Industrial Engineering is the application of science, mathematics, and engineering methods to complex system integration and operation. Because the systems with which they work is so large and complex, industrial engineers (IEs) must develop expertise in a wide variety of disciplines, the ability to work well with people, and a broad, systems perspective.
All IE graduate students learn advanced methods of system integration and operation. As practitioners, MEng and MS graduates analyze and design facilities, material handing systems, manufacturing processes, information systems, and workstations. They also develop, apply, and oversee policies, procedures, and algorithms for production planning, inventory control, resource allocation and scheduling, quality assurance, and supply chain management.
This graduate option within the Industrial Engineering major distinguishes an area of specialization, information systems engineering, within the broader discipline of industrial engineering. Information Systems Engineering (ISE) uses information systems to integrate organizational mechanisms, people, and processes for purposes of improving organizational performance. Typical ISE technologies include database management systems, networks, wireless communications, Web-enabled technologies, and automatic identification and data collection using bar codes, RFID, EDI, and other such devices.