Industrial Engineering, BSE

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering is an operations and optimization science, focused on productivity, quality and continuous improvement of all business operations from acquisition of raw materials/resources to delivery of finished products/services to customers.

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering is among the most far-reaching disciplines of engineering. Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers work in diverse industries within both the public and private sectors. Because of the flexibility and value of industrial engineering skills, employment opportunities are numerous and diverse.

Contact ceas-adv@uwm.edu for details.

Accreditation

The Industrial Engineering Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Industrial and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

New First-Year Students

Admission to the College of Engineering and Applied Science is based on an overall assessment of both academic and non-academic qualifications. The primary review factors for admission are the strength and quality of the high school curriculum, high school class percentile, grade point average, and the result of the ACT or SAT. Well-prepared first-year applicants will have four years of mathematics (including one-and-a-half years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one-half year of trigonometry) and four years of natural science (including biology, chemistry, and physics). The College also will consider non-academic qualifications such as leadership skills, diversity in personal background, work experience, motivation, and maturity.

Transfer Students

Transfer student admission is based on an overall assessment of both academic and non-academic qualifications. For transfer applicants, the primary factors considered for admission are the grade point average on transferable courses and the level of curriculum completion. The College also will consider non-academic qualifications such as leadership skills, diversity in personal background, work experience, motivation, and maturity.

Applicants who do not meet the requirements for admission to the College of Engineering & Applied Science will automatically be considered for admission to the Pre-Engineering program in the UWM College of General Studies.

The Pre-Engineering program is an Associate degree level program offered jointly by the College of General Studies and the College of Engineering & Applied Science. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the engineering program with emphasis on mathematics.

Questions on admission to CEAS or choosing a major should be directed to the Office of Student Services, (414) 229-4667.

Requirements

General Education Requirements30
Major Requirements90
Total Credits120

Preparatory Coursework

Based on individual placement results, some students may be required to complete preparatory coursework before enrolling in the courses listed here. This may include English language or composition preparation, developmental math, introductory chemistry, and/or student support courses for students participating in the First Year Bridge program. 

General Education Requirements (GER)

UW-Milwaukee has General Education Requirements that must be met in order to earn a bachelor’s or associate degree. They include at minimum 30 credits (10 courses) in six categories that are designed to assure basic student competencies and provide a broad body of knowledge as a context for specialization.

Some degree requirements may fulfill GERs. Please review the requirements and consult with your academic advisor.   

General Education Categories and Credits
Civics and Perspectives (CP)6
Communication and Literacy (CL)6
Humanities and Arts (HA)6
Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning (MQR)3
Natural Science and Wellness (NSW/NSWL)6
Social and Behavioral Science (SBS)3
Total Credits30

