In our Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering program at St. Ambrose University, you’ll focus on optimizing systems, processes, and operations to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality across various industries. Our program provides education in industrial engineering principles, equipping you for careers in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and transportation. Through theoretical coursework, hands-on experiences, and practical applications, you'll develop the knowledge, skills, and analytical prowess to tackle complex engineering challenges in industrial settings.
What is an Industrial Engineering degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BS in Industrial Engineering?
As an industrial engineer, your job consists of designing, evaluating, and improving systems. At St. Ambrose, our emphasis is on how humans fit into those systems to ensure safe and productive work. Courses include process and system design, work systems design, ergonomics, system integration, and operations planning, scheduling and control.
Hands-on experience
Valuable hands-on experience in practical projects, lab work, and design challenges, and analyzing real-world problems.
Regional recognition
Our Engineering programs are recognized by regional employers, offering internships, mentors, and job prospects.
Innovative design labs
Explore 3D printing, laser engraving, vacuforming, and more in our prototyping lab, design center, and makerspace.
Student-centered program
Educating students is our faculty’s top priority. Engineering courses at SAU are taught by PhDs, not teaching assistants.
Design experience
Complete a project for a real-world customer and present your work at our Engineering Showcase–all in your sophomore year.
Accredited program
SAU’s industrial engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.
What you’ll learn in your Industrial Engineering program
Industrial engineers learn to design, evaluate, and improve systems. This includes understanding how humans fit into those systems to ensure safe, effective and productive work. Key areas include problem identification methods, proficiency in statistical methods used in simulation, quality control, mathematical programming, operations design and control.
- Emphasis is on formulating and solving real world deterministic optimization problems
- Introduction to statistical quality control methods and systems for analyzing and controlling product quality in industrial and business settings
- Focus on human capabilities and the interfaces between individuals and their environment
- Addressing activities in an organization that are directly related to producing goods or providing services
- Planning, design, implementation and control in systems integration
Explore Industrial Engineering courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 129 credits.
- You will complete 39 gen ed credits, 33 credits in Math and Science, 24 core Engineering credits, 30 credits in Industrial Engineering, 3 technical elective credits, and 1 capstone course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| IE 319 | Operations Research: Mathematical Programming | 3 credits |
| IE 335 | Quality Control and Reliability | 3 credits |
| IE 340 | Ergonomics | 3 credits |
| IE 350 | Operations, Scheduling and Control | 3 credits |
| IE 490 | WI-Senior Design Seminar | 3 credits |
How much does a BS in Industrial Engineering degree cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $19,674 | $39,348 |
| Housing** | $4,313 | $8,625 |
| Food*** | $3,135 | $6,270 |
| Technology fee | $150 | $300 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $27,272 | $54,543 |
*Based on 2026-2027 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
The St. Ambrose University Industrial Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
The St. Ambrose University Industrial Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Industrial Engineering.
With ABET accreditation, students, employers and the society we serve can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.
Read more about our accreditation
How does SAU support Industrial Engineering students?
The Engineering faculty is composed of professionals with diverse backgrounds with ties to industry leaders. They collaborate on research projects, internships, and real-world applications, ensuring that you receive practical insights and relevant skills. All engineering students have a faculty member as their Academic Advisor from the start of their first semester. They meet every semester to provide feedback resources for students. Classes are kept intentionally small, allowing faculty to engage with each student individually. Faculty members are approachable and invested in your success. They provide guidance in academics, career planning, networking, and mentorship.
Industrial engineering program faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BS in Industrial Engineering?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Engineering Education Foundation of America Scholarship
EEFA's mission is to support both current and future engineers, and as part of that mission, we have two annual cycles of scholarships, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. There are a variety of scholarships available, and last cycle we gave out a total of $32,500 across 16 students. Applications for the Fall cycle must be submitted by 11:59PM on November 23, 2025.
3K Go For The Gold Scholarship
Industrial Access, Inc. will award a $3,000 scholarship to one student that is or will be enrolled in an engineering school or field of study. We will be awarding a $3,000 scholarship to a deserving student who displays a passion for the engineering field, has a good academic record in High School and who has significant volunteer activity.
Learn more about the 3K Go For The Gold Scholarship
$500 American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship
This annual scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior female student who has a GPA of at least 3.0. Engineering faculty select the recipient.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Ioans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Focus on your career. Not debt.
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
What’s on campus for Industrial Engineering students?
There are several campus clubs and organizations run through the engineering program that students have the opportunity to participate in. We have the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), the Engineering Club, and the Design Hive, all advised by various faculty members. These groups provide a place for Engineering students to connect with others in the major and explore what the major has to offer.
Dedicated faculty
"I know pretty much all of the engineering professors, and I can build that relationship with them. When you have that, you’re not afraid to ask questions. Talking with a bunch of other students going to other schools, they don’t have that."
-Khalil Ruiz '25, BS in Industrial Engineering, BS in Mechanical Engineering
What are the general admission requirements for a BS in Industrial Engineering?
Ready to become a Bee? Here are the admissions requirements for our Industrial Engineering program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with an Industrial Engineering degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Industrial Engineering program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Process improvement engineer
- Project manager
- Quality assurance engineer
- Healthcare systems analyst
- Manufacturing engineer
Potential employment settings
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Sales
- Service
- Government office
Traits of an Industrial Engineering graduate
- Analytical
- Innovative
- Detail-oriented
- Problem solver
- Collaborative
Industry facts
- The median annual wage for industrial engineers was $99,380 in May 2023.
- Employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 12 percent by 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
For more information on industrial engineering employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
