Machinery, construction, aerospace, financial services, and more industries dealing with quality control, engineering, and performance evaluation processes require the expertise of industrial engineers. Industrial engineers focus on leading and working in a team as they ensure efficient production and manufacturing processes.
Industrial engineers work in manufacturing companies around 70% of the time, and many have specific specialties, such as assembly lines, raw material processing, and administrative duties.
Official data from the Labor Statistics Bureau confirm that the need for engineering professionals—industrial engineers included—will reach a 12% growth within the next decade.
The Lowdown
Industrial engineers design production layouts and processes aimed at increasing productivity. They help employers or organizations maximize resources, reduce waste, and ensure the best quality levels in production.
Data science, quality assurance, and industrial engineering are just a few other fields in which you can work. Earning an online bachelor’s in industrial engineering is an excellent starting point for practicing professionally in this growing field.
Methodology
Numerous Industrial Engineering bachelor’s programs are at your disposal! We picked the top five degrees offered online, each of which meets these criteria:
- Offered in distance learning formats, particularly as online or hybrid programs featuring in-person classes for conducting research and lab-related activities,
- Features industrial engineering coursework that equips students with fundamental technical knowledge, as designed by highly qualified industrial engineers,
- Enhances students’ abilities to research, demonstrate leadership skills, analyze and solve complex problems, and communicate effectively,
- Prepares learners for entry-level work in the engineering field, as well as advanced learning in a master’s degree program,
- Offers students access to federal aid, as well as scholarships, grants, student loans, military benefits, and other financial aid opportunities,
- Obtained an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology approval and other accreditation,
- Recognized by organizations relevant to the industrial engineering field.
Read our Methodology page for details.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering Degree Programs
Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering Technology
Liberty University’s online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology degree is all about designing solutions for industrial processes. Students also enhance their leadership skills as they prepare for a career in technical teams.
Students are exposed to several industrial engineering issues, and they learn to build systems, components, and processes that satisfy particular requirements. Additionally, they learn how to conduct tests, observe, and analyze outcomes to enhance performance.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Offered in a fully online format, Liberty’s Industrial Engineering Technology program features an 8-week coursework with eight different start dates annually and without login times.
Did You Know?
Liberty University’s BS Industrial Engineering Technology online degree program emphasizes technical communication, teaching students three types of technical writing based on their audience:
- Operational writing
- Promotional writing
- Reportorial writing
Mississippi State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering at Mississippi State University. This online degree provides students with an understanding of how goods and services are delivered globally. As a result, you’ll be honed as an industrial engineer who ensures increased quality and productivity in your organization.
Industrial and systems engineering professionals possess various specialized skills and knowledge. You’ll also develop soft skills as you master the methods of engineering design and analysis. It is common for ISEs to move into management and be entrusted with leading a company later on.
So, to go into this higher position, it’s important to solidify your basics in industrial engineering through this degree.
Some of the topics and subject matters included in your courses are:
- Industrial and systems engineering methods
- Principles of scientific management
- Design and installation of industrial engineering
What’s Unique About this Program:
All industry segments require industrial engineers, which applies to other organizations. After graduation, Mississippi State students can explore many industries like healthcare, finances, transportation, real estate, agriculture, government, or defense. There are no limits as to what you can do with the skills you’ll have.
This Industrial Engineering bachelor’s program aims to equip students with a broad knowledge of ISE fundamentals and practices. You can help processes and systems in their businesses and operations function effectively.
Did You Know?
- The number of credit hours a student can transfer from a community college to Mississippi State is 64.
- Their online course repository includes videos recorded during their on-campus classes.
- Course videos will be available to online students within 24 hours of the on-campus course completion.
The University of Southern Mississippi
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering Technology
If your goal is to enter the manufacturing or service industries, the University of Southern Mississippi’s web-based BS in Industrial Engineering Technology degree is the best preparation you can do to reach your goals.
Their curriculum will eventually prepare you for a supervisory position at a high level. You can become a front-line industrialist with this affordable, fully online degree.
You can sharpen your knowledge of solving local industry’s growing demands with an online Industrial Engineering Technology degree. To keep you at the top of your field, you’ll learn about quality and cost control in operations, supply chain management, industrial automation, or equipment maintenance.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Engineering technology graduates at the University of Southern Mississippi have a bright future because the field is growing and offers good pay. The broad curriculum, which equips graduates with a wide range of technical and management abilities and problem-solving methods, is one of the advantages of a degree in engineering technology.
Because of the variety of career options made possible by this diversity, there is still a considerable demand for industrial engineering technicians. According to a study of their alumni, 95% of their graduates find employment within a year after graduation.
Did You Know?
