Industrial and Systems Engineering

Industrial and Systems Engineering

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Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Problem-Solving at Scale: Improve systems, not just products.

02

Perfect Blend of Engineering and Business: Industrial engineering can lead to management, analytics, and leadership roles.

03

Extremely Versatile Career Paths: Industrial engineering is applicable in nearly any industry.

04

People Focused Field Options: Combine technical skills with communication and leadership.

05

Improve Efficiency Everywhere: Optimize processes in healthcare, business, and manufacturing.

Core
Skills

  • Systems thinking
  • Process improvement methodologies
  • Data analysis and modeling
  • Project management
  • Operations analysis

Sample
Jobs

  • Industrial Engineer
  • Process Improvement Engineer
  • Engineering Project Manager
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Systems Engineer

Successful Career Outcomes

2024 Undergraduate Placement Rate: 98%
2024 Average Starting Salary: $72,616 (Min: $56,000; Max: $105,000)

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Manufacturing
  • Transportation/Distribution
  • Healthcare
  • Government
  • Entertainment

Brag
Points

  • 100% career outcomes for graduates—employed, enrolled, or serving.
  • Focused on the "big picture"—optimizing entire systems, not just parts.
  • Graduates work across industries—from healthcare to logistics to defense.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Co-ops and Internships

Co-ops and internships allow you to alternate semesters of paid, full-time work with academic study, giving you extended, hands-on experience before you graduate. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to real engineering projects, build professional skills, and often graduate with a stronger resume, industry connections, and a clearer sense of your career goals.

Spotlight

Thrive in Five

Academically talented juniors may apply for the Thrive in Five program, which allows you, as an undergraduate, to take classes at the graduate level for dual credit in both your undergraduate program and for graduate credit. A maximum of nine credit hours may be applied. 

Industrial and Systems Engineering

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation

Your first year introduces you to how industrial engineers think about systems, efficiency, and people. In IE 1313: Lean Work Systems, you’ll start learning how to reduce waste and improve processes. You’ll also take calculus, chemistry, and computer programming to build the technical foundation you’ll rely on throughout the major. Industrial engineering intentionally includes psychology and microeconomics in the social sciences because understanding people and money is essential to optimizing real-world systems.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

This is the year when data and decision-making really come together. Engineering statistics becomes a cornerstone of the major, helping you learn how to analyze data and make informed improvements. You’ll also take linear algebra, physics, and engineering economics and accounting, skills that prepare you to evaluate systems from both technical and business perspectives.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

By your third year, your coursework focuses on applying what you’ve learned. Classes in professional communication, information systems, manufacturing processes, and ergonomics help you connect technical skills with real workplace challenges. You’ll also begin tailoring your experience through electives in industrial engineering, engineering management, engineering science, and professional enrichment.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

Your senior year centers on pulling everything together. In capstone senior design, you’ll work on a real-world project that mirrors the kind of challenges industrial engineers solve every day. Courses in linear programming, logistics, simulation, production control, quality, and systems engineering prepare you to step confidently into industry or graduate school.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is a great year to start exploring hands-on opportunities. Many students join competition teams like EcoCAR, Xipiter, or Space Cowboys to apply classroom concepts in a team setting. As you get involved, it’s also a good time to start paying attention to your GPA. Co-Ops and internships typically require at least a 2.5, and many companies look for a 3.0 or higher.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

As you gain confidence, you may find yourself taking on more responsibility within competition teams. This is also a good year to begin researching internships, co-ops, or undergraduate research opportunities. Many students are eligible to co-op after their first year, and faculty can help you identify research projects that match your interests.

3rd Year

Lead

By now, many students are ready to step into leadership roles on teams or projects. This is also the year to seriously plan for summer research, REU experiences, or internships that align with your career goals. These experiences help you see how industrial engineering works in real organizations.

4th Year

Master and Launch

Your senior year is about refining and sharing what you’ve learned. Many students mentor younger teammates and pass along advice. This is also a good time to explore professional certifications like Six Sigma or consider taking the Fundamentals of Engineering or FE exam if it aligns with your plans.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

Getting connected early helps you feel at home on campus. Many industrial engineering students join organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), or Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), along with any of MSU’s 300-plus student organizations.

2nd Year

Lead

This is the year to start taking on more responsibility, whether that’s a formal leadership role or simply helping a group run more smoothly behind the scenes.

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

As an upper-level student, you can begin mentoring others and stepping into leadership roles that influence your campus community.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

Your final year is a chance to give back by sharing insights and guidance with younger students while highlighting your leadership experiences as you prepare for life after graduation.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover

You may want to start your college career by joining international professional societies like the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) or INFORMS to learn how industrial engineering is practiced around the world.

2nd Year

Plan and Explore

This is the year to become more active in professional societies and begin exploring regional or national conferences.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

Many students choose to study abroad or participate in global learning experiences through the Bagley College of Engineering, with options available in several countries.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand

Your senior year is a great time to present undergraduate research at a symposium or conference and reflect on how global experiences have shaped your perspective.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

You’ll begin developing career skills early by creating a resume and practicing interview techniques in IE 1313: Lean Work Systems. Meeting with the Career Center can help you learn about resources and opportunities from the start.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

This is the year to start conversations with employers at career fairs and explore co-op or internship opportunities. Mock interviews through the Career Center can help you build confidence. You may also begin thinking about graduate school and programs like Thrive in Five, which accelerates progress toward a master’s degree.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

As your goals become clearer, attending employer info sessions and connecting with alumni can help you refine your direction. This is also a great time to build and polish your LinkedIn profile.

4th Year

Make Your Move

Your final year focuses on applying for full-time roles or graduate programs. Using Connections, attending career fairs, and staying in touch with alumni and industry contacts can help you take the next step with confidence.

Learn More

CurriculumApply NowBagley College of EngineeringDepartment of Industrial and Systems Engineering