Industrial engineering has evolved to focus on harnessing data for making important decisions. At Northwestern, we call this data science for decision making. Industrial engineers are problem solvers who optimize processes and systems to improve performance and efficiency in industries like healthcare, finance, tech, the public sector, manufacturing, retail, and supply chain and logistics. Their work impacts all of society’s vital goods and services.
The BS in industrial engineering is ideal for students interested in solving complex problems with math and data. We teach techniques like machine learning, probability, statistics, math modeling, optimization, simulation, and decision analysis. Students develop both analytical skills and their knowledge of business allowing them to understand how different parts of a system interact and how they can be configured to meet a common goal. These fundamentals are combined with allied fields of science and engineering to broaden one’s technical proficiency, as well as with elective courses in social sciences, fine arts, history, and philosophy to expand background knowledge and perspectives essential for applying technical skills.
The basics at-a-glance
Students must complete 48 courses, including required courses in mathematics, engineering, and science; and 16 industrial engineering major courses and 7 technical electives. Students may concentrate in: graduate preparation; machine learning and data sciences; human-centered engineering; operations, transportation, and logistics; quantitative finance; or product management.
Comprised of two integrated course sequences, Engineering Analysis and Design Thinking and Communication (DTC), our innovative first-year curriculum provides students with the fundamentals of a successful engineering education, and lets them experience hands-on engineering early in their undergraduate careers.
All students complete a required, one-quarter course at the end of junior year that applies the skills a student has learned in the program to solve a real-world problem. Students use this to build their resume as they enter the job market their senior year. Past students have worked with a wide variety of clients including: Target, Lurie Children's Hosptial, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Evanston Animal Shelter, and the American Red Cross.
Azevedo analyzes transportation data to optimize school transit operations and identify the best vehicle types for community-focused transport, helping school administrators and transportation directors improve access to education.
Kosmowski is a leader in the enterprise software space, where she brings together the worlds of technology and business, and helps C-level executives and their teams thrive through transformation.
Foote is a leader in the private equity field, where she focuses on investing in high-growth, middle-market companies within the consumer and distribution industries.
Supplement your degree with complementary knowledge or experience in another area
Students have frequently pursued a double major in economics, computer sciences, or manufacturing and design engineering.
Students can pursue complementary certificates and minors, including the popular Machine Learning & Data Science Minor, or other options related to business, management, economics, computer science, or engineering design.
McCormick’s Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program allows undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) and master’s degree (MS) simultaneously, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree.
Networking opportunities and experience to broaden your worldview and prepare you for the next step in your career
Membership in organizations helps students stay informed of current developments in their fields; to establish and maintain contacts with peers who share similar interests and goals; and to keep the impact and importance of their work in the public eye.
Become part of our vibrant learning community through Mentoring Matters, a program featuring year-round mentoring with peers, faculty, and alumni from diverse industries. Recharge and connect through weekly dIvErsion gatherings that feature guest speakers, undergraduate-focused topics, and special visits from our therapy dog.
Northwestern encourages students in all of its undergraduate schools to study abroad. Study Abroad Office staff and advisers will work closely with you to help you connect your academic and personal goals to an international credit-bearing experience.
Where do we go from here?
Many students who earn a bachelor of science in industrial engineering go on to pursue graduate study in data science, finance, operations research, law, business, engineering, management science, mathematics, social sciences, and medicine. Other students accept jobs at well-known companies or nonprofit organizations after graduation.
While at Northwestern, our students benefit from professional development opportunities that prepare them for the next step in their careers. They have access to internships and extensive career placement resources via both Northwestern Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement.
Where our alumni work in industry
Where our alumni attend graduate school
We encourage you to visit our campus and learn about the Northwestern Engineering first hand.
