Why Earn a Degree or Certificate in Industrial Engineering?
A career in industrial engineering is an excellent path for people-oriented problem solvers who have a knack for organization and efficiency. Industrial engineers successfully marry a keen business sense with technical know-how and examine systems specific to a given industry to ensure products and services are being created, manufactured, and sold in the most efficient and effective way possible. Graduates in the field have the freedom to work in a number of industries like government, manufacturing, health care, communications, and finance.
What Skills Will I Learn While Studying for an Industrial Engineering Degree or Certificate?
While studying for a degree or certificate in industrial engineering, students will be exposed to and prepared for important field-related competencies, including:
- Utilizing creative thinking to solve complex problems
- Perfecting interpersonal skills
- Designing, developing, and improve systems
- Honing communication skills, both written and oral
How are Industrial Engineering Courses Taught?
Industrial engineering courses at the baccalaureate level include science labs and courses in upper-level math, as well as lectures, seminars, and course work that offers a broad overview of all that the realm of industrial engineering has to offer. If pursuing a master's degree in industrial engineering, students then have the opportunity to tailor their course work to align more closely with their specific career goals.
How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree or Certificate in Industrial Engineering?
A certificate in industrial engineering can be completed in one to two years while a bachelor's degree will take approximately four years to complete. A master's degree in industrial engineering can take up to three years to complete, depending upon the course load per semester.
How do Online Master's Degrees or Certificates in Industrial Engineering Work?
Many schools only offer online degrees in industrial engineering at the graduate level. This is due, in large part, to the fact that industrial engineering degree programs at the undergraduate level are extremely hands-on. An online master's degree in industrial engineering is ideal for those who already work in the field of applied science or engineering.
Online master's degree and certificate courses are taught in much the same way as in-person industrial engineering classes are taught. Course work consists of lectures, simulations, and labs. Many master's degree programs require the completion of a thesis or the passing of a written exam in order to graduate.
What if I Have Questions about the Online Industrial Engineering Master's Degree Format and Process?
Questions about an online master's degree or certificate in industrial engineering can most often be answered through research or through contacting a school of interest directly. Here is a list of important questions to consider:
- Is the school accredited?
- Does the school assist with licensing upon graduation?
- What type of financial aid, scholarships, or corporate discounts does the school offer, if any?
- How is lab work conducted?
- Is field work required?
- What type of academic and career counseling is available?
- What type of course materials are available?
What Will I Need to be Successful Studying Online?
Obtaining an online degree in any capacity requires a high level of time management and self-discipline. Many online programs do not operate on a set classroom schedule and it is solely up to the individual student to conduct research, and complete course- and lab work. Students must commit themselves to staying organized and maintaining a routine study schedule.
Industrial Engineering Online Master's Degree or Graduate Certificate Course Examples
Courses taught online at the graduate level toward a degree or graduate certificate in industrial engineering include:
- Quality Control and Improvement
- Design Engineering Experiment
- Factory Simulation
- Production Science
- Production Planning and Control
- Supply Chain Management
- Target Costing
- Human Capital Engineering and Analytics
- Reliability Engineering
- Information Systems Engineering
- Simulating Stochastic Systems
- Operational Research
- Human Factors Engineering
- Production Systems Engineering
- Managing Technological Change and Innovation
Tuition and Costs for an Online Master's Degree or Certificate in Industrial Engineering
Annual tuition to acquire an online master's degree or certificate in industrial engineering will cost an average of $24,331 not including additional costs such as application fees, transcript fees, lab fees, and the cost of course materials.
What Kinds of Jobs Can I Do with an Industrial Engineering Degree?
Those with a degree in industrial engineering have many job options, including:
- Industrial engineer, $85,880
- Operation analyst, $53,869
- Management analyst, $82,450
- Ergonomist, $75,877
- Quality Assurance engineer, $66,902
- Logistician, $74,590
- Cost estimator, $63,110
- Industrial Production Manager, $100,580
What are the Benefits of Having a Degree or Certificate in Industrial Engineering?
Jobs in industrial engineering are in demand, and that trend is expected to continue for several years to come. As a need for delivering quality products in efficient company environments increases, so does the need for industrial engineers. Since many undergraduate industrial engineering programs educate students in a wide range of topics within the field, graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce with a strong knowledge base that spans business, finance, and system design. For those who wish to pursue a master's degree or certificate in industrial engineering, students can deepen their knowledge and fine-tune the skills learned at the baccalaureate level.
How Can I Get More Information on Industrial Engineering?
More information on industrial engineering and industrial engineering degree programs can be found at: