What Is a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering Degree?
If you have an interest in engineering and a desire to learn about applied math and business topics, a bachelor’s in industrial engineering may be right for you. A bachelor’s in industrial engineering can prepare you for a career as an industrial engineer in a variety of fields. Industrial engineers provide innovation and problem-solving skills to enhance an organization’s productivity across numerous industries.
Earn Your Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering From GCU
Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers an industrial engineering degree that prepares you for career success. With the help of GCU’s dedicated faculty and rigorous curriculum, students will develop the skills and competencies of an industrial engineer. GCU’s lab equipment and state-of-the-art facilities support your hands-on educational experience. Likewise, GCU’s broad curriculum supports academic growth across a broad range of math, science and design courses.
What You Will Learn
As an industrial engineer, you will need to be familiar with the manufacturing processes and best practices for performing statistical analyses. This is accomplished through a thorough understanding of sustainable design, engineering design principles, applied probability and statistics and quality assurance.
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Ultimately, an industrial engineer needs to be able to provide new processes or suggest design changes to eliminate production waste and promote efficient utilization of employees and equipment.
In addition, bachelor’s in industrial engineering students will learn:
- Manufacturing
- Quality engineering
- Systems design
- Project management
- Process improvement
- Supply chain management
- Logistics
- Inventory control
- Distribution
Careers With a Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering Degree
GCU offers a rigorous on-campus curriculum that prepares students for a career as an industrial engineer. The bachelor’s in industrial engineering program provides a well-rounded education that allows students to develop a broad engineering knowledge base alongside business concepts.
Some areas of study include:
- Lean and Quality Management
- Human Work Design
- Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems
- Design for Sustainability
- General Chemistry
- Engineering Innovation
- Physics
- Programming
- Computer Aided Design
- Circuits
Industrial engineering students are not only equipped with technical skills but are challenged to develop their communication and critical thinking skills. The best industrial engineers are adept at analyzing and designing system improvement as well as communicating changes to clients and coworkers. GCU provides a well-rounded approach that prepares industrial engineering students for career success.
Bachelor’s in industrial engineering students are required to complete a capstone project at the end of their program. This capstone project allows students to implement their gained knowledge and skills. Students will work to complete a real-world, multidisciplinary industrial engineering design and research project, with the support of classmates and mentors. GCU also provides a Christian worldview and encourages students to think of their education through the lens of faith. GCU’s bachelor’s in industrial engineering campus degree maintains a welcoming and faith-based community that reflects GCU’s values.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bachelor’s in industrial engineering degrees are typically completed in four years. Students may also take the courses at their preferred pace.
Graduates with a bachelor’s in industrial engineering can pursue careers as an industrial engineer. These roles can be found in different industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, transportation, aerospace, government and more.
Some graduates may pursue a career as a manufacturing engineer, which is closely related to industrial engineering. Additional career options include a logistician, quality engineer or validation engineer.
Industrial engineering requires dedication to the sciences, mathematics and project management. Students who are committed to growing in these areas can succeed in a bachelor’s in industrial engineering degree.
While on the job, technical competency is required. Knowledge of manufacturing processes, design techniques, engineering principles and various software, aid industrial engineers in their daily tasks.
Bachelor’s in Industrial engineering student will be able to:
- Identify problems
- Determine solutions via engineering principles
- Consider global constraints on engineering solutions
- Assess workplace safety
- Implement economic principles.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-112, Success in Science, Engineering and Technology & Lab: 4
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Required General Education Courses
Course Description
This is the first course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. The course assumes no prior knowledge of chemistry and begins with basic concepts. Topics include an introduction to the scientific method, dimensional analysis, atomic structure, nomenclature, stoichiometry and chemical reactions, the gas laws, thermodynamics, chemical bonding, and properties of solutions. Co-Requisite: CHM-113L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of CHM-113 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Experiments include determination of density, classification of chemical reactions, the gas laws, determination of enthalpy change using calorimetry, and determination of empirical formula. Co-Requisite: CHM-113.
Course Description
This course is founded in the application of mathematics to engineering problems and processes. The course begins with foundations in algebraic manipulation, progresses into trigonometric models, complex numbers, signal processing, introduction to matrices and system equations, differentiation and integration, and differential equations all applied to the solution to engineering problems. Prerequisite: MAT-154. Co-Requisite: ESG-162L.
