Industrial Engineering

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What is Industrial Engineering?

Industrial Engineering solves problems through the integration of engineering and business principles. Industrial systems engineers work to improve performance and productivity using problem solving. This major creates leaders who often serve as a link between engineering and management. Upon graduation, you will know how to manage budgets and projects. This major may be for you if you’re interested in:

Streamlining processes
Evaluating and reducing strain on workers and the environment
Saving companies money
Eliminating waste of time, money, materials, energy, and other commodities

Career Options

Automotive, control systems, & manufacturing
Business systems integration & consulting
Communication & computer systems
Construction
Engineering administration
Marketing & product testing
Operations & quality control
Robotics

Post-Graduation Success¹

97% employed or continuing education

77% employed after graduation

20% attending graduate school

$74,703 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Protiviti (4), United Airlines (3), Crowe (3) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, University of Chicago View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
Interest in improving society through engineering
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.8 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

77% four-year graduation rate

90% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Materials Science and Engineering - ENG

Operations Management - BUS

Supply Chain Management - BUS

Systems Engineering and Design - ENG

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.