Preparation
A
bachelor's degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level
engineering jobs. College graduates with a degree in a physical science
or mathematics occasionally may qualify for some engineering jobs,
especially in specialties in high demand. It is
important to select a program that is accredited in Industrial
Engineering. Some graduate level programs are also available in
Industrial Engineering.
 Admission
Requirements
Admissions
requirements for undergraduate engineering schools include a solid
background in mathematics (algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and
calculus) and science (biology, chemistry, and physics), and courses in
English, social studies, humanities, and computer and information
technology. Bachelor's degree programs in engineering typically are
designed to last 4 years, but many students find that it takes between 4
and 5 years to complete their studies. In a typical 4-year college
curriculum, the first 2 years are spent studying mathematics, basic
sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. In
the last 2 years, most courses are in engineering, usually with a
concentration in one branch.
Co-ops
Internships and Coops
provide students with a great opportunity to gain real-world experience
while still in school. Click here for more
information.
Alternate
Degree Paths
Some engineering
schools and 2-year colleges have agreements whereby the 2-year college
provides the initial engineering education, and the engineering school
automatically admits students for their last 2 years. In addition, a few
engineering schools have arrangements whereby a student spends 3 years
in a liberal arts college studying pre-engineering subjects and 2 years
in an engineering school studying core subjects, and then receives a
bachelor's degree from each school. Some colleges and universities offer
5-year master's degree programs. Some 5-year or even 6-year cooperative
plans combine classroom study and practical work, permitting students to
gain valuable experience and to finance part of their education.
Accredited
Programs
Those interested in a
career in industrial engineering should consider reviewing engineering programs that are
accredited by
ABET, Inc. If you choose to attend a program that is not ABET accredited, you should be sure that the university
is regionally accredited.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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