Course Description
The engineering math labs are the hands on applications of the foundational mathematics concepts applied to engineering problems in the engineering math course. The labs will apply algebra, trigonometry, matrices, differential and integral calculus, and differential equations to various engineering problems. Prerequisite: MAT-154. Co-Requisite: ESG-162.
Course Description
This course introduces the fundamentals of the engineering design methodology and the product development process.. Students will learn the importance of listening to the voice of the customer and how to incorporate those desires into a product using design for X principles. Students will develop verification and validation tests and learn how those become formalized qualification or acceptance processes. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L or MAT-154.
Course Description
This course introduces students to engineering documentation, tolerances, and standards. Typical fabrication tools common in a machine shop and the impact those tools have on design details will be covered. The students will work on several multi-disciplined projects through the semester. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L. Co-Requisites: ESG-210 and ESG-251.
Course Description
This course is a calculus-based study of basic concepts of physics, including motion; forces; energy; the properties of solids, liquids, and gases; and heat and thermodynamics. The mathematics used includes algebra, trigonometry, and vector analysis. A primary course goal is to build a functional knowledge that allows students to more fully understand the physical world and to apply that understanding to other areas of the natural and mathematical sciences. Conceptual, visual, graphical, and mathematical models of physical phenomena are stressed. Students build critical thinking skills by engaging in individual and group problem-solving sessions. Prerequisites: MAT-261, or ESG-162 and ESG-162L. Co-Requisite: MAT-262, PHY-121L.
Course Description
This calculus-based course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-121 lecture course. Students are able to perform the proper analysis and calculations to arrive at the correct quantifiable result when confronted with equations involving gravity, sound, energy, and motion. Prerequisites: MAT-261, or ESG-162 and ESG-162L. Co-Requisite: MAT-262, PHY-121.
Course Description
This course covers the basics of managing an engineering project, including: project planning, initiating of the project, implementation of the project plan, and completion of the project. Students will learn how to pitch their idea for funding, both in written form and in oral form, as well as how to prepare a formal written funding proposal. The class will cover the basics of engineering economics and introduce how this topic is covered on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Throughout the semester, the students will use the management and economic concepts learned to develop a portfolio and proposal for a capstone project to be completed in the following year. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: ESG-210 and ESG-220.
Course Description
This design course sequence provides an opportunity for the senior student to define, plan, and solve an engineering problem. Life-cycle engineering and sustainability principles of caring for people, the planet, and profit will be introduced, along with regulatory issues required by the project. Tools and skills acquired in the engineering curriculum will be used to define project requirements and design criteria for a real-world project. By the end of this first course in the two-part sequence, a project will be clearly defined for follow-up in the next course with a project timing plan to complete the DMAIC process. Prerequisite: ISE-350. Co-Requisite: ESG-451.
Course Description
This design course sequence provides an opportunity for the senior student to define, plan, and solve an engineering problem. The previously defined project will be reviewed for clarity before assessing further needs. Tools and skills acquired in the engineering curriculum will be used to measure, analyze, improve, and control according to the DMAIC process. By the end of this second course in the two-part sequence, a project will have completed the DMAIC process through the creation of a sustainable design plan to fulfill the needs of the project. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: ISE-473.
Core Courses
Course Description
This is the second course of a two-semester introduction to chemistry intended for undergraduates pursuing careers in the health professions and others desiring a firm foundation in chemistry. Upon successful completion of this course, students demonstrate knowledge and/or skill in solving problems involving the principles of chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and thermodynamics; understanding chemical reactions using kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics; comparing and contrasting the principal theories of acids and bases; solving equilibrium involving acids, bases, and buffers; describing solubility equilibrium; describing terms associated with electrochemistry and solving problems associated with electrochemistry; and describing fundamentals and applications of nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry. Prerequisites: CHM-113 and MAT-154 or higher. Co-Requisite: CHM-115L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of CHM-115 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Experiments include determination of rate law, examples of Le Châtelier’s principle, the use of pH indicators, buffer preparation, experimental determination of thermodynamic quantities, the use of electrochemical cells, and qualitative and quantitative analysis. Prerequisites: CHM-113L and MAT-154 or higher. Co-Requisite: CHM-115.
