Industrial Engineering

Do you ever look at a process or system and think, "Here's how I'd make it better if I was in charge."

If so, then welcome to industrial engineering—the perfect major for people who want to use science and math to improve efficiency and productivity. How should a hospital schedule its surgeries? Where is the best location for a new factory? How do we make autonomous vehicles safer to drive? If these types of questions get you excited, then come join us.

What will I learn?

For your first year or two, you’ll typically take some foundational engineering courses along with classes and labs in physics, chemistry and calculus (through differential equations). In junior and senior years, you’ll learn more about industrial engineering topics such as ergonomics and facilities design. You’ll also have flexibility to take electives in subjects like psychology and economics—which are important, given that industrial engineers often focus on streamlining costs, and also have to understand how people behave in different environments.

What can I do outside of class?

Whether you're designing a safety system for miners or attending national conferences, you’ll find many ways to learn, grow and have fun here.

  • Internships, co-ops and experiential learning. Students have interned at General Motors, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and other organizations. You can also compete in UB's on-campus engineering intramurals.
  • Student groups. Meet new people, and have fun in UB’s dozens of engineering student clubs, including groups focused on industrial engineering.
  • Research. Work closely with faculty on topics like human-computer interaction and design for people with disabilities.
  • Study abroad. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience and international perspective, consider going abroad; UB engineering students have traveled to Australia, Costa Rica, France and many other countries during summer and winter breaks.
Hands On / Experiential Learning
Student Clubs
Research
Study Abroad

What can I do with an industrial engineering degree?

Supply planning analyst for a technology company. Operations expert at a jewelry manufacturer. Ergonomics specialist for a hospital. These are just a few of the positions that have been held by our alumni, who have worked around the world for leading companies such as Boeing, Disney, Dyson, General Motors, M&T Bank and United Health Care.

Whether you want to design inventory systems for an e-commerce company or reduce the number of accidents in a manufacturing plant, a degree in industrial engineering is the perfect start. You’ll find industrial engineers working in a variety of fields, including:

  • Airline operations.
  • Automotive manufacturing.
  • Banking and financial services.
  • Construction.
  • Consulting.
  • Defense.
  • Education.
  • Energy.
  • Food and beverage.
  • Government.
  • Health care.
  • Hospitality.
  • Manufacturing.
  • Military.
  • Research and development.
  • Social services.
  • Transportation.
  • Warehouses and distribution.

Who will I learn from?

"The faculty here have not only made me find a love for many advanced engineering topics, but have also shaped my perspective on broader issues in our society, such as social justice, diversity and inclusion."

Our students say it best. As an industrial engineering major, you’ll learn lifelong lessons that will help you succeed throughout your career. Our faculty members have earned numerous awards for their commitment to students, including the UB Teaching Innovation Award, the President Emeritus and Mrs. Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring, and the IISE Albert G. Holzman Distinguished Educator Award.

Beyond their teaching accomplishments, our faculty has included a Guinness World Record holder, SUNY Distinguished Professors, and Fellows of leading professional groups, including IISE and HFES.

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