What is Industrial and Systems Engineering?

Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) is the application of engineering principles to improve processes and products. ISE careers are very flexible, leading to work on projects like cutting costs and improving quality in manufacturing, designing a workspace to improve worker performance, or effectively controlling distribution of products worldwide. Industrial and Systems Engineers (ISEs) make significant contributions to their employers by saving money and effort through their designs. ISEs work in both manufacturing and service industries. In the recently updated Job Rated Almanac, ISE ranked as the most desirable profession among all major engineering areas.

Why WSU's Industrial and Systems Engineering Program?

The ABET accredited ISE program is designed to provide students with the range of engineering skills necessary for success in today's marketplace, while giving students the opportunity to specialize. Within the ISE degree program students obtain core knowledge in all aspects of ISE and the opportunity to develop a focus area of expertise in human integrated systems, computer and information systems, operations management, or manufacturing processes and materials science. An undergraduate honors thesis track is also available for those interested in participating in an on-going research program.

Career Opportunities

Graduates find excellent employment opportunities in a wide variety of fields. Manufacturing firms and service industries hire a significant number of ISEs. Today, more and more businesses hire ISEs in areas such as sales and marketing, finance, information systems, and personnel. Corporations as diverse as Coca-Cola, UPS, Disney, IBM, Levi Strauss, Nike, The Gap, Intel, and Microsoft all employ individuals with ISE backgrounds to help manage their businesses. Other industries employing ISEs are hospitals, airlines, banks, railroads, and social services.