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of elementary calculus and its application to real-world problems. Topics include differentiation, optimization, and integration. Software is utilized to facilitate problem analysis and graphing. Prerequisite: MAT-261 or ESG-162/162L.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the basics of computer programming. Students will learn to develop algorithms to solve engineering problems, and the implementation of those algorithms in the C language. This course will include using C program for embedded devices for interacting with the world around them. Topics include assembly language, C programming language, and real time programming. MATLAB will be taught in the course to introduce students to rapid development tools and allow for flexibility in prototyping. Concepts of Object Oriented (OO) programming will be included in the MATLAB section of this course. Hands-on activities focus on writing code that implements concepts discussed in lecture and on gaining initial exposure to common microcontrollers. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L or MAT-261.
Course Description
This course provides a rigorous treatment of the concepts and methods of integral, multivariable, and vector calculus and its application to real-world problems. Prerequisite: MAT-262.
Course Description
This course introduces students to the basics of computer-aided design. Students will learn to produce great designs using computer-aided design software. Topics include 2-D and 3-D design and modeling, mechanical tolerances, and electrical and mechanical design integration. Hands-on activities focus on the design and integration of different subsystems, electrical and mechanical. Prerequisites: ESG-162 and ESG-162L.
Course Description
This class will introduce statistical process control and teach proper engineering experimental design and analysis techniques. Concepts introduced will include process variability, statistical controls, factorial, blocking and confounding as applied to engineering problems. Prerequisite: MAT-262.
Course Description
This calculus-based course is the second in a 1-year introductory physics sequence. In this course, the basics of three areas in physics are covered, including electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. The sequence of topics includes an introduction to electric and magnetic fields. This is followed by the nature of light as an electromagnetic wave and topics associated with geometric optics. The final topic discussed in the course is quantum mechanics. Prerequisites: MAT-264, PHY-121, and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122L.
Course Description
This course utilizes lab experimentation to practice concepts of physical principles introduced in the PHY-122 lecture course. Some of the topics students understand and analyze involve the relationship between electric charges and insulators/conductors, magnetism in physics, energy transformations in electric circuits, the relationship between magnetism and electricity, and how they relate to the medical industry. Prerequisites: MAT-264, PHY-121, and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122.
Course Description
This course focuses on solutions and qualitative study of linear systems of ordinary differential equations, and on the analysis of classical partial differential equations. Topics include first- and second-order equations; series solutions; Laplace transform solutions; higher order equations; Fourier series; second-order partial differential equations. Boundary value problems, electrostatics, and quantum mechanics provide the main context in this course. Prerequisite: MAT-253 or MAT-264.
Course Description
This course focus is on the analysis of two- and three-dimensional forces on a system in an equilibrium (static) state. Further, it discusses real world applications for static analyses via simple trusses, frames, machines, and beams. Additional topics covered include properties of areas, second moments, internal forces in beams, laws of friction, and static simulation in Solidworks. Prerequisite: PHY-121, PHY-121L, ESG-251.
Course Description
This course provides students with a strong foundation in core areas of electrical engineering. Students will learn the main ideas of circuits and their enabling role in electrical engineering components, devices, and systems. The course offers in-depth coverage of AC & DC circuits, circuit analysis, filters, impedance, power transfer, applications of Laplace transforms, and op-amps. Prerequisites: MAT-262, PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122, PHY-122L, EEE-202L.
Course Description
The laboratory section of EEE-202 reinforces and expands learning of principles introduced in the lecture course. Hands-on activities focus problem solving using scientific computation tools, simulations, and various programming languages. Prerequisites: MAT-262, PHY-121 and PHY-121L. Co-Requisite: PHY-122, PHY-122L, EEE-202.
Course Description
This course introduces basic concepts in applied statistics for industrial engineers, beginning with foundational probability theory, descriptive statistics, sampling, and hypothesis testing. Linear regression and forecasting methods will be augmented by software for calculations and analysis. Relevant applications to quality processes in industrial engineering will be discussed, including Six Sigma and control charting. Prerequisite: MAT-262.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the theories and practices of global supply chain and operations management, as well as an understanding of basic tools and methods of managing operations and supply chains. Students apply critical thinking skills to solve business problems using industry-accepted operations management techniques. Prerequisite: BUS-352 or ESG-374.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course introduces the design process associated with a manual production system and the need to meet customer demand. Capacity analysis and productivity performance metrics necessary to achieve customer demand will be demonstrated including throughput, inventory, line balancing and quality. Process flow, plant layout and workplace organization as related to meeting customer needs and eliminating waste will be discussed and demonstrated in the lab. Prerequisite: ISE-301.
