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Areas of Study

BS in Industrial Engineering and MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering

Michael Kuhl
Interim Department Head; Healthcare Lead-PhD Engineering, Professor

Balance, Sustainable Design

Industrial engineers take a systems approach to people, materials, and technology in the work place. They deal with the creation of products, procedures, and processes that are compatible with both the people who use them and the environment. Industrial engineers help companies globally. They answer “big picture” design and engineering questions: Can we remanufacture last year’s hard drives and monitors rather than junk them? Can we develop an optimum routing structure for our shipments? What can we do to simultaneously increase efficiency and quality? How can we reduce waiting time on amusement park rides?

Future industrial engineers will need to be proficient in problem solving and communication, possessing a blend of skills in engineering and management. After the first year of foundation courses in mathematics and science, the curriculum covers concepts of human performance, mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, quality management, and contemporary manufacturing processes. State-of-the-art labs and software provide students with the opportunity to use the same tools professionals use on the job. Industrial engineers perform a huge variety of jobs in every kind of business and industry. They evaluate workstation designs, monitor safety programs, perform product life studies, schedule operations, develop computer forecasting models, manage logistics and supply chains, to name just a few of the fascinating jobs available to industrial engineers.

Students can choose to deepen their expertise through specialized courses, co-op assignments, and senior design projects with the following options: ergonomics and human factors, logistics and transportation systems, manufacturing  and quality,  and simulation and operations research.

  Rochester Institute of Technology
One Lomb Memorial Drive,
Rochester, NY 14623-5603