Industrial Engineering Major Requirements

Engineering Requirements - 58 Credits
IND ENG 111Introduction to Engineering 13
IND ENG 112Computer-Aided Design 13
IND ENG 250Manufacturing Processes 23
IND ENG 267Data Visualization and Analytics3
IND ENG 285Project Management3
IND ENG 360Engineering Economics3
IND ENG 370Operations Analysis3
IND ENG 420Work Standardization and Measurement3
IND ENG 465Optimal Decision Making Under Uncertainty3
IND ENG 475Computer Simulation3
IND ENG 540Foundations of Systems Engineering3
IND ENG 571Quality Assurance3
IND ENG 580Ergonomics3
IND ENG 583Facility Layout and Material Handling3
IND ENG 595Capstone Project3
CIV ENG 311Introduction to Energy, Environment and Sustainability3
COMPSCI 202Introductory Programming Using Python 33
EAS 200Professional Seminar1
Technical Electives - Select 6 credits from approved technical elective list.6
Mathematics and Natural Science Requirement - 30 credits
MATH 231Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 44
MATH 232Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 44
IND ENG 367Engineering Statistics 53
IND ENG 455Applied Mathematical Optimization3
IND ENG 575Design of Experiments3
CHEM 102General Chemistry5
or CHEM 105 General Chemistry for Engineering
PHYSICS 209Physics I (Calculus Treatment)4
Complete 4 credits from the following courses:4
General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis
Physics II (Calculus Treatment)
Lab Physics I (Calculus Treatment)
Animals!
General Survey of Microbiology
How Life Works
Topics in Modern Biology:
Plants in Today's World
Foundations of Biological Sciences I
Introduction to the Earth
Evolution of the Earth
Earth, Air, Fire and Water
The Earth Environment
Introduction to Ocean Sciences
Ocean Sciences Laboratory
Free Elective2
Total Credits90
Technical Electives - 6 credits
Select 6 credits from approved technical electives list below. All non-required IND ENG courses numbered between 400 and 699 are approved technical electives.
IND ENG 255Industrial Applications of AI and Machine Learning3
IND ENG 288Introduction to Spatial Data Science3
IND ENG 390Senior Thesis1-3
IND ENG 550Control of Automated Manufacturing Systems3
IND ENG 555Manufacturing Systems Integration3
IND ENG 572Reliability Engineering3
IND ENG 587Lean Production Systems3
IND ENG 588Global Supply Chain Management3
IND ENG 590Topics in Industrial and Systems Engineering:1-3
IND ENG 699Independent Study1-3
EAS 1Engineering Co-op Work Period 61
EAS 208College of Engineering and Applied Science Internship Course 60-3
EAS 497Study Abroad: 71-5
MATLENG 201Engineering Materials4
MATLENG 456Metal Casting Engineering3
CIV ENG 203Introduction to Solid Mechanics 84
ELECENG 301Electrical Circuits and Electronics I4
1

MECHENG 110 and MECHENG 111 may substitute for IND ENG 111 and IND ENG 112.

2
MATLENG 330 may substitute for IND ENG 250.
3

COMPSCI 250 may substitute for COMPSCI 202.

4

MATH 221 and MATH 222 may substitute for MATH 231, MATH 232, and MATH 233.

5
MTHSTAT 361 may substitute for IND ENG 367.
6

EAS 1 and EAS 208 may be taken for up to 3 credits.

7

EAS 497 may be retaken for up to 6 credits.

8

CIV ENG 201  or CIV ENG 202 may substitute for CIV ENG 203.

Industrial Engineering BSE Objectives and Outcomes

Program Educational Objectives

The Industrial Engineering program educational objectives prepare students to: 

Objective 1. Graduates have successful careers as professionals in industrial engineering or a related field. 

Objective 2. Graduates contribute to improving efficiency, productivity and/or quality of products manufactured, or services provided by their organization. 

Objective 3. Graduates demonstrate professionalism and continue their professional development. 

Student Outcomes

The BSE program in Industrial Engineering will prepare students to attain: 

  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • an ability to 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.
  • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • an ability to 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. 
  • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. 

Minimum Requirements

Students must maintain an average GPA of at least 2.00 on all work attempted at the University and in all courses offered by the College. Students majoring in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, industrial engineering, and materials engineering must maintain an average GPA of at least 2.00 in all 300-level and above courses in the student's major department. Students majoring in civil engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering must maintain an average GPA of at least 2.50 in all 300-level and above courses in the major department. Transferable courses will be included as appropriate. Advancement to major status is required for graduation.

In order to provide maximum flexibility while preserving the institutional identity of a UWM degree, the College requires residence:

  1. during the last 30 credits, or
  2. during 45 of the last 60 credits, or
  3. during any 90 credits of a student’s undergraduate career. 

At least 15 credits of advanced work in the major must be completed in residence at UWM.

For the Engineering BS program only:

  1. complete at least 30 credits at UWM; and
  2. complete at least 15 credits in upper-division (numbered 300 or above) courses in the major at UWM.

A student who does not maintain continuous registration during the academic year and is re-admitted to the College must meet the program and graduation requirements in effect at the time of re-entry.

Degree and major requirements must be completed within 10 years of initial enrollment at UW-Milwaukee. Should students not complete the major within the 10-year time frame, the students will switch to the most current degree and major requirements. A new 10-year time frame would then begin.

