Welcome to the intersection of engineering, people, and business. The Industrial Engineering (BS) program at University of Wisconsin–Madison is an internationally top ranked program. We prepare students to design, analyze, and improve complex systems that involve people, technology, materials, information, and energy -- from hospitals and factories to supply chains, software systems, and beyond.
Our curriculum blends rigorous math and engineering fundamentals with modern tools in data science/AI, optimization, simulation, human factors, ergonomics, and operations research. You’ll discover how to transform data into insights, use analytics and AI-inspired techniques to make better decisions, and tailor the major toward your passions, whether that’s supply chain logistics, healthcare systems, manufacturing, user-centered design, or industrial data analytics.
An Industrial Engineering degree opens the door to a wide range of careers: healthcare systems, business and industrial analytics, supply chain and logistics, manufacturing, consulting, and user-centered design, among many others.
For more detailed information about the program, curriculum, and student opportunities, visit the Industrial & Systems Engineering department website.
How to Get in
Admission to the College as a First-Year Student
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission means that students get to start their college career in the engineering program of their choice and have access to engineering-specific resources and facilities. Students who are directly admitted need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Current UW-Madison Students (Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering)
| Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get in | Application required. Meeting the requirements listed below does not guarantee admission. (https://engineering.wisc.edu/admissions/undergraduate/cross-campus-students/) |
| Application restrictions |
|
| Credits required to get in | 24 graded credits completed at UW-Madison, including at least one full-time (12 credit) semester. English as a Second Language course credits count toward the 24 credit minimum. |
| Courses required to get in | Engr Comm 1 (Comm A) requirement taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. If the Comm A requirement has been satisfied through placement test, AP/IB, or transfer credit, then a liberal studies course of at least 3 credits (breadth designation of Humanities, Literature, or Social Sciences) must be taken on a graded basis at UW-Madison. Math course sequence through MATH 222. Four foundational courses completed on a graded basis at UW-Madison, as defined in the Foundational Courses List below. |
Foundational courses list
Four Foundational Courses must be completed at UW-Madison as defined in 1. and 2.
1. Math Foundation
A minimum of two math courses numbered 221 or higher; one math course 300 level or higher; or calculus sequence completed through MATH 234. Excludes MATH 228, MATH/HIST SCI 473, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.
2. Engineering Foundation
A minimum of two courses as defined below:
Chemical Engineering:
(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher
(ii) one course must be PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
If the above two course requirements are completed with transfer or test credit, select from additional engineering foundation courses in (ii) below.
Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Physics, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering:
(i) one course must be CHEM 104 or higher OR PHYSICS 201/E M A 201 or higher
(ii) one other engineering foundation course from the following subject codes:
- Chemistry
- E M A 201, E M A 202, E M A 303
- PHYSICS 201 or higher
- Statistics, calculus-based
- COMP SCI 200, COMP SCI 220, COMP SCI 300 or higher, excluding COMP SCI 304
- excludes special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses
3. Additional foundational course options, if applicable
If the math and engineering foundational courses for the degree program are complete, then degree program engineering courses 200 level or higher can be taken to complete the Four Foundational Courses requirement. Excludes EPD, InterEGR, special topics, independent study, seminar, pass/fail, and credit/no credit courses.
Additional considerations
Cross-campus admission is selective. The admissions committee considers applicants’ grades/grade trends, academic rigor, and personal statement. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
| Semester | Deadline to apply | Decision notification timeline |
|---|---|---|
| To apply for a fall start | Mid May | Late June |
| To apply for a spring start | Late December/Early January | Late January |
| To apply for a summer start | This program does not accept applications to start in the summer. |
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is selective. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their engineering major.
The College of Engineering has dual degree transfer agreements with select four-year UW System campuses and a transfer agreement with Madison College. Eligible students in COE's transfer agreements automatically meet progression at the point of transfer.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer & Academic Program Manager in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
Requirements
University Requirements
All undergraduate students must complete both the following Core General Education (Core GenEd) and University Degree and Quality of Work requirements. The requirements below apply to students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution is Summer 2026 or later.
Students whose first term at UW-Madison or whose earliest post-high school college attendance at any institution occurred before Summer 2026 should refer to the archived Guide for the requirements that apply to them.
Core General Education (Core GenEd) Requirements
| Civics & Perspectives | 3 credits of Civics & Perspectives coursework. |
| Communication & Literacy | 6 credits of Communication & Literacy coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingenglishplacement |
| Humanities & Arts | 6 credits of Humanities & Arts coursework. |
| Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning | 6 credits of Mathematics & Quantitative Reasoning coursework. This requirement may be partially satisfied by a qualifying placement test score. For more information see this tiny url: https://go.wisc.edu/qualifyingmathplacement |
| Natural Science & Wellness | Complete both:
|
| Social & Behavioral Science | 3 credits of Social & Behavioral Science coursework. |
| Total Credits | 30 credits. |
For more information see the policy.