Course Description
This course examines quantitative and qualitative continuous process improvement techniques, including statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma, and lean, and managing change with improvement initiatives. Students identify a project, apply the correct tools, and manage a process improvement project. Prerequisite: BUS-352 or ESG-374.
Course Description
This course is an overview of manufacturing processes and methods. Processes may include casting and molding, forming, machining, metrology, welding, joining, and computer-aided manufacturing. Additional topics include product design, material selection, process planning, and manufacturing automation. Process capabilities, limitations, and design for manufacturability will be examined. Prerequisite: ESG-220.
Course Description
Apply the stochastic process to the modeling and solution of the engineering problems. The course introduces the students to modeling, quantification, and analysis of uncertainty in engineering problems; all building into an introduction to Markov chains, random walks, and Galton-Watson tree and their applications in engineering. Prerequisite: MAT-364.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to design of the workplace that meets health and safety needs of a human worker and productivity needs of the industry necessary to meet customer expectations. Workplace ergonomics, including anthropometry and biomechanics, will demonstrate the need for human workers to be protected from hazards and treated as a valuable asset in the workplace. Regulatory issues and ethical responsibilities related to human beings interacting in the workplace will also be discussed. Prerequisite: ISE-301.
Course Description
This course covers the concepts of purchasing, inventory management, and logistics in a supply chain. Students focus on both upstream and downstream activities related to the full supply chain cycle, including contracting and negotiating activities. Prerequisite: SCM-400.
Course Description
This course will introduce the idea of mathematical modeling for the purpose of logical decision-making. Operations research and optimization techniques will be introduced and demonstrated to determine extreme values of real-world objective functions like maximizing profit or minimizing loss. Visual software tools, including discrete event simulation models, will demonstrate applications in a variety of industries. Prerequisite: ISE-301.
Course Description
The first capstone course provides students the opportunity to work in teams to tackle real world applied research and design projects in their chosen area of interest. Students develop a project proposal, conduct a feasibility study, learn to protect intellectual property, develop teamwork skills, budgets, and a schedule for completing the project. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revisions. Students use this course to further develop technical writing and business presentation skills. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: ESG-395.
Course Description
This course covers basic concepts in materials structure and its relation to properties. The course will provide students with a broad overview of materials science and engineering. The goal of this course is to understand the fundamental reasons that materials have the properties they do. Students examine properties of interesting materials and try to understand them in terms of their actual atomic or molecular structure. Prerequisite: CHM-115, CHM-115L, PHY-122, PHY-122L, MAT-364. Co-Requisite: MEE-340L.
Course Description
This is the lab section of MEE-340. The course reinforces theoretical concepts covered in lecture and with hands-on activities. Students conduct lab experiments to better understand how certain properties of materials manifest themselves. Prerequisite: CHM-115, CHM-115L, PHY-122, PHY-122L, MAT-364. Co-Requisite: MEE-340.
Course Description
This course introduces the basic concepts of automation within the manufacturing workplace. The advantages and limitations of including robotics and automated systems in the manufacturing environment will be discussed, including the cost-benefit analysis of manual and automated processes. Workplace layout and the design of the human-machine interface, including its effects on the process and product, will be discussed and demonstrated. Prerequisites: ISE-350 and ISE-450.
Course Description
The second capstone course provides students the opportunity to implement and present the applied research project designed, planned, and started in the first capstone course. The capstone project is a culmination of all the learning experiences in an engineering program. Students conduct extensive research, integrate information from multiple sources, and work with a mentor through multiple cycles of feedback and revision. Prerequisite: ESG-451.
Course Description
This course focuses on the tactical use of planning and control tools and systems to effectively manage resources in a manufacturing operation as part of a supply chain. Students examine the overall function of planning and control systems with detailed application of management tools within the production life cycle. Prerequisite: SCM-400.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.