Industrial Engineering BS

Industrial engineers (IEs) apply knowledge from the mathematical, physical, information and human sciences to study, design and improve systems and manufacturing industries. A BS degree in industrial engineering from UB leads to careers in industries such as airline operations, automotive manufacturing, health services, military operations, and financial services.

At UB, students are taught by award-winning faculty and participate in cutting-edge research in areas such as smart manufacturing, human-computer interaction, design for disabled individuals, manufacturing, hazardous materials routing, aviation safety and security, and data mining.

IEs solve modern management problems, using sophisticated quantitative analysis. With the rapid infusion of computer technology into manufacturing processes and service systems, coupled with the demand for higher product quality in a competitive marketplace, IEs are an essential and valued part of many organizations.

The curriculum is designed to meet several educational objectives. These broad statements describe what we expect our graduates to achieve within a few years of graduation. Our program objectives are to prepare students academically and professionally so that soon after graduation ISE graduates will have:

1. Met the expectations of employers of industrial engineers.
2. Undertaken informal or formal leadership roles in their professional activities.
3. Stayed current by pursuing professional development activities such as graduate study and continuing education.

In addition, the curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors by the time of graduation:

(a) an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics and science.

(b) an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data

(c) an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability

(d) an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams

(e) an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems

(f) an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility

(g) an ability to communicate effectively

(h) the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

(i) a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning

(j) a knowledge of contemporary issues

(k) an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences offers nine engineering programs leading to the degree of bachelor of science (BS) degree: aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering.

Five combined BS/MBA programs are offered in conjunction with the School of Management. BA, BS, and BS/MS degrees in computer science are offered through the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. A BS degree in engineering physics is offered jointly with the Department of Physics.

Students may pursue minors in computer science, electrical engineering, and manufacturing, as well as a certificate in data-intensive computing.

The curricula allow students flexibility in their programs of study and encourages interaction between students and faculty. The undergraduate educational experience prepares students for professional practice and advanced study. Special programs including our experiential learning program, undergraduate research, and internship opportunities provide professional development skills and experiences and facilitate placement of our graduates in high-quality engineering positions.

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences occupies six buildings on UB's north campus: Bell, Bonner, Davis, Furnas, Jarvis and Ketter Hall. Barbara and Jack Davis Hall is the newest building, which opened in 2011 and features an environmentally friendly design and construction.

Together, these buildings form an outstanding educational and research facility, comprising 275,000 square feet of laboratory and office space.

The ISE department has two teaching laboratories which allow students to obtain relevant experiences in analysis and design of modern work systems and processes, and collaborative use of current ISE software tools: (1) Work Systems Simulation Laboratory (427/428 Bell Hall), which supports a number of current manufacturing and healthcare equipment such as work simulation, patient care/health systems tasks, light manufacturing cells, robotic assembly, quality inspection, 3D printing, and digital and additive manufacturing. (2) Collaborative Learning Laboratory (216 Bell Hall), which contains space for computer supported group work.

In surveys of our graduating seniors, interactions with faculty are consistently cited as one of the best aspects of the department. Undergraduate IE students at UB have access to award-winning faculty who maintain high standards in teaching and research activities in diverse expertise areas (Human Factors, Operations Research, and Production Systems). The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering has 19 full-time faculty, and other affiliated or adjunct faculty, all holding Ph.D. degrees. Adjunct faculty and teaching assistants teach about 2 courses per year. Teaching assistants also assist in grading and leading recitation sessions. Class sizes in IE are small (often less than 40 students) insuring personal connections between students and faculty. In addition to teaching undergraduate courses, our faculty regularly engage undergraduate students in ongoing engineering research.

Please visit the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering website for additional information about our faculty.

Career Choices:

• Ergonomist
• Facilities designer
• Human-computer interface designer
• Industrial Engineer
• Logistics analyst
• Manufacturing or operations manager
• Manufacturing systems engineer
• Operations analyst
• Process engineer
• Quality assurance specialist
• Safety engineer
• Space planner

Work settings include:

Manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, banking/finance, social services, construction, facilities design, government, military, and educational systems.

What percentage of graduates goes on to find related employment?

A survey of our alumni indicated that 100% of those responding have had, or currently hold, positions related to industrial engineering.

Salary Information

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for industrial engineers was $81,490 in May 2014. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $52,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $123,400.

Students obtain academic advice and guidance from the academic advisors in the SEAS Office of Undergraduate Education (410 Bonner Hall) and from faculty advisors in their program of study. The Office of Undergraduate Education advises all students throughout their first two years of study. In the junior and senior years, students seek advisement primarily from departmental faculty advisors.

For departmental faculty advising, contact the ISE Department.

SEAS Office of Undergraduate Education
410 Bonner Hall
North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-1900
Phone: 716-645-2774
Web Address: http://www.eng.buffalo.edu/undergrad/

The Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Jun Zhuang, or Academic Coordinator Noelle Matthews can answer questions about the programs.

There are many scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities available for students accepted into the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. These include recruitment scholarships and annual scholarships/awards for current students. There are both merit and need-based scholarships.

Please refer to the websites for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Fellowships and Scholarships Office for more information.