University Degree and Quality of Work Requirements
All undergraduate degree recipients must complete the following minimum requirements. Requirements for some programs will exceed these requirements; see program requirements for additional information.
| Total Degree | 120 degree credits. |
| Residency | Complete 30 credits in residence. A course is considered “in residence” if it is taken when in undergraduate degree-seeking status and:
|
| Quality of Work | Achieve at least the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, and/or academic program. |
| Math | Demonstrate minimal mathematics competence by: |
| English Language | If required to take the UW-Madison English as a Second Language Assessment Test (MSN-ESLAT), demonstrate minimal English language competence by:
|
| Language | Complete one:
|
| Major Declaration | Declare and complete the requirements for at least one major. |
College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements
The College of Engineering departments collaborated and adopted a common set of guidelines in their degree granting program (major) requirements. Engineering departments incorporate specific coursework within their curricula to meet these guidelines. Students should refer to specific coursework detailed below the Summary of Requirements.
College of Engineering Degree Granting Programs’ Common Requirements
| Communication | All College of Engineering majors require two levels of communication coursework:
|
| Quantitative Reasoning | All College of Engineering majors require a math sequence that incorporates two levels of quantitative reasoning. |
| Humanities or Literature | All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 6 credits with the Humanities or Literature breadth designations. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below. |
| Social Sciences | All College of Engineering majors require a minimum of 3 credits with the Social Sciences breadth designation. See major Liberal Studies Electives Requirement below. |
| Natural Sciences | All College of Engineering majors require specific coursework that incorporates a minimum of 6 credits with the Biological, Natural, or Physical Science breadth designations. |
| Ethnic Studies | All College of Engineering majors require at least one course of at least 3 credits with the Ethnic Studies designation. This course may also be used to satisfy the Social Sciences or Humanities or Literature requirement. |
Industrial Engineering, BS Curriculum
This curriculum applies to students admitted to the degree program this Guide academic year. Curricular requirements for students admitted in previous semesters are available in the Archive section of Guide.
Summary of Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Basic Science | 30-31 | |
| Probability and Statistics | 6 | |
| Computer Sciences | 7-8 | |
| Required I SY E Courses | 28 | |
| I SY E Focus Area Technical Electives | 18 | |
| Professional Electives, Communication Skills and Liberal Studies Electives | 27 | |
| Free Electives | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Mathematics and Basic Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | 4 |
| MATH 340 | Elementary Matrix and Linear Algebra | 3 |
| or MATH 341 | Linear Algebra | |
| or MATH 345 | Linear Algebra and Optimization | |
| Select one of the following: 1 | 5-6 | |
| General Physics | ||
| General Physics | ||
| Statics and Dynamics | ||
| Choose 9 credits from the following list: | 9 | |
| Physiology | ||
| Introductory Biology | ||
or ZOOLOGY 153 | Introductory Biology | |
| Introductory Biology | ||
| General Chemistry I 2 | ||
or CHEM 109 | Advanced General Chemistry | |
or CHEM 115 | Chemical Principles I | |
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Chemical Principles II | ||
| Chemistry Across the Periodic Table | ||
| Fundamentals of Analytical Science | ||
or CHEM 329 | Fundamentals of Analytical Science | |
| Elementary Organic Chemistry | ||
| Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry I | ||
| Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Organic Chemistry II | ||
| Intermediate Organic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| General Microbiology Laboratory | ||
| General Physics | ||
or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
or PHYSICS 248 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| Modern Physics for Engineers | ||
or PHYSICS 241 | Introduction to Modern Physics | |
or PHYSICS 249 | A Modern Introduction to Physics | |
| Introduction to Discrete Mathematics | ||
| Techniques in Ordinary Differential Equations | ||
| The Theory of Single Variable Calculus | ||
| Applied Linear Algebra | ||
| Introduction to Combinatorics | ||
| Analysis I | ||
| Analysis II | ||
| Total Credits | 30-31 | |
- 1
If E M A 201 and E M A 202 are used to fulfill the PHYSICS requirement, additional credits of math or basic science will be required
- 2
Credit will not be given for both CHEM 103 and CHEM 109 to fulfill Mathematics and Basic Science requirements.
