Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. Olivia Martinez
Industrial engineers improve organizational operations and competitiveness. An Online Industrial Engineering Degree equips graduates for manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and consulting careers.
An online industrial engineering degree integrates mathematical, physical, and social sciences to develop effective manufacturing systems that amalgamate information, equipment, and people. Over the past century, the innovations brought about by industrial engineers are commendable and have improved the quality of life of common people. Looking at the speed at which the world is moving towards globalization and fast-moving technological innovations, industrial engineering promises to have a greater demand in the coming days. Industrial engineering online bachelor’s degree gives students the flexibility to pursue their studies and other obligations. There are around 22,800 openings for industrial engineers expected [1] every year. A Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue diverse career paths in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and consulting.
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Find the Best Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
It is tough to pinpoint the best online industrial engineering degrees universities and colleges offer as numerous factors must be considered. Some of the most important things to look for are accreditation, quality of faculty, well-equipped infrastructure, updated curriculum with in-demand concentrations, and the job offers they get while in colleges or placements. Based on our proprietary methodology, here is the list of best online industrial engineering degrees available:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Old Dominion University | 5115 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, Virginia 23529 | $12,210 | 44% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Industrial Engineering Degree
An online industrial engineering degree requires about 120 credit hours of coursework. Electrical systems, industrial quality control, engineering economics, production & inventory control, industrial cost control, concepts of operations and logistics, and industrial automation are all topics covered in class. Students study electrical system design, installation, and performance, applying fundamental quality control techniques and the various cost factors that affect the overall cost of producing goods or services. Graduates of the bachelor’s programs can go on to work as systems engineers, coordinators of continuous improvement, analysts of process improvement, process engineers, manufacturing engineers, and industrial experts.
Curriculum and Coursework
Bachelors in industrial engineering online degree is a 4-year program divided into semesters. The students are taught the nuances of production and the intricacies of reducing waste, increasing the output to the maximum, and maintaining expenses within budget. Listed below are some of the subjects that are part of this program:
Linear Algebra
Vector spaces, lines & planes, and linear equations are taught to students in this course. Due to its fundamental importance in the development and innovation of products, linear algebra is a subject that industrial engineering candidates must understand. Additionally, they learn how to conduct statistical and numerical analyses and efficiently solve systems of linear equations.
Engineering Economy
Industrial engineering students will master engineering economics terms like cost analysis, cash-flow equivalency, and replacement analysis through this course. Additionally, they learn how to choose the tools and supplies that will work best for the engineering tasks they’ll be working on.
Programming for Engineers
Basic programming skills are a part of this program, which they can use for engineering tech-enabled products. Algorithms, numeric computation & matrices, object-oriented programming, and equation solutions are some topics included.
Probability and Statistics for Engineers
Probability and statistics concepts are taught to students in this subject, which they can use to analyze real engineering issues. They also get to practice hypothesis testing & data analysis in this course. This course will also cover random variables, sampling distributions, correlation and regression, and estimation theory.
Manufacturing Process
This course includes fundamental manufacturing processes, like casting and molding, bulk deformation, 3D printing & metal cutting. Properties of various materials are also taught to students. Moreover, students get exposed to well-known product designs & manufacturing methods.
So other courses that might be a part of the program are:
- Electrical Fundamentals
- Materials and Industrial Processes
- Innovations in Industrial Automation
- Industrial Manufacturing and Assembly
- Using Programming to Solve Problems
- Business Analytics
- Statics/Strength of Materials
- Business Concepts
- Professional Development & Strategies
- Advanced Spreadsheets for Business
- Technical Communications
- Humanities Seminar
- Effective Speaking
- Survey of Economics
- Principles of Psychology
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
Students with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering will be well-versed in handling real-life engineering issues while on the job. The program equips them with the knowledge they need to be an asset to any production firm. Below are the learning outcomes of this program:
- Apply discipline knowledge to solve problems or take up organizational challenges;
- Ability to participate productively in teams and showcase productivity;
- Ability to recognize the company’s processes & behaviors;
- Possess advanced abilities in analyzing, collecting, and interpreting data;
- Possess advanced abilities in designing solutions for pertinent problems;
- Possess advanced abilities in efficiently communicating written and oral solutions;
- Possess advanced abilities to evaluate these solutions’ impact on the organization & society;
- Possess advanced knowledge of computational and methodological skills.