Dual Majors

Students wishing to major in more than one field can do so in two ways:

  1. Complete the requirements for more than one major before receiving a degree from the College. In this case, the degree will list both majors.
  2. Be admitted to the College as a second degree candidate (after earning a bachelor's degree in any field), providing University and College entrance requirements are met. Such a student must meet all undergraduate degree requirements in the College and present a minimum of 30 credits beyond the previous bachelor's degree.

Concurrent Registration at Other Institutions

CEAS students wishing to establish concurrent enrollment at another institution must obtain prior permission from their academic advisor.

Student Academic Appeals

Students may appeal an academic action to the Office of Student Services. An appeal is a request for an exception to an established policy or rule. The content of each appeal is carefully reviewed in order to reach a decision. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Office of Student Services. The appeals committee considers individual cases concerning the degree requirements and other academic rules and regulations established by the College of Engineering and Applied Science faculty.

The College of Engineering and Applied Science has established written procedures for undergraduate student academic grievances. Copies of the grievance procedure are available in the Office of Student Services. As a first step, students must discuss the grievance with the faculty member or administrator as soon as possible to attempt to resolve the issue, but not later than 30 days after the action that prompted the grievance/appeal.

Computer Science and Engineering Programs

Detailed descriptions of the CEAS undergraduate programs are provided in this catalog. All courses are not offered every semester. A few technical elective courses may be offered only once every three to four semesters. In addition, since computer science and engineering curricula are continually evolving to keep current, students are encouraged to consult with their advisors to plan each semester's list of classes. Part-time students should always maintain a plan that looks ahead two to three semesters to avoid scheduling difficulties.

The curricula outlined in the pages are applicable to new students entering CEAS in fall 2016 or later. Students who enrolled in computer science or engineering programs prior to that date should consult with the appropriate previous editions of this catalog for information about their program requirements. As a general rule, when program changes occur, continuing students have the choice of continuing in their existing program or following the new requirements. Occasionally, a program change will be required of all students regardless of their date of matriculation, so long as it does not increase the total credits needed for graduation.

These program descriptions represent the minimum requirements for graduation from UWM in computer science or engineering. In all cases, it is important that students consult with their advisor before making course selections to avoid errors in programming.

Academic Advising

The Office of Student Services in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, located in Room E386 of the Engineering and Mathematical Sciences Building, offers undergraduate students academic advising from professional advisors who are familiar with the curriculum, College requirements, and the special needs of engineering and computer science students. These advisors provide services such as first-year student orientation, course selection, program planning, and credit transfer evaluation. Students are assigned to a permanent professional advisor as soon as they are accepted into the College, and are urged to confer with their advisor at least once each semester. Students also are assigned to a faculty advisor who provides technical expertise specific to the student's area of study.

We understand that it can be a delicate balance managing school, work, family, and active social lives. The College of Engineering and Applied Science advisors are here to help you achieve that balance.

You will be assigned a professional academic advisor upon being admitted to the College of Engineering & Applied Science. Your advisor will work with you throughout your undergraduate experience, providing guidance on:

  • course registration,
  • graduation planning,
  • career preparation,
  • and serving as a liaison to the many other resources available on our campus.

Advisors are also a great source of information on student organizations, tutoring and scholarship opportunities.

In addition to professional academic advisors, you will also have access to faculty advisors. These advisors can provide insights into the technical aspects of the engineering and computer science curricula while mentoring you as you define your professional goals.

Joint Programs with Other Campuses

Pre-engineering

Qualified students may enroll in coordinated pre-engineering programs at UW-Green Bay, UW-Parkside, and UW-Waukesha for two years of pre-engineering coursework. These coordinated programs ensure equivalent coursework, appropriate advising, and early access to the Cooperative Education Program at UWM.

Dual Degree Programs

Qualified students may enroll in coordinated dual degree programs at Alverno College, Carroll University, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Whitewater and Wisconsin Lutheran College. Students in these programs will earn a bachelor's degree at both universities in five years. Students transfer to UWM after three years at the partner university. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at (414) 229-4667.

Joint Programs with Wisconsin Technical Colleges

Gateway Technical College

An agreement with GTC allows those students having associate degrees in the Electrical Engineering - Technology the opportunity to be given credit for courses required in the UWM bachelor of science in engineering program. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at (414) 229-4667.

