Industrial and Systems Engineering
In the Industrial and Systems Engineering programs, personalized counseling and informal relationships are commonplace between students and professors. Classes are typically small, averaging 15 students, allowing for a close interaction between students and professors. The combination of Industrial and Systems Engineering in the Department provides a broad range of topics and career opportunities in both manufacturing and service industries.
Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) 'Today in America' Video
What do Industrial Engineers do?
- Industrial Engineers figure out how to do things better.
- They engineer processes and systems that improve quality, productivity and efficiency.
- Industrial Engineers make significant contributions by saving money, while making the workplace better for fellow workers.
Industrial Engineers contribute to:
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Ensuring that the mail arrives on time
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Streamlining an operation room
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Distributing products worldwide
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Reducing lines and waiting times at amusement parks
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or manufacturing superior automobiles
Where do Industrial Engineers work?
- Enterprises where day to day operations involve complex interactions between people, materials, information, equipment, and energy need Industrial Engineers.
- Manufacturing firms hire industrial engineers to improve manufacturing efficiency; companies as diverse as Coca Cola, IBM, Levi Strauss, Nike, The Gap, Microsoft, and Boeing, just to name a few
- Service Industries hire large numbers of Industrial Engineers to improve operational efficiencies; enterprises as diverse as the Post Office, Federal Express, CVS, Walt Disney World, hospitals, airlines, banks, railroads, communications companies, and social services.
A great career starts with a good education.
The undergraduate curriculum in Industrial Engineering includes:
- Science and Mathematics
- Engineering Sciences
- Quantitative Courses and Computing
- Industrial Engineering Courses
- Systems Engineering Courses
- Manufacturing Engineering Courses
- Economics and Finance
Evening Courses
To accommodate part-time students, many of the courses in the BS program are offered late in the afternoon or in the evening.
Five year programs
Five year BS Industrial Engineering / MS Systems Engineering
The department offers a five year BS - Industrial Engineering / MS - Systems Engineering. The MS Program emphasizes service and enterprise systems and manufacturing systems. It provides students with an understanding of advanced systems and the criteria that can influence them. Armed with this knowledge, students will be in a pre-eminent position to contribute to virtually any company they choose.
The MS program takes a multidisciplinary approach to Systems Engineering. The program consists of core courses in Systems Engineering, together with electives in three main areas:
- Service and enterprise systems
- Manufacturing systems
- Distributed network systems
In addition to coursework, a six to nine credit thesis is required for full-time students.
4+1: BS Industrial Engineering / Master of Business Administration
Industrial Engineering students have the unique opportunity to participate in a program which allows them to complement their engineering degree with the business skills needed in the workplace. The 4+1 program provides a competitive advantage in job placement and advancement into management positions.
Video on Industrial Engineering:
For more information about Industrial and Systems Engineering:
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Department News
Alumnus Sharon Ruggieri appointed Chief Operating Officer
MCE/IEP (Spanish) Class of 2007 alum Sharon Ruggieri has returned to Rhode Island as Chief Operating Officer
of Dear Kate, a Providence based lingerie company.
(URI News Release)
Lean Manufacturing Applied to Health Care
ISE Prof. Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi is leading a team of researchers that is applying principles of
lean manufacturing to a variety of systems at the VA Medical Center in Providence to find faster,
better and more cost effective delivey of health care
(URI News Release,
video).
Consumer Product Sustainability
At a recent meeting led by ISE Prof. Manbir Sodhi, industry representatives, sustainability
advocates and researchers met to discuss
sustainable manufacturing of consumer products.
Quick Links
Department Directory
Course Webpages
Capstone Design Projects
Undergraduate Student Handbook
Graduate Student Guide
