Industrial Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for successful careers in the diverse field of industrial engineering. This rigorous curriculum combines foundational engineering principles with advanced concepts in systems optimization, manufacturing processes, logistics, and operations management. Students gain a solid understanding of the core sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences necessary to analyze, design, and improve complex systems in manufacturing, healthcare, service industries, and technology sectors. The program emphasizes both technical proficiency and practical problem-solving skills through hands-on laboratory experiences, projects, and internships. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and leadership abilities essential for the dynamic and evolving industrial landscape. The curriculum includes courses in manufacturing systems, quality engineering, production planning, supply chain management, probability and statistics, operations research, and computer-aided design and analysis. Specializations and electives allow students to tailor their education toward areas such as supply chain logistics, quality assurance, or systems engineering. The program also stresses the importance of ethical practices, sustainability, and innovation in engineering solutions. Our faculty consists of experienced educators and industry professionals dedicated to providing mentorship and real-world insights. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers as industrial engineers, operations analysts, quality engineers, manufacturing managers, or continue their education through specialized master's or doctoral programs. The University of Illinois at Chicago supports students with state-of-the-art laboratories, industry partnerships, and career development services to ensure successful transition from academic settings to professional roles. By choosing this program, students join a vibrant community committed to excellence in engineering education, research, and societal contribution.

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, students must meet the following program requirements:

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 36.
• Student must choose one of the following two options:

I. Thesis Option 36 hours total.

II. Course-Work-Only Option 36 hours total.

• No graduation credit will be given for Credit/No Credit courses.
• Students must get director of graduate studies’ approval to take online courses.
• All courses must be approved first by the student’s advisor and then by the director of graduate studies.
• Comprehensive Examination None.
• Thesis, Project, or Course-Work-Only Options Thesis or course work only. No other options are available.

Requirements

In addition to the Graduate College minimum requirements, applicants must meet the following program requirements:

• Baccalaureate Field Industrial engineering or a related curriculum. The degree must be from an American Board of Engineering Technology (ABET) accredited college or university or the equivalent.
• Grade Point Average At least 3.00/4.00 for the final 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate study. A grade point average of at least 3.50 is preferred for applicants to the PhD program.
• Tests Required International applicants are required to take the GRE. Applicants seeking a teaching or research assistantship are strongly encouraged to take the GRE General.
• Minimum English Competency Test Score
  • TOEFL 550 (paper-based); 80, with subscores of Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20, and Writing 21 (iBT Internet-based), OR,
  • IELTS 6.5, with subscores of 6.0 for all four subscores, OR,
  • PTE-Academic 54, with subscores of Reading 51, Listening 47, Speaking 53, and Writing 56.
• Letters of Recommendation Three required.
• Personal Statement Required.
• Other Requirements Admission to the PhD program is not automatic for students completing their MS degree in the department. Master’s students who desire to continue on to the PhD must see the department’s graduate coordinator for forms to apply to the PhD program.

Scholarships

• Teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships 
• Graduate assistantships
• Global Education

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with essential skills in optimizing complex systems and processes across various industries. The curriculum combines foundational courses in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles with specialized classes in operations research, system simulation, quality control, manufacturing processes, and human factors engineering. Students gain a solid understanding of how to analyze, design, and manage integrated systems to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches, problem-solving techniques, and the application of cutting-edge technologies such as computer-aided design (CAD), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and data analytics. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, consulting, and technology sectors. Students also have opportunities to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and research initiatives that deepen their practical understanding of industrial engineering principles. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to fostering innovative thinking and practical skills. Graduates of the program are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce equipped with a robust set of technical and managerial competencies. The university’s facilities include modern laboratories and collaborative workspaces that support experiential learning. By focusing on both technical expertise and leadership development, the Industrial Engineering program at UIC aims to produce graduates capable of addressing modern industrial challenges and driving continuous improvement in various organizational contexts.