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Industrial Engineering Concentration in Engineering
An industrial engineering concentration focuses on optimizing systems, processes, and operations. It typically builds on the engineering program core and adds courses in operations research, quality management, human factors, and supply chain systems. Most schools offer this track at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and much of the coursework can be completed through an online engineering degree.
Quick Answers
What is an industrial engineering concentration in engineering?
An industrial engineering concentration is a focused set of courses within an engineering program that emphasizes process optimization, operations research, and quality management.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework includes operations research, quality control, human factors engineering, supply chain management, and production systems.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Engineering Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Process optimization, operations research, and quality management
- Degree levels: Commonly available at bachelor’s and master’s level
- Career alignment: Industrial Engineer – $102,440 median (BLS, May 2025)
- Job growth: 11.0% projected growth, 2024-2034 (BLS, May 2025)
- Employment: 350,230 industrial engineers employed nationally (BLS, May 2025)
- Online availability: Available at many accredited programs
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Engineering Program Guide, and review the typical engineering curriculum and accreditation standards that apply across concentrations.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Operations Research | Linear programming, optimization models, and decision analysis |
| Quality Control | Statistical process control, Six Sigma, and quality systems |
| Human Factors Engineering | Ergonomics, workplace design, and human-system interaction |
| Supply Chain Management | Logistics, inventory control, and distribution systems |
| Production Systems | Manufacturing planning, scheduling, and lean methods |
| Industrial Systems Lab | Process simulation, data analysis, and system modeling |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How engineering concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (BLS, May 2025) | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Thermal systems, mechanics, design | Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 | 9.1% |
| Electrical Engineering | Circuits, power systems, electronics | Electrical Engineer | $111,910 | 7.2% |
| Civil Engineering | Structures, transportation, water | Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 5.0% |
| Computer Engineering | Hardware, embedded systems, digital | Computer Hardware Engineer | $155,020 | 7.3% |
| Industrial Engineering | Optimization, operations, quality | Industrial Engineer | $101,140 | 11.0% |
| Chemical Engineering | Processes, materials, reactions | Chemical Engineer | $121,860 | 2.6% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- Explore related roles in the engineering careers guide and pay context in the engineering salary guide.
- Compare accredited online programs across the online colleges hub.
- Consider a related track such as the mechanical engineering concentration.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.