Probability and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| I SY E 210 | Introduction to Industrial Statistics | 3 |
| or STAT/MATH 310 | Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics II | |
| or STAT 312 | Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics II | |
| STAT 311 | Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I | 3 |
| or STAT/MATH 309 | Introduction to Probability and Mathematical Statistics I | |
| or MATH 331 | Introductory Probability | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Computer Sciences
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMP SCI 220 | Data Science Programming I | 4 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3-4 | |
| Programming I | ||
| Programming II | ||
| Data Science Programming II | ||
| Programming III | ||
| Introduction to Numerical Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 7-8 | |
Required I SY E Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| I SY E 191 | The Practice of Industrial Engineering | 2 |
| or INTEREGR 180 | Foundations of Computational Engineering Design | |
| I SY E 312 | Data Management and Analysis for Industrial Engineers | 3 |
| I SY E 313 | Engineering Economic Analysis | 3 |
| I SY E 315 | Production Planning and Control | 3 |
| I SY E 320 | Simulation and Probabilistic Modeling | 3 |
| I SY E 321 | Simulation Modeling Laboratory | 1 |
| I SY E 323 | Operations Research-Deterministic Modeling | 3 |
| or I SY E/COMP SCI/E C E 524 | Introduction to Optimization | |
| I SY E 348 | Introduction to Human Factors Engineering Laboratory | 1 |
| I SY E/PSYCH 349 | Introduction to Human Factors | 3 |
| I SY E 350 | Industrial Engineering Design I | 3 |
| I SY E 450 | Industrial Engineering Design II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
I SY E Focus Area Technical Electives
Choose one of the following six focus areas.
Industrial Data Analytics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose at least 3 courses from the following list: | 9 | |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Systems | ||
| Fundamentals of Industrial Data Analytics | ||
| Inspection, Quality Control and Reliability | ||
| Machine Learning in Action for Industrial Engineers | ||
| Human Factors of Data Science and Machine Learning | ||
| Ethics of Data for Engineers | ||
| Special Topics in Engineering Analytics and Operations Research 1 | ||
| Information Sensing and Analysis for Manufacturing Processes | ||
| Interactive Data Analytics | ||
| One elective I SY E course other than those listed in the Industrial Data Analytics area | 3 | |
| Additional elective I SY E courses in any area | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Applications of Industrial Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose at least 3 courses from one or more of the following applications: Manufacturing, Health Systems, and Quality Engineering | 9 | |
| One elective I SY E course other than those listed in the Applications of Industrial Engineering area | 3 | |
| Additional elective I SY E courses in any area | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Manufacturing
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Manufacturing Systems, Design and Analysis | ||
| Engineering Supply Chain Management for Logistics | ||
| Facilities Planning | ||
| Engineering Management of Continuous Process Improvement | ||
| Special Topics in Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management | ||
| Computer Integrated Manufacturing | ||
| Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems | ||
| Engineering Models for Supply Chains |
Health Systems
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Health Systems Engineering | ||
| Decision Making in Health Care | ||
| Human Factors Engineering for Healthcare Systems | ||
| Special Topics in Healthcare Systems Engineering |
Quality Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Assurance Systems | ||
| Introduction to Quality Engineering |
Human Factors and Ergonomics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose at least 3 courses from the following list: | 9 | |
| Wearable Technology | ||
| Human Factors Engineering | ||
| Human Factors Engineering Design and Evaluation | ||
| Human Performance and Accident Causation | ||
| Human Factors Engineering for Healthcare Systems | ||
| Human Factors of Data Science and Machine Learning | ||
| Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics | ||
| Special Topics in Human Factors | ||
| Design and Human Disability and Aging | ||
| One elective I SY E course other than those listed in the Human Factors and Ergonomics area | 3 | |
| Additional elective I SY E courses in any area | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Optimization and Operations Research
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose at least 3 courses from the following list: | 9 | |
| Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization | ||
| Introduction to Decision Analysis | ||
| Introduction to Optimization | ||
| Linear Optimization | ||
| Special Topics in Engineering Analytics and Operations Research 1 | ||
| Simulation Modeling and Analysis | ||
| Advanced Optimization Modeling | ||
| Stochastic Modeling Techniques | ||
| Introduction to Stochastic Processes | ||
| One elective I SY E course other than those listed in the Optimization and Operations Research area | 3 | |
| Additional elective I SY E courses in any area | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Distributed Focus Area
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 6 courses in at least 3 of the 4 areas listed above (Industrial Data Analytics, Applications of Industrial Engineering, Human Factors and Ergonomics, and Optimization and Operations Research) | 18 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Honors in Research Focus Area
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 5 courses in at least 2 of the 4 areas listed above (Industrial Data Analytics, Applications of Industrial Engineering, Human Factors and Ergonomics, and Optimization and Operations Research) | 15 | |
| I SY E 468 | Introduction to Industrial Engineering Research | 1 |
| I SY E 478 | Research and Beyond in Industrial Engineering | 1 |
| I SY E 489 | Honors in Research | 3 |
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
The area to which I SY E 603 Special Topics in Engineering Analytics and Operations Research will count is dependent on course topic. Please consult your advisor for details.
