2025 Best Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
An online industrial engineering degree aims to teach students the skills needed to create and streamline production processes and facilities. Bachelor's graduates may begin working as industrial engineers right away, or they may decide to pursue an online master's in industrial engineering for an advanced credential.
Key Takeaways:
- Liberty University excels as the most popular online school that hosts an industrial engineering technology degree, boasting 35,243 students engaged in online studies.
- Our top 5 industrial engineering programs are all from accredited online school, each with over 1,800 undergraduates enrolled remotely.
Our methodology results in a list of the most popular online industrial engineering programs based on schools with the highest online enrollment at the undergraduate level. We use data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and manually audit programs to ensure accuracy.
2025 Best Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
- Online Enrollment: 35,243 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $11,700
- Location: Lynchburg (VA)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology
Why we like them: LU’s industrial engineering technology degree online ranks in the top 1% for online enrollment, with 35,243 students. The 120-credit program offers 100% online, 8-week courses with the option to transfer up to 75% of credits. Key courses include Six Sigma, Lean Kaizen, Technical Communication, and Data Analysis, preparing students for technical and managerial roles in the field. This flexible, well-rounded program is ideal for career advancement in industrial and business settings.
Key Metrics:
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 62%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Recommend Rate: 57%
- Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
- Avg. Aid Package: $12,471
- Repayment Rate: N/A
- School Type: Nonprofit (Private)
- Online Enrollment: 6,616 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $11,800
- Locations: Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Built Environments
Why we like them: UA ranks 2nd in our list, with 6,616 online students studying at the undergraduate level overall, placing it in the top 4% nationwide. Offering an average financial aid package of $15,279, UA makes education accessible. Student satisfaction is high with an 86% retention rate and a 97% recommendation rate. The BS in Sustainable Built Environments offers tracks in Sustainable Buildings and Real Estate Development. Courses like Energy Efficient Design prepare graduates for architecture and renewable energy careers, equipping them to tackle modern sustainability challenges.
Key Metrics:
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 68%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Recommend Rate: 97%
- Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
- Avg. Aid Package: $15,279
- Repayment Rate: 93%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Online Enrollment: 2,165 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $18,482
- Location: Beaumont (TX)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Why we like them: Lamar ranks 3rd for being the most popular online school with an industrial engineering degree, hosting 2,165 distance learners, placing it in the top 21% nationwide. The 121-credit BS in Industrial Engineering offers flexibility, allowing students to complete the final two years fully online, with just a one-weekend lab visit in Beaumont, Texas. Lamar allows up to 60% of credits to transfer from community colleges, making it highly transfer-friendly. With an average financial aid package of $10,397 and a student satisfaction rating of 3.63/5, LU is a top choice for accessible, quality education in industrial engineering.
Key Metrics:
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
- Retention Rate: 59%
- Recommend Rate: 71%
- Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
- Avg. Aid Package: $10,397
- Repayment Rate: 87%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Online Enrollment: 1,891 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $21,474
- Location: Odessa (TX)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology
Why we like them: UTPB's online enrollment ranks in the top 24% of U.S. institutions, ensuring accessibility for distance learners. An impressive 99% of students receive financial aid, highlighting UTPB's commitment to supporting online education. The BS in Industrial Technology is the only online program of its kind within The University of Texas System. The curriculum covers key courses such as Occupational Health and Safety Concepts, Technology Management, and Total Quality Management. We like that UTPB emphasizes practical and technical skills for success in industrial technology.
Key Metrics:
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 40%
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Recommend Rate: 71%
- Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
- Avg. Aid Package: $11,092
- Repayment Rate: 89%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
- Online Enrollment: 1,826 enrolled
- Annual Tuition: $25,444
- Location: Mississippi State (MS)
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
Why we like them: MSU ranks highly for online education, with 1,826 students, placing it in the top 24% of U.S. institutions for online enrollment. The BS in Industrial Engineering offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates systems of people, materials, and energy, preparing graduates for careers in transportation, healthcare, and logistics. MSU boasts an 81% retention rate, ranking in the top 19%, reflecting strong student satisfaction. With an average financial aid package of $14,252 and up to 64 transferable credits from community colleges, MSU provides plenty of support to degree completion.
Key Metrics:
- Acceptance Rate: 62%
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 63%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Recommend Rate: 89%
- Financial Aid Recipients: 98%
- Avg. Aid Package: $14,252
- Repayment Rate: 92%
- School Type: Nonprofit (Public)
List Of Accredited Online Industrial Engineering Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | ||
| University of Arizona | 6,616 | $11,800 |
| Lamar University | 2,165 | $18,482 |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | 1,891 | $21,474 |
| Mississippi State University | 1,826 | $25,444 |
Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Faculty design industrial engineering (IE) programs to provide a foundation for aspiring industrial engineers through classes covering manufacturing practices, mathematics, physics, logistics, and quality control.
