The Department of Industrial Engineering’s mission is to provide contemporary and relevant industrial and systems engineering education and research; impart knowledge and skills necessary to design and to improve a variety of manufacturing and service processes; promote life-long learning; and contribute to emerging societal needs.

Industrial Engineering combines science and technical knowledge with human sciences to design, plan, and analyze systems that involve people, materials, money, energy, equipment, and other resources. Industrial engineers work with personnel in research and development, accounting, engineers in other disciplines, maintenance, human resources, and production to increase organizational productivity, improve quality, reduce health care costs, conserve energy, develop public transportation systems, and improve industrial safety conditions. Industrial engineering distinguishes itself from other engineering professions because it has applications in manufacturing, service, commercial, and governmental activities. It is the major branch of engineering concerned not only with technology, but with people, making industrial engineers a prime source of management talent.