Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering Degree
Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering Degree
journey today.
If you are interested in engineering and desire to learn about applied math and business topics, explore the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at Grand Canyon University. In this engineering studies program, you will be taught key competencies applicable to manufacturing, supply chain management, process improvement and other engineering specializations.
Graduates will be expected to apply an innovative mindset and problem-solving skills to design or improve systems, as well as utilize processes for the purpose of optimizing productivity and efficiency for organizations.
You will work through a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop well-rounded individuals who aim to excel in both technical competencies and essential, business-ready soft skills like communication and problem-solving. This bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering offers a robust framework of theoretical knowledge combined with a focus on practical experience. The program includes numerous lab classes and a capstone project, where you will have opportunities to apply what you’ve learned. This hands-on approach can prepare you to tackle modern challenges in the field.
Take engineering courses on GCU’s expansive campus in the heart of Phoenix, AZ. Our campus fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment that prioritizes academic excellence and enriching experiences. Meet other engineering students with a diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds. Connect with knowledgeable instructors who are dedicated to supporting your progress. Outside of class, you’ll enjoy our vibrant campus life — with plenty of social clubs, recreational activities and dining options.
As a Christian university, GCU delivers academically rich degree programs rooted in the Christian faith. All of our degree programs maintain a welcoming and faith-based community that reflect GCU’s values
Complete a Capstone Project
At the end of your program, you will be required to complete a capstone project, which allows you to showcase your knowledge and skills in analyzing and designing system improvements. This multidisciplinary design and research project will be completed with the support of classmates, mentors and more than 20 classroom lab facilities that offer hands-on STEM workspaces and resources.
Dive Into Manufacturing, Logistics, Distribution and More
An industrial engineer needs to be able to provide new processes or suggest design changes to help eliminate production waste and promote efficient utilization of employees and equipment. The dedicated engineering faculty at GCU teaches an in-depth curriculum that can help foster academic growth across a wide range of math, science and design competencies to help prepare you for a career in this field.
You can expect to examine core concepts in areas such as:
Production and operations management
Quality engineering
Systems design
Project management
Process improvement
Supply chain management
Logistics
Human factors and ergonomics
Simulation modeling
$99,380
Median annual wage for industrial engineers as of May 20231
12%
Estimated job growth for industrial engineers from 2022 to 20322
As an industrial engineer, mastery of manufacturing processes and best practices for performing statistical analyses is crucial. This requires a thorough understanding of sustainable design, engineering principles, applied probability and statistics and quality assurance.
With a firm foundation in these skills, you might pursue jobs such as:
Our institutionally accredited university delivers a high-quality education that can help prepare you to make positive contributions in your field and within your community. In addition, the Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. The College of Engineering and Technology shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
BS in Industrial Engineering Degree FAQs
To help you determine if an engineering education is right for you, we’ve answered a few of your most frequently asked questions below. Explore these insights to make an informed decision about your academic and career path.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering may pursue a career as an industrial engineer, industrial production manager, architectural and engineering manager or a postsecondary engineering teacher. These roles can be found in different industries including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, transportation, government and more.3 Some graduates may decide to pursue a career in manufacturing engineering, which is closely related to industrial engineering.4
Industrial engineering requires dedication to manufacturing systems, operation research and human factors and ergonomics. While the bachelor's in industrial engineering program may present challenges, it is designed to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, offering an intellectually stimulating experience. On the job, technical competency is essential, as engineers often rely on their knowledge of manufacturing processes, design techniques, engineering principles and various software tools to perform their daily tasks effectively.
A degree program in industrial or operations engineering will typically encourage you to develop a blend of technical (hard) skills and non-technical (soft) skills. These may include:
If you’re fascinated by the field and interested in pursuing a career dedicated to continual improvement, then industrial or manufacturing engineering classes may be useful to you. In your degree program, you’ll have opportunities to gain both theoretical and hands-on knowledge and skills, which can prepare you to tackle practical challenges in the workplace.
If you’re a high school student who is interested in this field, consider talking to your school counselor about your career goals. Focus on getting good grades in all your science and math classes. Look for academic enrichment opportunities beyond the classroom, such as computer-aided design workshops. Your high school counselor can help you look for and apply to an engineering bachelor’s degree that focuses on industrial and systems engineering.
Prepare to Solve Industrial Engineering Challenges
Surround yourself with a supportive learning environment as you prepare to pursue a career in industrial engineering.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Industrial Engineers, as of May 2023, retrieved on June 24, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as industrial engineers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Industrial Engineers, retrieved on June 24, 2024.
- Career Explorer. (n.d.). What Does an Industrial Engineer Do? Retrieved June 18, 2024.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, May 16). How to Become an Industrial Engineer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 24, 2024.