- Develop skills towards life-long learning within the field of the profession of ISE
Types of Degrees Industrial Engineering Students Can Obtain
A student of industrial engineering can pursue a couple of different degrees. All these degree types lead to more or less the same kind of jobs. Each type of degree offers a unique approach to studying industrial engineering, catering to different career paths and educational aspirations. Listed below are some of the degrees that individuals can get enrolled in:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) deals with the environment, people, and equipment. They are the ones who design how everything and everybody works, ranging from airport security checkpoints to emergency evacuations. This domain offers many job opportunities as it is one of the world’s quickest-growing and most sought-after professions.
Bachelor of Science and Engineering (BSE) in Industrial Engineering
Bachelor of Science and Engineering (BSE) in Industrial Engineering focuses on improving quality & productivity. Its primary focus is eliminating waste of time, materials, money, energy & commodities. These engineers are versatile experts trained to handle various societal issues. They design, evaluate, develop, improve, and operate multiple integrated systems that supply products in a practical, sustainable, efficient, and responsible manner.
Industrial & Operations Engineering (IOE)
Industrial and operations engineers use data to design, analyze, and optimize decision-making and shaping systems comprising processes, machines, and humans. This degree is relevant to almost all industries, such as business consulting, finance, energy, health, robotics, manufacturing, and transportation. The primary focus is critical thinking and teaching specialized computational, statistical, mathematical, and social sciences skills.
Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE)
Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) uses statistical, mathematical, and scientific techniques to analyze, design, implement, and improvise systems of information, people, and materials. These systems more often involve interactions between humans & machines.
Areas of Specialization for Industrial Engineering Students
The industrial engineering online degree program offers various in-demand specializations for students. These specializations help carve a niche for themselves. Candidates can opt for one or more depending on their strengths and areas of interest. Below are some of the popular specializations offered:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Big Data Analytics | Big Data Analytics is a process of going through and analyzing considerable data to look for missing patterns and correlations. This helps the companies make predictions and plan for the future. | Data Analyst, Big Data Developer, Big Data Engineer, and more. |
| Computer and Information Systems | Industrial engineers have a crucial role in this domain as they use manufacturing system knowledge, quantitative system analysis, and human factors skills to refine computer systems. | Information System Business Manager, Engineer-System Programming, IT Expert, and more. |
| Design and Manufacturing | Many industrial engineering graduates find jobs in the manufacturing area after taking this specialization. This includes computer-aided design & manufacturing, virtual & physical prototyping, 3D designs, and manufacturing systems. | Design for Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Design Engineer, Engineer, Product Design, and more. |
| Human Factors and Ergonomics | An increasingly significant engineering specialty is represented by this area of concentration. System performance is becoming increasingly dependent on the compatibility of system characteristics with human capabilities due to the tremendous development in netcentric computer technology. | Human Factors Engineer, Safety Scientist, Ergonomist, Usability (UX) Practitioner, and more. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
A full-time bachelor’s in industrial engineering online degree requires 120 credits to complete the program. On average, this program takes four years to complete but may take a little longer or less, depending on the time taken to fulfill the credits. On the other hand, a part-time bachelor’s in industrial engineering online can take about 6 to 7 years to complete. The part-time program gives time flexibility to individuals with other obligations to fulfill. The credibility of both the programs is the same though the duration differs.
Accelerated Industrial Engineering Programs
An accelerated program helps students finish their degrees faster than the stipulated time. Not many colleges in the US offer accelerated programs, but there are other ways to expedite engineering programs. Most of the time candidates transfer credits and combine two degrees. Those with an industrial engineering degree online can have both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years (full-time mode). Applicants with a good academic inclination usually take up these methods. The courses will count toward both the 120-hour bachelor’s degree and the 30-hour master’s degree. After completing the bachelor’s degree, they will need only an additional 21 credits to obtain their master’s degree. Some institutions that allow this include:
Online Industrial Engineering Degree Admission Requirements
The online industrial engineering degree admission requirements may vary slightly from college to college. Below are some commonly demanded criteria for admission to a bachelor’s program:
Some universities may even ask for an English proficiency test for students from non-English speaking countries.
How to Ensure an Online Industrial Engineering Degree Is Accredited
The first and foremost thing to look for in a college should be its accreditation. Whether an industrial engineering online degree is accredited or not does not reflect the standards of education at that college. Accreditation is offered only when the curriculum, infrastructure, and faculty standards align with the industry standards. Here are some of the accretions that students can look out for:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) [4]
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) [5]
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [6]
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) [7]
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) [8]
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)[9]
Programmatic accreditation may be from:
For more information on the same, please read the guide to college accreditation.