- First-time, full-time online students are eligible for $500 towards their first semester with their Online Student Scholarship.
- Mississippi residents age 62 or older are eligible for the Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarship Program at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Lamar University
Online Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Lamar University offers an online Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering, which is all about human, environmental, and equipment systems. Using industrial engineering, companies can operate more effectively and compete more effectively.
There’s a wide scope of industries that depend on industrial engineers. By learning about this diverse field, you’ll gain flexibility in your career path. In the manufacturing, service, and banking industries, LU graduates, just like you, work in the fastest-growing profession in the world.
Moreover, Lamar’s Department of Industrial Engineering also offers this degree in a 2 and 2 program, which means two years can be taken in-person and the last two online.
Sometimes, geographical location and scheduling limitations may prevent you from attending a traditional industrial engineering program. Hence, Lamar’s industrial engineering degree is the best alternative.
What’s Unique About this Program:
One thing unique about this program is that you can learn from professors who are specialists in logistics, supply chain management, quality assurance, safety, dependability, manufacturing design, operations research, and project management.
Furthermore, they will train you about Six Sigma, which can be helpful in real-world engineering.
Did You Know?
Beyond the classroom, Lamar University students can participate in internships, co-ops, student research, conferences, and study abroad. Many courses are offered online but come with on-campus counterparts, so you’ll have flexibility and liberty.
Kennesaw State University
Online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering Technology
Kennesaw State University offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology. Consider this online degree if you are passionate about inventing innovative solutions that make business and industry function safer and faster.
If you have the talent to organize operations in organizations and help them develop cost-effective strategies, then it’s best to be an industrial engineer.
Graduates of IET at Kennesaw State become prepared for professions that involve designing, implementing, assessing, and improving integrated systems of people, machines, energy, information, and logistics in industrial or business settings.
What’s Unique About this Program:
Kennesaw State University’s program has two concentrations: Logistics and Quality Principles.
Did You Know?
Kennesaw State’s BS in IET program has the nation’s fourth-highest undergraduate enrollment.
Difference Between Industrial and Mechanical Engineer
Although both Industrial and Mechanical Engineers strive to create products that enhance the lives of customers or employees, there are still some significant variances between the duties that each performs.
Engines, electrical components, and other machinery are built by mechanical engineers using computer-aided design methods and their in-depth understanding of physics and mathematics. Mechanical engineers now depend on advanced tools and technologies to improve their roles and tasks. They typically work in industrial settings, too, but their roles differ from those of industrial engineers.
Mechanical engineers diagnose faulty equipment operation and recommend remedies in the case of failures or difficulties. Their task is to design devices and develop prototypes for testing. In addition, they analyze the test results and make changes as necessary to the design or system. Overall, they are the ones that need to manage the device’s manufacturing process.
On the other hand, industrial engineers often consult workers directly in factories when developing new technologies and procedures to increase output. After these systems have been designed for workers, they will monitor their use to determine if further enhancements are necessary.
An industrial engineer develops job evaluation programs, among other responsibilities. Industrial engineers enhance waste production processes. They evaluate how organizational workforce, machines, and materials can produce the best outcomes.
As a rule, mechanical engineers specialize in machinery and rarely interact with their customers, while industrial engineers are more engaging and interactive. They communicate well with the people involved in the processes and all aspects of production or the industry in which they work.
Responsibilities of Industrial Engineers
An industrial engineer is entrusted with monitoring operations and enhancing productivity and efficiency. In doing so, they assess production schedules, requirements, and orders. They develop and implement cost-saving measures, develop and implement efficient production processes, and find methods for waste and cost reduction.
Some engineers train employees for new processes and provide them with instructions and manuals after evaluating their tasks and responsibilities. The department prepares inventory analyses, procures purchase orders to meet production needs, manages process documentation, and prepares production reports.
Here are more responsibilities of industrial engineers:
- Cooperating with management and users to develop design and production standards
- Calculating production costs, preparing cost analyses, and preparing material and equipment lists
- Establishing the layout and personnel requirements for facilities
- Providing instructions and manuals for new processes and training staff
- Establishing standard operating procedures for everyone involved in processes and operations
- Writing production reports and management of process documentation
- Providing information on production schedules, innovative processes, or other specifications
- Implementing improvements to processes and technology
- Minimizing costs and production issues by designing control systems
- Maximizing efficiency while reducing waste in production processes
Why Industrial Engineering is Important
Industrial engineering is a necessity in all industries.
Another reason to go into Industrial engineering is that this branch of engineering is needed and essential in every industry worldwide. Industrial engineers can work in various industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, technology, healthcare, retail, and service-related industries. No matter your professional goals, you can choose the right industry to belong to.
