Why study Industrial and Systems Engineering?

Industrial and systems engineers are known as the “people engineers,” solving problems that directly impact organizations in every industry sector while often rising to the top of leadership. The University of Cincinnati’s B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering Degree will teach you to innovate and improve systems, solve complex problems, and incorporate human interaction within a system. The focus areas include data analytics, healthcare systems, and Industry 4.0/5.0.

At UC College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), it’s all about you – we strive to help develop you into the person employers want to hire. Throughout your time with us, you will:

• Customize your experience with more than 600 organizations, including Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), Society for Health Systems (SHS), and more.
• Take courses that cover aspects of systems engineering including human interaction, digital manufacturing, data analytics, quality control, and conclude with capstone design.
• Build an impressive resume and professional network through our nationally recognized co-op program at companies such as Kroger, Procter & Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, Toyota Motor Company, Deloitte Consulting, Cincinnati Bell, and General Electric.

Data analytics

The current revolution of data science impacts science and industry alike. The industrial and systems engineering program emphasizes data analytics. You will be prepared to apply physical and mathematical principles in engineering and computer science to impact systems design, analysis, improvement, forecasting, and evaluation of integrated systems of people, material, information, and technology.

Healthcare and service systems

Service systems are the configuration of people, technology, and organization structure that deliver needs to a customer effectively and efficiently. Modern service systems such as healthcare systems are complex, expensive, and challenging. For example, healthcare can be improved with industrial and systems engineering principles such as improving care delivery, access to care, population health, disease diagnosis and treatment, and reducing cost. You will be equipped with the key skills of data modeling, quantitative modeling, optimization, simulation, and system thinking for in-demand jobs in healthcare and other service industries. 

Industry 5.0: Digital transformation

Throughout history, industrial revolutions mark periods of improvement in manufacturing processes. Industry 4.0 includes the emergence of digital tools and technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), digital design and manufacturing, predictive simulations, machine learning, big data analytics, and cybersecurity to fully integrate smart factory operations and cyber-physical systems. The most recent revolution, Industry 5.0, elevates these technologies by immersing humans in the process and human intelligence to work seamlessly and cooperatively with smart machines, automation, and sensors. In this program, you will learn key skills to succeed in our current industrial landscape. From data science and data analytics to systems simulation and digital design, you’ll learn skills to apply in smart, immersive digital environments.

Career Possibilities

Industrial and systems engineering careers are rewarding and challenging that propel us into new areas of exploration. Possible career paths include:

• Data analytics
• Healthcare services
• Industry 4.0/5.0
• Technical sales and management
• Supply chain and logistics systems
• Manufacturing
• Consulting

Students like you graduate and often work for:

• Technology companies: Facebook, Apple, and SpaceX
• Hospitals and healthcare systems: Keiser, VA, and Medtronic
• Next-generation manufacturing: Intel, Northrup Grumman
• Research facilities: NASA and National Labs.

Major Maps

• Guide: Industrial and Systems Engineering (BS) Curriculum Class of 2029
• Guide: Industrial and Systems Engineering (BS) Curriculum Class of 2028
• Guide: Industrial and Systems Engineering (BS) Curriculum Class of 2027

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

At the University of Cincinnati, we believe that learning is doing and doing is learning. That’s why we invented the first ever Cooperative Education (Co-op) program in 1906. Today, it’s the largest of its kind in the United States. The Co-op model—which places students in full-time employment in their field—supplements the classroom curriculum to make for an educational experience like no other. 

Admission Requirements

Admission criteria for this program vary based on a comprehensive review of the relative strength of test scores, class rank and GPA, and co-curricular activities.  

First-year students applying to this program should also have completed the following college preparatory subjects: 

• English (4 units)
• Mathematics, including algebra, geometry and either pre-calculus or calculus (4 units)
• Science, including Chemistry and Physics (3 units)
• Social sciences (3 units)
• Electives (5 units)

Transferring to UC Requirements

Transfer students in good standing from accredited colleges and universities will be considered for admission to the college at the first, second and third-year levels. The degree requirement of professional practice experience normally precludes acceptance beyond the third-year level. For further detailed information such as required grade point average, please refer to the Transfer Students page.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Students changing majors from outside programs or colleges within UC, please visit the Transition page.

International Student Requirements

For additional information on international requirements, visit the UC International Admissions page.

Application Deadlines

First-year students must begin the program during fall semester. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. High school students who wish to be considered for scholarships must apply by December 1 of their senior year in high school.

Accreditation

The Industrial and Systems Engineering program will apply for initial accreditation review with the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.