About Us

Do you like to take things apart—then put them back together so they’re even more effective? Students in our department learn to do just that. The Industrial and Systems Engineering program embraces principles of both engineering and business to analyze processes and organizations for efficiency, consistency, value and quality. 

Programs

As an undergraduate, you can earn a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering with an optional concentration in energy systems. The culmination of the undergraduate program is the senior design project, in which students work in teams to solve real-world problems, often for local industry partners. Graduate students can pursue the nationally ranked master’s degree in engineering management or an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in infrastructure and environmental systems. 

Facilities

As a multidisciplinary program, we work in labs and classrooms across campus. You’ll have the opportunity for hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology such as rapid prototyping, virtual reality and unmanned aerial systems. Faculty offices are primarily in the Smith Building, but our classes are held on both the main and west campuses. 

Alumni

Systems engineering offers a unique blend of engineering, business and management skills, which is in high demand in many industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth in this field over the next decade, compared to a 3% growth for all occupations. Graduates of our program bring to the table interdisciplinary experience that pays off in the job market: Our BSSE graduates report an average starting salary of $70,000, with 96% employed full time within six months of graduation. Top employers among recent graduates include Amazon, Boeing and Duke Energy.