Industrial engineers pioneer innovation and improvement.
One of the main reasons students choose to become industrial engineering is their passion for innovation and improvement. They innovate processes at the production, layout, scheduling, safety procedure, and quality control levels.
Industrial engineering focuses on processes and systems.
Industrial engineering may not be as focused as other engineering subsets on the technical components of the discipline. Unlike computer or civil engineering, which constantly deal with coding and mathematical equations, industrial engineering injects innovation into existing systems and processes to reduce cost, save time, ease workload, and improve overall results.
Industrial engineers analyze and solve complex operational problems using proven methodologies.
To meet operational and cost objectives, industrial engineers can develop computer-integrated and control systems in manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, real estate, transportation, and other industries. Ensuring a seamless process utilizing the latest technologies and processes falls within an industrial engineer’s expertise.
Industrial engineers possess business skills on top of their technical abilities.
Many engineering schools offer business courses in logistics, supply chain management, and analytics that run concurrently with online technical courses in industrial engineering. Students learn the business side of things at the bachelor’s degree level.
The technical components of industrial engineering are emphasized in the Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Or Finance MBA specializations.
Industrial engineering professionals enjoy flexibility in their careers.
Industrial engineers have the transferable skills that employers seek. Whether in office or manufacturing, they fulfill diverse indispensable roles in organizational structures.
For one, Industrial Engineering majors can become business analysts and data analysts. They can become logisticians, inventory managers, quality control officers, and production specialists in engineering firms and non-engineering organizations.
Industrial engineers keep a respectable, stable profession.
Much like any other engineering job, engineers are instantly respected by societies. After all, the skills and knowledge required to work in industrial engineering make it a respected profession. Industrial engineers are trained in various areas, including industrial equipment and computer software, to do their jobs effectively.
In addition to helping a business operate more efficiently, industrial engineers provide valuable advice to company executives and managers. As a result of the respect you receive in the workplace, you may feel proud to work in this field. This instant gratification allows you to continue feeling motivated to contribute to societies and your respective companies.
Industrial engineers enjoy professional advancement opportunities.
Because industrial engineers have a wide range of skills and knowledge of operations, they can often advance in their careers.
Anytime you qualify for higher positions, it would be easier to transition into management roles or higher positions in industrial engineering jobs. In some cases, engineers and technicians become plant supervisors.
Many industrial engineers also decide to teach industrial engineering concepts at colleges and universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does completing an online Industrial Engineering degree take?
Due to practical projects and prerequisites, completing undergraduate engineering programs entirely online may not be possible. Most require face-to-face attendance or participation, particularly in lab work, internships, and capstone projects. As long as these prerequisites exist, there isn’t much you can do to speed up the process.
Hence, an online bachelor’s in industrial engineering should take four years if you take classes full-time and follow a 16-week semester schedule. However, finishing three years or less can be possible for those programs that can be taken fully online.
Considering their requirements is important when choosing the best online degree to enroll in.
Is there available funding for an online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering?
One common question that most online students would ask is related to school funding. Because colleges may enroll more of them with fewer infrastructure modifications, students of online Industrial Engineering degrees typically pay lower tuition rates than students attending in-person classes.
However, budgeting for college should consider other costs, such as fees, books, and supplies, in addition to tuition. Each term, distance learners often pay a technology charge. However, these costs vary by institution.
Compared to traditional classes, the absence of housing and board results in huge savings for online students. Financial assistance offers yet another chance to save a lot of money. To get the most financial aid possible, prospective students should apply for grants and scholarships that do not require repayment.
First, you can fill out your FAFSA form and consult with the admissions staff about what financial aid programs you can apply for or qualify for.
What can you do with an online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering?
You may find employment as an industrial engineer in various settings, including offices, warehouses, laboratories producing pharmaceuticals, manufacturing plants, chemical refineries, non-profit organizations, real estate construction sites, or healthcare facilities, to mention a few.
As an industrial engineer, you are responsible for making every industry run more efficiently. Industrial engineers may create new production procedures, determine which jobs are most suited for people with disabilities, assist in planning or locating a new facility, or even assist in managing space missions.
Industrial engineers will likely work anywhere processes occur and need to be optimized.
Summary Points
- Expectedly brilliant in mathematics and the sciences, Industrial engineers improve the efficiency of processes in factories and manufacturing facilities by examining and altering or developing new procedures as needed.
- Industrial Engineering degree online graduates are recognized as legitimate degree holders and, therefore, land employment in the field like graduates of traditional programs would,
- Industrial Engineering courses at the undergraduate also equip students with management skills, qualifying them for logistics, quality control, and cost estimation roles.
For more information: