Overview
Industrial engineers are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between technical expertise and organizational leadership. In many industries, they are entrusted with responsibilities in project management, financial analysis, operations planning, and cost optimization, skills that are critical for managing complex systems and improving efficiency.
The management focus area (FA) prepares students for careers in business management, operations, and leadership, and enables them to complete all requirements for a minor in business administration. This combination of technical and managerial preparation gives graduates a strong foundation for positions that require both engineering insight and business acumen.
Graduates from this focus area pursue roles such as project manager, operations manager, financial analyst, supply chain manager, or process improvement leader in sectors ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare, consulting, and technology.
Industrial engineers with management training are in strong demand across virtually every sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for industrial production managers and operations research analysts—key roles aligned with this focus area—is projected to grow between 7% and 23% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
Graduates who combine analytical engineering expertise with business and leadership skills are well positioned for rapid career advancement. Many move into supervisory, project leadership, or executive roles early in their careers, and those pursuing advanced education (such as an MBA or MS in engineering management) often progress to plant management, operations director, or C-suite positions. The management focus area equips industrial engineers to lead teams, make data-informed business decisions, and drive organizational success in a competitive global marketplace.
Business administration minor
The following table outlines how industrial engineering undergraduates can satisfy the requirements for the business administration minor. Four of the required courses for the minor are already included in the management focus area, and two may be taken as part of the general education component (GEC). Specifically, Principles of Microeconomics (ECON:1100) and Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON:1200) can both be completed within the GEC.
Required for business administration minor | SH | Equivalent for IE majors | SH |
|---|---|---|---|
| MATH:1350 Quantitative Reasoning for Business | 4 | MATH:1550 Math I Single Variable Calculus | 4 |
| STAT:1030 Statistics for Business | 4 | STAT:2020 Prob & Stat for Engineers | 3 |
| ECON:1100 Principles of Microeconomics | 4 | Take as part of GEC | 4 |
| ECON:1200 Principles of Macroeconomics | 4 | Take as part of GEC | 4 |
| ACCT:2100 Introduction to Financial Accounting | 3 | Take as part of FA | 3 |
| ACCT:2200 Managerial Accounting | 3 | Take as part of FA | 3 |
| MGMT:2000 Introduction to Law | 3 | Take as part of FA | 3 |
| MGMT:2100 Introduction to Management | 3 | Take as part of FA | 3 |
| BAIS:1500 Business Computing Essentials | 2 | ENGR:1300 Introduction to Engineering Computing | 3 |
| MKTG:3000 Introduction to Marketing Strategy | 3 | Take as part of FA | 3 |
| FIN:3000 Introductory Financial Management | 3 | ISE:2500 Engineering Economy | 3 |
| Total hours required | 36 | Total hours required | 36 |