Free Industrial Engineering Courses
A student of BS Industrial Engineering may enroll in various free industrial engineering courses to broaden their knowledge. Organizations, as well as colleges, offer these courses. These courses do not count as credits for a degree but add value to the current programs and help develop skills. Post the completion of the program, a certificate is awarded. Here are some free online courses:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Industrial Engineering [11] | A comprehensive knowledge of industrial engineering tools and techniques is offered to students in this course. The organizational structure of industrial engineering is also introduced to students. | Alison |
| Industrial Biotechnology [12] | This course from Coursera will deal with the essential technologies that support biotechnology research. Application of this knowledge in the real world is also part of this program. | Coursera |
| Industrial IoT Markets and Security [13] | With the help of this course, they can examine the technology trends and emerging markets. This will also develop skills to be absorbed in the IIoT domain. | Coursera |
| Industrial Internet of Things [14] | The students are taught how the Industrial Internet of Things is applied to manufacturing and what can be the consequences of using the same. Further, they also learn what back-end work is required for its implementation. | Coursera |
Ways to Pay for an Online Industrial Engineering Degree
As per the National Center for Education Statistics [15], the average cost of a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering will be around $16,647 per year. An online industrial engineering degree can be very expensive, and not every student can bear this cost. However, there are different ways to ease the burden on students. Government, NGOs, and universities have schemes that help in bearing the cost of studies, and some are listed below:
Scholarships
Scholarships are sometimes merit-based and sometimes need-based. These have zero application fees; students must be on the lookout for the deadlines and the requirements of various scholarships. Scholarships do not need to be repaid and may cover fees and other related costs. Applicants must spend more time on how to find scholarships online.
Grants
Many traditional institutions pay students to work on campus through work-study programs; however, if they enroll in an online degree, they won’t have access to those employees. However, after submitting their FAFSA, they need to check whether they are eligible for assistance. Grants, unlike loans, do not need repayment and can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans are offered at a very low-interest rate, and they have six months to establish themselves before they start paying it off.
The candidates must fill out FAFSA student aid applications to be eligible. The application will ask for their job, income, and savings. This will give them more precise information about the federal student aid they qualify for.
Federal Work-Study Programs
These are some jobs students take up on campus to earn while studying. These are earnings, and they are not expected to pay them off. Candidates are expected to work anywhere on campus, including in residence halls, libraries, bookstores, fitness centers, and research labs.
Scholarships for Online Industrial Engineering Degree Students
Every student is on the lookout for scholarships to aid their study expenses. Universities and organizations offer different scholarships to help in higher studies. Online industrial engineering degree scholarships and work-study opportunities are available for candidates. To receive fee waivers, they can apply before the due date. Some of the scholarships available include:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship [16] | This NSPE Education Foundation Auxiliary Legacy Scholarship is offered annually to female candidates pursuing their initial year of an ABET-accredited engineering program. | $5,000 | January, 2024 |
| Steinman Scholarship [17] | This Steinman Scholarship is offered annually to undergraduate students pursuing their initial year in a 4-year ABET-accredited engineering college. There are multiple awards available for students. | $5,000 | April, 2023 |
| George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship [18] | NSPE Education Foundation George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship is available annually to students currently enrolled in engineering graduate or undergraduate programs in an ABET-accredited engineering college. | $3,000 | 15th June annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating From an Online Industrial Engineering Degree
The demand for an industrial engineering degree online is bound to increase in the coming years. Most industrial engineers are employed in technical—professional, and scientific services. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an industrial engineer was $99,380 [1] in May 2023. This is bound to increase by 12%, much faster than average for other professions. Below are some of the professions that Industrial Engineers can opt for:
Some of these job roles are elaborated below:
| Occupation | Job Description | Skills Required | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Manager [19] | Industrial Production Managers are crucial in ensuring that manufacturing operations are efficient and cost-effective and produce high-quality products. Their leadership and decision-making abilities are essential for achieving organizational goals related to productivity, quality, and profitability. | Business skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills | 2% (as fast as average) | $116,970 per year |
| Industrial Engineers [1] | Industrial Engineers design efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to produce goods or provide services. They prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct time and motion studies, and analyze production costs to enhance productivity and ensure high-quality output. | Speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and creativity | 12% (much faster than average) | $99,380 per year |
| Materials Engineer [20] | Materials Engineers are essential in ensuring that the materials used in product production are of the highest quality and suitable for their intended applications. Their expertise is critical in innovating and developing new materials that drive advancements in technology and industry. | Analytical skills, math skills, problem-solving skills, writing skills, and speaking skills | 5% (faster than average) | $104,100 per year |