A degree in industrial engineering technology (IET) is similar but focuses more heavily on the technical components and specifications of manufacturing systems. Though the two programs qualify graduates for different jobs, both share some of the same curricula and each program may require an in-person internship. Engineering and engineering technology bachelor's degrees usually consist of 120-128 credit hours and take four years to complete at a full-time pace.
Some fully online programs feature eight-week courses, allowing students to take more credits per term in order to finish college more quickly. However, students who also work may find it difficult to complete the degree early. These students may want to consider a part-time degree program that may take longer but allows for greater flexibility. Most of these programs feature asynchronous online courses in which students log in to a learning management system at their convenience to watch lectures, submit assignments, and interact with classmates.
Curious to explore similar degrees? Check out the best online engineering degrees, online mathematics degrees, and online programs in physics.
Admission Requirements
An IE or IET degree application is similar to any other online college application, as most candidates are required to submit the following:
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Official transcripts from high school or a GED showing a minimum GPA in the range of 2.5-3.0.
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ACT or SAT scores, dependent upon school admissions requirements, though an increasing number of colleges are dropping entrance test requirements
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Letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counselors
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A personal essay on a given topic
EXPERT TIP
Applicants can improve their prospects by demonstrating a record of extracurricular activities. Colleges often favor well-rounded candidates with experience in math or science clubs or community service. Moreover, the ability to demonstrate leadership in clubs and organizations is something else that colleges and universities like to see.
The Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation signifies that a college offers high-quality education, and it allows students to receive federal financial aid. The attainment of this status means that an independent organization has verified a school's educational standards. Students can find institutional accreditation information on the U.S. Department of Education's website.
Engineering students should also consider programmatic accreditation, which the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) grants to individual degrees in the engineering field. Some employers may prefer candidates from ABET-accredited programs, and ABET accreditation is necessary for students who want to eventually earn a license. Accordingly, it’s important to understand that ABET does not currently accredit any 100% online programs in industrial engineering. However, ABET does accredit a few online industrial engineering technology programs, including some of the online schools above. Graduating from a program that's not ABET-accredited may negatively affect a student's career. Prospective students can search this database for ABET-accredited programs.
Common Courses in an Industrial Engineering Program
Both IE and IET curricula highlight systems design, materials science, and advanced mathematics to help students understand process improvement. In addition, IE degrees often contain team and project management classes, while IET students typically spend time learning to use technical tools in a lab. Some degree programs offer individual concentrations that students work toward while also fulfilling different elective requirements.
We've listed several common courses below to help prospective students learn what type of courses to expect in IE or IET programs:
Engineering Economics
This class introduces economic principles as they relate to industrial engineering. Enrollees aim to learn about the time value of money, cost-benefit analysis, the effects of taxes on manufacturing projects, and the rate of return.
Human-Machine Systems Engineering
Future engineers and technologists take this course to understand how people interact with industrial technology. Lessons often cover human intellectual and motor performance, systems design, statistical analysis for decision-making, and ideal human work environments. Students typically design data collection processes to test in a lab.
Machine Automation
Students learn the history and current state of automation technology in industrial settings. Faculty may introduce the principles of robotics, process control, sensors and actuators, artificial intelligence, and programmable logic controllers. Students often need to apply lessons from other courses to analyze the cost of automation and its effect on workers.
Quality Assurance
Professors often define "quality" in this course and offer a range of quality assessment and improvement methods in industrial contexts. They may also introduce students to statistical process control, quality cost, Pareto optimization, and sampling reliability.
You may also want to explore online bachelor's degrees in mechanical engineering, systems engineering degrees, and civil engineering degrees.
Careers with an Industrial Engineering Degree
Industrial engineering students can gain skills and knowledge that prove useful in a variety of engineering and technical specializations. Skills include problem-solving, deductive and inductive reasoning, cost-benefit analysis, and project management. Alumni might find themselves working in fields as diverse as manufacturing, aerospace and defense, technology, or government.
Below, we've listed several career opportunities that bachelor's graduates in industrial engineering can pursue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provided the median annual salaries and job growth data through 2032. Some of these occupations have more positive growth rates than others, which might be important to consider when applying for jobs.
Industrial Engineers
Industrial engineers aim to improve efficiency while monitoring overall workflow in production settings, such as factories. They use their knowledge of human-machine interaction to design safe, effective systems, often working with an industrial engineering technologist who helps oversee their work. This discipline is sometimes called manufacturing engineering or industrial and systems engineering.
