INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

General Description:
Industrial engineering is the engineering discipline that concerns the design, development, implementation, and
evaluation of integrated systems of people, knowledge, equipment, energy, and material.

Listed below are the most common specializations and degrees within this area of study. Please note that the
manner in which US institutions classify or name an area of study might differ from your home country.

Common
Specializations
Operations Operations research, operational research, or simply OR, is the use of
Research/ mathematical models, statistics and algorithms to aid in decision-making. It is most
often used to analyze complex real-world systems, typically with the goal of
Decision improving or optimizing performance.
Science
Manufacturing Manufacturing is the transformation of raw materials into finished goods for sale, or
and Production intermediate processes involving the production or finishing of component parts.
Quality Quality control and quality engineering are involved in developing systems which
Engineering ensure that products or services are designed and produced to meet or exceed
customer requirements and expectations.
Human Factors The field of human factors/ergonomics is the scientific discipline that attempts to
and find the best ways to design products, equipment, and systems so that people are
maximally productive, satisfied, and safe.
Ergonomics

Common Degrees
MEng The MEng is a professional degree. This degree can usually be completed in 1
year and does not require a thesis.
MS There are usually 2 options for the Master of Science degree. Thesis and non
thesis. The non thesis option usually requires more credits to complete the
degree.
PhD Highest degree. Typically a 5 year program beginning with coursework followed by
a dissertation composed of original research.
Doctor of This degree prepares individuals for professional engineering careers in business,
Engineering industry and the public sector. It is not intended as a research degree or as
preparation for a faculty position at a research university.

Special Notes on Applying:

Detailed letters of recommendation from faculty/employer who can attest to the students qualifications are
important.
A well written study objective focused on the candidates specialization is essential.
Special tips for visiting student researchers:
It is important for the candidate to identify the faculty person in the U.S. that he/she would like to work under.

Admission
Requirements
Admission Deadlines begin as early as December 15.
and financial
aid deadlines
 Academic The candidate needs an undergraduate degree in Engineering to be admitted into
background MS or PhD programs. Strong quantitative skills are essential.
Work Work experience is not essential but is recommended.
experience
Tests TOEFL score of 88 on the IBT and 575 on the paper based.
GRE scores in the 90% in Math.

Source: Prepared by the Institute of International Education's University Placement Services Division using information from
internal resources and materials and resources readily available on the internet.