufacturing and production systems, informatics, and human factors. Students must complete 128 credit hours on campus.
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering . The Master of Science program is excellent for students who wish to earn a PhD and specialize in a specific area such as data science or manufacturing engineering. Students can choose a thesis or non-thesis option, requiring 30 credit hours on campus.
• Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering . This Master of Engineering is structured specifically for a working professional. Rather than a specialization, it is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program. It requires 30 credit hours and takes around 18 months to complete online.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering . This on-campus PhD program is research-oriented and best for students who wish to pursue a career in academia or a role that requires advanced training. Students must complete 64 to 96 credit hours to earn their degree. The credit requirement depends on whether the student holds a master's degree or a bachelor's degree.

Texas A&M University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

Texas A&M University allows students with a bachelor’s degree to bypass the master’s to study for a PhD in Industrial Engineering.

Texas Tech University is a prominent public research university in Texas. They have 40,666 students enrolled in 300 degree programs. The school offers a wide range of programs and services to underrepresented students.

Texas Tech University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 213
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 601-800

Best Texas Tech University Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering . This BS degree program offered by Texas Tech teaches students to identify and solve engineering problems, apply their knowledge, and develop integrated systems. It has a requirement of 130 credit hours, and the program is available on-campus.
• Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE) . The MSIE equips students to become competent industrial engineers and managers in numerous industries. Students must complete 30 credit hours and choose among five specializations. The program caters to on-campus and online students.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering . This PhD is a research-focused degree that prepares students for teaching, research, leadership, and consulting. It is only available on-campus, and students must complete a minimum of 60 hours of coursework.

Texas Tech University Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

You can transition smoothly from a bachelor’s through to a PhD at Texas Tech University. The master’s program focuses on operations research, engineering management, manufacturing, statistics, and human factors.

The University of Michigan is one of the top universities, with more than 250 degree programs in 19 colleges. The school is a highly-rated public research university with a high graduation rate. The school has a low student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1, ensuring a successful retention and graduation rate.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 26%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 24

Best University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Industrial Engineering Programs

• Bachelor's Degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering . This undergraduate degree is ranked third-best in the country. It equips students with essential skills to work in analytics, aerospace, data science, and manufacturing. This is a four-year on-campus program.
• Master's Degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering . The master's degree program allows students to choose specializations in business operations engineering, data analytics, health and safety, human systems integration, operations research, and quality control. Students must complete 30 credit hours of graduate courses on-campus to earn their degree.
• PhD in Industrial and Operations Engineering . PhD students work with faculty from several engineering departments to gain intensive research and skills training. The average completion time is four to five years, split between intensive coursework on-campus and intensive research.

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Industrial Engineering Key Takeaway

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor engineering department ranks fourth in the US News & World Report. Its master’s program has a broad range of specializations.

An industrial engineering community college certificate certifies that someone has taken basic but practical training in this field. This type of program usually teaches students foundational basics and how to use various tools, programs, and concepts for basic work in the field. A community college certificate can take anywhere from nine months to three years.

An industrial engineering associate degree gives a student enough practical training to get an entry-level job. Unlike a certificate, an associate degree program covers more topics and provides basic skills and concepts. It usually consists of the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.

A bachelor’s degree program equips students to become skilled professionals in the field. Bachelor’s programs provide foundational and in-depth skills and concepts in mathematics and engineering sciences. Most bachelor’s programs in engineering require a capstone project to complete the degree.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering focuses on design, statistics, engineering database systems, and supply chain management. It is a broad subject that requires technical knowledge of robotic systems and knowledge of improving efficiency in processes.

An industrial engineering master's degree is an advanced degree that allows students to specialize in a specific area through coursework or a thesis. They are experts in their field. Industrial engineer master’s degree students typically already have professional experience.

A master's degree program takes about two years to complete. Accelerated degrees can take anything from a year to 18 months. Part-time students will take longer to complete their master’s program.

A graduate certificate program in industrial engineering equips students with high-level knowledge and technical skills, just like a master's degree program. However, unlike a master's,  a certificate deals with a specific subject and covers a smaller range of topics. A graduate certificate program takes less than a year to complete.

A Doctorate in Industrial Engineering, or a PhD, signifies high academic achievement with research competence. A PhD requires in-depth research and often leads to professorships or research positions. A PhD can take four to six years to complete.

Some of the best industrial engineering associate degree jobs are technologists and technicians in related fields. They may also become quality control inspectors. These jobs work more to assist higher-level roles and to offer support.

Top Industrial Engineering Careers With an Associate Degree

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $60,460
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $60,220
• Quality Control Inspectors: $38,580

The best industrial engineering bachelor’s degree jobs include sales engineers and industrial production managers. They generally take on leadership roles and require more technical and people skills than those learned in an associate's degree program.

Top Industrial Engineering Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Sales Engineers: $103,710
• Industrial Production Managers: $103,150
• Health and Safety Engineers: $99,040

The best industrial engineering master's degree jobs include finance managers and manufacturing engineers. These jobs may not necessarily be in the IE field but may need more in-depth and interdisciplinary knowledge of engineering.

Top Industrial Engineering Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Senior Professional Service Consultant: $96,309
• Finance Manager: $95,477
• Manufacturing Engineer: $72,116

The best industrial engineering doctorate jobs include analytics consultants and operations research analysts. A PhD gives you intense research, analysis skills, and access to some of the highest-paying jobs in the field.

Top Industrial Engineering Careers With a PhD

• Data Scientist: $97,318
• Analytics Consultant: $85,319
• Operations Research Analyst: $74,207

The best internships for industrial engineering students are at Amazon, Procter & Gamble, and Tesla. Tech companies, especially those that deal with various systems and processes, usually offer internships for IE students.

Top Industrial Engineering Internships

• Amazon Operations Research Science Intern: $113,704
• Tesla Supply Chain - Industrial Engineering Intern: $68,726
• Procter & Gamble Making Engineer Intern: $63,671