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Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering

Next semester starts 01/21/2025

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What is an Industrial Engineering degree?

In our Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program at St. Ambrose University, you’ll focus on optimizing systems, processes, and operations to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality across various industries. Our program provides education in industrial engineering principles, equipping you for careers in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and transportation. Through theoretical coursework, hands-on experiences, and practical applications, you'll develop the knowledge, skills, and analytical prowess to tackle complex engineering challenges in industrial settings.

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Why earn a BS in Industrial Engineering?

As an industrial engineer, your job consists of designing, evaluating, and improving systems. At St. Ambrose, our emphasis is on how humans fit into those systems to ensure safe and productive work. Courses include process and system design, work systems design, ergonomics, system integration, and operations planning, scheduling and control.

Hands-on experience

Valuable hands-on experience in practical projects, lab work, and design challenges, and analyzing real-world problems.

Regional recognition

Our Engineering programs are recognized by regional employers, offering internships, mentors, and job prospects.

Innovative design labs

Explore 3D printing, laser engraving, vacuforming, and more in our prototyping lab, design center, and makerspace.

Student-centered program

Educating students is our faculty’s top priority. Engineering courses at SAU are taught by PhDs, not teaching assistants.

Design experience

Complete a project for a real-world customer and present your work at our Engineering Showcase–all in your sophomore year.

Accredited program

SAU’s industrial engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

What you’ll learn in your Industrial Engineering program

Industrial engineers learn to design, evaluate, and improve systems. This includes understanding how humans fit into those systems to ensure safe, effective and productive work. Key areas include problem identification methods, proficiency in statistical methods used in simulation, quality control, mathematical programming, operations design and control.

Emphasis is on formulating and solving real world deterministic optimization problems
Introduction to statistical quality control methods and systems for analyzing and controlling product quality in industrial and business settings
Focus on human capabilities and the interfaces between individuals and their environment
Addressing activities in an organization that are directly related to producing goods or providing services
Planning, design, implementation and control in systems integration

Bridging classroom to career

“The real-world in-class examples, senior design projects, and internship opportunities all helped me be prepared for real-world problem-solving. They helped me have an understanding of how the real world functioned before I accepted my first job.”

-Ryan Joehl ‘23 BS in Industrial Engineering

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Explore Industrial Engineering courses

This degree will require you to complete a total of 129 credits.
You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 33 credits in Math and Science, 24 core Engineering credits, 30 credits in Industrial Engineering, 3 technical elective credits, and 1 capstone course.

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Sample courses

Class code	Class title	Credits
IE 319	Operations Research: Mathematical Programming	3 credits
IE 335	Quality Control and Reliability	3 credits
IE 340	Ergonomics	3 credits
IE 350	Operations, Scheduling and Control	3 credits
IE 490	WI-Senior Design Seminar	3 credits

How much does a BS in Industrial Engineering cost?

The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.

Full-time student living on campus

Expense	By Semester	By Year
Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)*	$18,189	$36,378
Housing**	$4,019	$8,038
Food***	$2,670	$5,340
Technology fee	$140	$280
Total direct charges (billable)	$25,018	$50,036

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.

How much does housing cost?

When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there's something for everyone. The cost of your housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.

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The St. Ambrose University Industrial Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

The St. Ambrose University Industrial Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Industrial Engineering.

With ABET accreditation, students, employers and the society we serve can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.

How does SAU support Industrial Engineering students?

The Engineering faculty is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds with ties to industry leaders. They collaborate on research projects, internships, and real-world applications, ensuring that you receive practical insights and relevant skills. All engineering students have a faculty member as their Academic Advisor from the start of their first semester. They meet every semester to provide feedback resources for students. Classes are kept intentionally small, allowing faculty to engage with each student individually. Faculty members are approachable and invested in your success. They provide guidance in academics, career planning, networking, and mentorship.

Industrial engineering program faculty

Rebecca Romatoski, PhD

Robert Mitchell, PhD

Sergiy Markutsya, PhD

Susa Stonedahl, PhD

Other support resources

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Student Success Center

At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.

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Accessibility Resource Center

Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.

Learn about our resources

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Career services

Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.

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Are there scholarships available for BS in Industrial Engineering?

At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.

$500 American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship

This annual scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior female student who has a GPA of at least 3.0. Engineering faculty select the recipient.

Ambrose Advantage Scholarship

Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Ioans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.

Merit-based and institutional scholarships

St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.

Transfer credits

At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.

Focus on your career. Not debt.

"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."

-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa

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What’s on campus for Industrial Engineering students?

There are several campus clubs and organizations run through the engineering program that students have the opportunity to participate in. We have the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Engineering Club, and the Design Hive, all advised by various faculty members. These groups provide a place for Engineering students to connect with others in the major and explore what the major has to offer.

SAU experiences propel career growth

“The opportunities and projects that stand out the most from my time at SAU were my internship and my Senior Design Class. These opportunities helped me to gain knowledge and skills that I have been able to apply to my current job.”

-Victoria Thorne ‘23, BS in Industrial Engineering

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What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Industrial Engineering?

Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Industrial Engineering program.

You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
You must provide an official high school transcript

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International student requirements

If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:

Official transcripts from secondary education
A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
Copy of your passport and other documentation

What can I do with an Industrial Engineering degree?

Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Industrial Engineering program could achieve.

Potential job titles

Process improvement engineer
Project manager
Quality assurance engineer
Healthcare systems analyst
Manufacturing engineer

Potential employment settings

Manufacturing
Healthcare
Sales
Service
Government office

Traits of an Industrial Engineering graduate

Analytical
Innovative
Detail-oriented
Problem solver
Collaborative

Industry facts

The median annual wage for industrial engineers was $99,380 in May 2023.
Employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 12 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

For more information on industrial engineering employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.

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Become who you are meant to be

With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.