A minor in statistics is a powerful complement to the industrial engineering degree, providing deeper knowledge in data analysis, probability, and statistical modeling — skills that are central to modern engineering practice. Industrial engineers rely on statistical reasoning to design experiments, improve processes, and make data-driven decisions, making this minor a natural extension of the ISE curriculum.
Industrial engineering students already complete three of the required five courses for a statistics minor.
The statistics minor pairs especially well with focus areas in Big Data Analytics Focus Area and supports students interested in graduate studies or data-intensive careers in quality control, operations research, and human factors.
The ability to interpret and communicate data insights is one of the most sought-after skills in today’s job market. Industrial Engineers with strong statistical training are highly valued in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, finance, government, and consulting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, data- and statistics-related careers such as statisticians and data scientists are projected to grow by 30–35% from 2023 to 2033, far faster than the average for all occupations. This minor positions graduates for roles such as data analyst, quality engineer, reliability specialist, or operations research analyst, and provides excellent preparation for graduate study in analytics or applied statistics.
| Required for statistics minor | SH | Equivalent for IE majors | SH |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAT:2020 Probability and Statistics for Engineering and Physical Sciences | 3 | Required by IE Major | 3 |
| ISE:3760 Applied Linear Regression | 3 | Take as Math/Science elective as part of FA | 3 |
| ISE:3600 Quality Control | 3 | Required by IE Major | 3 |
| STAT:XXXX Statistics elective | 3 | Additional course or FA elective | 3 |
| STAT:XXXX Statistics elective | 3 | Additional course or FA elective | 3 |
| Total hours required: | 15 | 15 |