Industrial Engineering Technologists
Industrial engineering technologists partner with industrial engineers to implement solutions to problems with production systems. They oversee a facility's technological and human elements and collect data on workflow, process changes, supply chain pressures, and anything contributing to operations research.
Cost Estimators
Cost estimators calculate expenses for complex projects using data about material prices, available labor, and historical timelines. Manufacturing and heavy industry employers use estimators to plan budgets and help submit bids on contracts. An engineering student may use their knowledge of industrial processes and engineering economics in this role.
Health and Safety Engineers
Health and safety engineers strive to create and maintain safe environments that encourage employees to thrive. They design industrial settings that account for human fallibility to keep everyone safe despite mistakes. These jobs sometimes carry titles, such as ergonomics engineer or human factors engineer.
Management Analysts
Management analysts help employers improve efficiency, much like industrial engineers in a different context. As such, students of industrial engineering might be suited to help businesses, government agencies, or nonprofits cut costs, create sustainable budgets, and improve productivity. Some management analysts work for consulting firms that assign them to clients on a contract basis.
Licensure in Industrial Engineering
Earning a license is optional for many types of engineers. In general, engineers who work on public projects must earn a Professional Engineer (PE) license. While necessary for civil and environmental engineers, industrial or health and safety engineers may not need a PE designation. Licensure may also help engineers who want to become supervisors by adding a new credential to their resume.
Industrial or health and safety engineers may not need a Professional Engineer license unless an employer calls for it.
To earn a PE license, an individual must earn a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited college, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and work for four years under a licensed PE. After this period, they will need to pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering test. Because ABET accreditation is necessary at the beginning of this process, prospective students should carefully consider which programs they apply to.
Is an Online Industrial Engineering Degree Worth It?
In deciding whether or not an online industrial engineering degree program is right for you, it’s important to look beyond the degree program experience to ensure the profession is one you will be happy in over the course of your career. The pros and cons listed below may also be helpful in making your decision:
Potential Benefits
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Industrial engineers are trained to analyze complex systems, identify inefficiencies, and develop innovative solutions to enhance productivity and reduce costs. These problem-solving skills are highly valued in the workforce and can lead to fulfilling and impactful careers. Also, due to their expertise in optimizing processes and increasing efficiency, industrial engineers often command competitive salaries.
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Industrial engineering is a potentially adaptable degree that imparts transferable skills. If you find that straight engineering work isn't what you hoped it would be, you may be able to pivot to cost estimation or management analysis roles in other industries. Industrial engineering students learn how to offer solutions based on data from multiple sources, which is a skill set many employers crave.
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Online learning may be more accommodating and provide greater personal flexibility than traditional in-person learning. Most online bachelor's programs let you watch lectures and complete coursework at convenient times as long as you adhere to due dates.
Potential Drawbacks
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No online industrial engineering programs are ABET-accredited, and only a few industrial engineering technology programs are ABET-accredited. Because a lack of ABET approval may negatively impact your future employment and licensure, you may decide that attending a traditional campus program is a better investment.
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Both industrial engineers and technologists report feeling unsatisfied with their jobs. According to CareerExplorer, employees in both roles report their job satisfaction in the bottom quartile of all careers. Industrial engineers often hold significant responsibility for optimizing processes and improving efficiency, which can lead to stress, especially when dealing with large-scale projects or tight deadlines. A healthy work-life balance can be challenging for some professionals in the field.
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More education may be required after graduation. Many bachelor's-level engineers also complete online certificate programs in industrial engineering-related fields such as Six Sigma or engineering management. Certificates can help professionals add specific skills or knowledge to their resumes, as well as benefit students who aren't interested in completing a full degree program.
Ultimately, there are strong pros and cons for obtaining an industrial engineering degree online. These programs can be challenging, requiring a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering principles. Some students may find the coursework complex and demanding, leading to a potentially steep learning curve. That said, with experience and specialization, industrial engineering professionals can earn lucrative incomes, making it a financially rewarding career choice.
Bachelor's degree alumni may qualify for a variety of positions in engineering and engineering technology, but they can also pursue graduate education to improve their marketability and earning potential. Several schools offer online master's programs in industrial engineering, and master's graduates can often advance to managerial roles. Engineers who want to teach at the college level and conduct their own research can pursue a doctorate. However, online doctoral programs in industrial engineering are rare.
FAQs About Getting an Industrial Engineering Degree Online
Can You Study Industrial Engineering Online?
Yes, and you can refer to our full list of online programs in industrial engineering above. It's important to keep in mind, however, that ABET only accredits a few online industrial engineering technology programs, such as those at Kennesaw State University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor’s in Industrial Engineering?
