工业工程有助于管理决策过程。它与人员，方法，材料，机器和能源的集成系统的最佳利用有关，以实现组织目标。在应用工程分析和设计的原理和方法时，它与其他工程学科的不同之处在于涉及以下方面的问题：人力和精力，生产系统，金钱，材料和时间使用的经济性以及高利用率社会科学。工业工程师使用科学的方法来建立事实信息，从中定义备选方案，识别和解决问题。考虑到系统的设计，改进和控制，他们收集，分析，整理和统计检查数据。他们将新技术和工具引入组织和决策过程。
If you like figuring out how to make the best use of time, human effort, production processes, and financial and physical resources, you may be an industrial engineer at heart. The field lets you combine engineering and the social sciences to create systems that improve efficiency -- whether in an emergency room, a manufacturing floor, or a baseball lineup. In the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program, you'll first build a foundation in universal engineering theories, mathematics, and the physical sciences and also take courses in accounting, management, computer science, and the social sciences. Explore potential career paths, get real-world insights, develop valuable workplace skills, and build a network of professional contacts through internships, research opportunities, student organizations, and full-time professional work experiences.