Professional Electives, Communication Skills and Liberal Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Electives 1 | 6 | |
College of Engineering courses numbered 200 or higher | ||
Intermediate or advanced level classes in any of the following breadth areas: biological sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, physical sciences, humanities, or literature | ||
At most 5 credits of I SY E 699 and/or I SY E 1 (independent study courses from other engineering subject areas can also be used) | ||
School of Business courses numbered 200 or higher (as well as ACCT I S 100) | ||
| Communication Skills | ||
| Engr Comm 1 | ||
| INTEREGR 156 | Introduction to Writing, Speaking, and Ethics for Engineers | 3 |
| or ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| Engr Comm 2 | ||
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Electives | ||
| ECON 101 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4 |
| Liberal Studies Electives according to CoE requirement guidelines 2 | 11 | |
| Total Credits | 27 | |
- 1
Professional electives may not include STAT 301 Introduction to Statistical Methods or transfer/test math elective credits for calculus.
- 2
Free Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 4 credits of Free Electives (students in Honors in Research area only need 2 free elective credits) | 4 | |
| Total Credits | 4 | |
Learning Outcomes
- Identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- Apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- Communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- Function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- Develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- Acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies
- Recognize, describe, predict and analyze systems behavior
- Understand physiological, cognitive, and sociotechnical aspects of humans as components in complex systems design
- Apply the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice, such as quality engineering, optimization, simulation, and project management
Four-Year Plan
Sample Four-Year Plan
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 221 | 5 | I SY E 191 | 2 |
| ECON 101 | 4 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| COMP SCI 220 | 4 | PHYSICS 201 | 5 |
| Engr Comm 1 | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| I SY E 313 | 3 | I SY E 315 | 3 |
| MATH 234 | 4 | I SY E 348 | 1 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 2 | I SY E/PSYCH 349 | 3 |
| Computer Sciences Elective | 3-4 | MATH 340 | 3 |
| Math and Basic Science Elective | 3 | Math and Basic Science Elective | 3 |
| I SY E 210 | 3 | ||
| 15-16 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| I SY E 312 | 3 | I SY E 320 | 3 |
| I SY E 323 | 3 | I SY E 321 | 1 |
| Professional Elective | 3 | I SY E 350 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | INTEREGR 397 | 3 |
| STAT 311 | 3 | I SY E Focus Area Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 1 | ||
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| I SY E Focus Area Elective | 3 | I SY E 450 | 3 |
| I SY E Focus Area Elective | 3 | I SY E Focus Area Elective | 3 |
| Professional Elective | 3 | I SY E Focus Area Elective | 3 |
| Free Elective | 3 | I SY E Focus Area Elective | 3 |
| Math and Basic Science Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 120-121 | |||
Advising and Careers
Advising
Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor. Academic advisors support and coach students through their transition to college and their academic program all the way through graduation.
Advisors help students navigate the highly structured engineering curricula and course sequencing, working with them to select courses each semester.
When facing a challenge or making a plan toward a goal, students can start with their academic advisor. There are many outstanding resources at UW–Madison, and academic advisors are trained to help students navigate these resources. Advisors not only inform students about the various resources, but they help reduce the barriers between students and campus resources to help students feel empowered to pursue their goals and communicate their needs.
Students can find their assigned advisor in their MyUW Student Center.
Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in finding work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment.
ECS offers two large career fairs per year, assists students with resume building and developing interviewing skills, hosts skill-building workshops, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to engage with the ECS office early in their academic careers. For more information on ECS programs and workshops, visit: https://ecs.wisc.edu.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Industrial and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Program Educational Objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering
We recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills that they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals, and we encourage this diversity of paths. Whatever path our graduates may choose, we expect them to be meeting the following objectives at least three to five years after graduation:
- Demonstrate competence in the professional practice of industrial engineering.
- Demonstrate industrial engineering skills needed as a foundation for leadership in a career and the profession.
- Act with professional and ethical responsibility, fostering an inclusive work environment, and appreciate the impact of proposed solutions to a global and/or societal context.
Note: Undergraduate Student Outcomes, number of degrees conferred, and enrollment data are made publicly available at the Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Program website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are available through the "Learning Outcomes" tab.)