| Management Analyst [21] | Management Analysts play a critical role in helping organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Their expertise in analyzing business processes and developing strategic recommendations makes them invaluable assets in driving organizational success and competitiveness. | Analytics skills, Interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and time management | 11% (much faster than average) | $93,000 per year |
| Quality Control Inspectors [22] | Quality Control Inspectors are vital in maintaining the integrity of the production process and ensuring that products delivered to customers are of the highest quality. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality help organizations maintain high standards and build customer trust. | Detail-oriented, math skills, mechanical skills, physical stamina, and technical skills | -4% (decline) | $45,580 per year |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Industrial Engineering Degree Graduates
Certifications and licensing show that the candidate has the required knowledge for the domain. If topped with relevant certifications, an online degree in industrial engineering can lead to some of the most premium jobs in the market. These certifications may have some prerequisites students need to fulfill to earn them. Below mentioned are some of the relevant certifications for industrial engineers:
This certification proves that the students know the Lean Six Sigma Methodology and can quickly work on relevant projects. The knowledge of cost-benefit analysis is also essential for this. With the help of this certification, students also understand how to use charts, scatter diagrams, histograms, and cost-benefit analysis to materialize ideas. Candidates can upgrade to fields that use Six Sigma when they shift to a full-time position.
Project Management Professional (PMP) [24]
Students with this certification are well-versed in the solutions to real-world project management issues and know the intricacies of project management. They can start fresh projects, plan, implement, monitor the development, make changes as and when needed, and finish the project.
Engineer-In-Training (EIT) License and Certification [25]
The state engineering board issues this license after clearing the Engineer in Training or the EIT exam. Only after clearing this exam can one earn this certification. Candidates become eligible to get some of the best jobs in the market after these certifications as they showcase their subject knowledge very well.
Certified Product Manager [26]
Students or professionals with this certification understand new product design concepts and ways to increase their lifecycle. They focus on product inception, its design & release, and knowing about all the process stages. The knowledge of growing manufacturing efficiency is also a part of the package.
Additional Resources for Online Industrial Engineering Degree Graduates
Connecting with others from the student domain is always a good idea. The network they build and learn in the process cannot be replaced with classroom training. Getting associated with professional organizations will help the candidates access various journals and conferences that will prove very beneficial. Those with bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering online can be a part of the following:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE) [27] | The technology, science, and art of precision engineering are advanced by The American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE). The development and design of machines and instruments are included here. The students also have access to conferences and journals of ASPE. |
| American Society of Safety Professionals [28] | The American Society of Safety Professionals imparts knowledge through professional journals, symposiums, and networking events. They make every effort to reduce injuries at the workplace. This association was formed after learning about some terrible workplace disasters. |
| Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) [29] | This association was founded in 1915. AFE offers a perfect networking opportunity, which is good for professional growth for those in the facilities engineering field. |
| Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) [30] | The Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) supports US-based builders and manufacturing technologies. The association takes all efforts to further innovation speed and deliver an intelligent workforce for the coming times. |
| Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) [31] | HFES strives to reduce human errors and upscale productivity along with all the safety measures. The focus is always on the interaction between humans and IoT. Different disciplines like sociology, biomechanics, psychology, engineering, physiology, visual design, interaction design, industrial design, anthropometry, user experience, and user interface design are combined here. |
FAQs About Online Industrial Engineering Degree Programs
Can you get an industrial engineering degree online?
Yes, though Industrial Engineering requires a lot of hands-on learning and dealing with instruments and machines, universities offer an online degree in Industrial Engineering. Individuals must search online to get a plethora of options for online degrees. This is an excellent opportunity for those who have family and other financial obligations to fulfill.
What can you do with an online industrial engineering degree?
Is an online degree in industrial engineering worth it?
What is the career path that an industrial engineer follows?
Is industrial engineering a good career choice?
What is the approximate cost of a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
Citations:
North Carolina State University
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Introduction to Industrial Engineering
Industrial IoT Markets and Security
National Center for Education Statistics
George B. Hightower, P.E. Fellowship
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Engineer-In-Training (EIT) License and Certification
American Society for Precision Engineering (ASPE)
American Society of Safety Professionals
Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)