An engineering department typically designs bachelor's degrees to last four years at a full-time pace. But in reality, only 41% of undergraduates complete a bachelor's degree in four years. Some students work full time or have other obligations, which means that it may take longer to finish an engineering degree.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor's in Industrial Engineering?
The most natural job choice for a graduate in this field may be an industrial engineer or industrial engineering technologist. Beyond this, you can pursue other types of engineering occupations or jobs in other sectors that require data analysis and project management expertise.
Student Reviews of Online Industrial Engineering Programs
This school has a phenomenal career services department, and I believe it is the best thing about this university. In my sophomore year, I had 4 interviews, but through the resources provided by the university and some folks within my network, I was able to improve my resume, interview skills, etc. and I had a combined 70 interviews between my junior and senior year. This is a direct result of the career services at Penn State. It is student's responsibility to put the work and time in, but it is... Read More
Review Date: 6/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
The University of Michigan has given me an amazing education and I have made so many life long friends here. It is the best balance of work and fun and I couldn't have asked for a better school to prepare me for the workplace. It also helps that it is prestigious and I love how many alums I see all over the world repping their go blue gear. There are so many different organizations to get involved in to really help you shape your college experience. AMAZING I LOVE IT
Review Date: 12/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Kettering University's academic program is comparable to any other engineering colleges academic plan. What makes Kettering stand out is their co-op program. They ensure that you have a co-op position while earning a degree. First this makes your overall loans a little easier to manage. Second, it gives you work experience when you graduate. The work experience alone makes Kettering graduates stand out among their peers when looking for their first full time position. I would recommend Kettering... Read More
Review Date: 9/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
This institution represents the pinnacle of achievement for Engineering Students of color as A&T produces them at the highest rate in the nation. This institution has an incredible business school, journalism school among other highly accredited programs. The culture of North Carolina A&T is unparalleled by any Historically Black College or University (HBCU). There is a large sense of family among our students, regardless of the fact that there are more than 13000 students attending. My school not... Read More
Review Date: 6/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
I would highly recommend the Industrial Engineering program at the University of Arkansas. The University as a whole offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities and many diverse clubs and organizations. The U of A also offers numerous degrees to accommodate everyone. The Industrial Engineering program has some of the best professors who are always there to help and guide you in the right direction. The course work is challenging, but relevant to the real world.
Review Date: 12/20/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Purdue is an amazing school to attend. The Industrial Management program is rigorous, but there are so many opportunities for help from both faculty and other students. There are a lot of financial options available, also. Purdue's Center for Career Opportunities is a great place to get ready for the real world.
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
UIC was a great school with a lot of diversity and rigorous curriculum. The student body was united in creating a learning environment and the faculty was very helpful and always looked out for the students. This is a research school so there a lot of opportunities to get involved with research and dive into many fields. The administration does struggle with financial aid counseling and the Financial Aid Office does occasionally remind you of a DMV but overall UIC is a great school with many opportunities... Read More
Review Date: 8/21/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Great campus and atmosphere. The professors are really helpful and will go out of their way for you if you show them you are trying.
Review Date: 8/6/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
My time at the University of Michigan was the most challenging, yet rewarding and fun time of my life. I would gladly recommend this university, along with the Industrial Engineering program to anyone. I have had great success after graduation as well, and I know that my education at the University of Michigan was a huge part of that.
Review Date: 8/5/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Great school, very focused, very challenging.
Review Date: 10/5/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Industrial Engineering at Georgia Tech is ranked number 1 in the world. The professors, student body, and curriculum not only provided the necessary skills that all basic professionals desire, but also equipped me with problem solving skills that are transferrable to all businesses. Thanks to the schools background and reputation, landing internships as a student was very easy. After graduation, having a Georgia Tech education and internship experience put me at an advantage while job searching.... Read More
Review Date: 3/16/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Georgia Tech's Industrial Engineering program is number one in the world! The program has many vetted instructors who have achieved high levels of success and are well respected in their communities. I've found that the curriculum has molded me into a great problem solver and logical thinker. Many of the classes include real life problems and opportunities to partner with companies and complete real projects. The ROI for Georgia Tech finishes in the top 5 almost every year and many of the companies... Read More
Review Date: 12/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
I feel great pride for the University of Michigan. The breadth of the University influence is staggering - from medicine to public policy to engineering to economics. As an institution, I believe they are challenging the norms and pushing forward to make a better society. I would highly recommend young leaders attend the University of Michigan with the goal of taking advantage of all the university has to offer.
Review Date: 8/28/2016
Would Recommend: Yes