A course in industrial engineering is advantageous because you will learn advanced math skills and how to apply them in a specific context. Oregon State University’s courses in industrial engineering are highlighted on the college’s website as platforms where students can apply mathematics to complex system integration and operations. Students enrolled in industrial engineering courses will be expected to make mathematical calculations when analyzing design facilities and operations. Using practical mathematics can be a rewarding part of the industrial engineering course for many students who want to improve their math skills.
Industrial engineering courses help students develop their problem solving skills by fostering their ability to think critically and decisively. Students enrolled in the Production Systems Analysis courses at Berkley use quantitative models for operational decision-making in production systems. They also make tactical decision involved in production planning, forecasting and inventory scheduling. The school’s course in Service Operations Design and Analysis focuses on using problem solving skills used to improve facilities for service-orientated businesses like hospitals and banks.
Some courses in industrial engineering enhance students' computer skills. Industrial engineers use computer software programs to design and test various measures for increased productivity. University of Buffalo offers a course titled Human-Computer Interaction, in which students learn the principals of a user-centered design of human-computer interfaces. The course prepares students to describe, identify and launch methods for gathering requirements, prototype development, user and task modeling and plan development. Students also use their newly acquired skills to design an interface design.
If you are taking a number of courses to “test the waters” for degrees leading to rewarding careers, you will definitely want to take a course in industrial engineering. An industrial engineer makes a comfortable income and can be employed in a number of sectors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average industrial engineer makes a mean wage of just over $82,000. Statistics also reveal that many earn well past six figures and work in exciting fields like aerospace, architectural services, auto manufacturing and large corporations.