Milwaukee Area Technical College

An agreement with MATC allows joint admission and enrollment at MATC and CEAS. Qualified students may take English, mathematics, chemistry, and general education courses at MATC. The program ensures equivalent coursework and appropriate advising. Students complete a bachelor of science degree in engineering or computer science at UWM.

Waukesha County Technical College

An agreement with WCTC allows those students having associate degrees in the Industrial Occupations Division at WCTC the opportunity to be given credit for courses required in the UWM bachelor of science in engineering or bachelor of science in computer science program. For more information, contact the Office of Student Services at (414) 229-4667.

Accelerated Program Option

This program is offered as part of an accelerated graduate program. For more information, see Accelerated Graduate Degrees.

Industrial Engineering, BSE/Engineering, MS: Industrial and Systems Engineering

This accelerated graduate degree involves the following bachelor’s and master’s degrees: Industrial Engineering, BSE and Engineering, MS. There are up to 6 forward-shared credits and up to 15 backward-shared credits, with a maximum of 21 total shared credits.

Students have three accelerated graduate degree options:

  1. Forward-Shared Credits Only – The student registers for graduate level courses while in the undergraduate program and completes the bachelor’s degree prior to the first term as a graduate student. The student has up to five years to return for the Engineering MS after the completion of the bachelor’s with up to 6 forward-shared credits.
  2. Backward-Shared Credits Only – The student does not take graduate level courses while in the undergraduate program (no forward-shared credits) but begins Graduate School early prior to the completion of the bachelor’s degree. Up to 15 backward-shared credits.
  3. Forward-Shared and Backward-Shared Credits – The student registers for graduate level courses while in the undergraduate program (i.e. first semester of fourth year) and then begins Graduate School early (i.e. second semester of fourth year) prior to the completion of the bachelor’s degree. Up to 6 forward-shared credits and up to 15 backward-shared credits, with a maximum of 21 total shared credits.

Eligible Forward-Shared Courses 

Any IND ENG course at the 400-level or higher that can be taken at the G level is eligible for forward-sharing. Forward-shared courses must be taken at the G level. Students in their undergraduate career may take 700-level or higher courses with special permission from the department.  

Eligible Backward-Shared Courses

Any graduate-level IND ENG course can be shared backward to fulfill a required or elective course for the bachelor's degree; and fulfill a required course for the master's degree.  

Eligible Shared Courses

Courses that may be shared can be found in the IND ENG page of the UWM Course Catalog.

Undergraduate Requirements

The Accelerated Graduate Degree in Industrial Engineering requires students to meet the following criteria:

  • Currently enrolled in Industrial Engineering major
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 
  • Approximately 36 or fewer credits remaining to earn your bachelor’s degree
  • Faculty approval from the Industrial Engineering department
Application Process
  1. Start by meeting with your undergraduate academic advisor to determine your eligibility. Ideally, you should meet with your advisor in the second semester of your junior year and start graduate courses in your senior year.
  2. Meet with a faculty advisor in the Industrial Engineering department to discuss the Accelerated Graduate Degree program of study.
  3. Submit the proposed Accelerated Graduate Degree Program of Study form to the College of Engineering & Applied Science Graduate Programs Office (EMS E379).

Graduate Admission Requirements

Students who plan to do the option of 6 forward double counting credits only (bachelor’s degree completed prior to the first term as a graduate student) and meet the minimum Graduate School admissions criteria will be automatically admitted to the Engineering, MS.

To be considered for admission into Graduate School prior to completing the bachelor’s degree (12-15 backward-shared credits), the student must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and be in progress to complete 105 bachelor’s credits prior to their first term as a graduate student.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan below illustrates how students can progress through their undergraduate degree and transition into an Accelerated Graduate Degree (AGD). It provides an example of when undergraduate and graduate-level coursework may be completed and how shared credits can be applied toward both degrees. This is a sample plan, not a required course sequence, and your plan may vary. Work with your undergraduate advisor to develop an individualized plan and confirm all Accelerated Graduate Degree requirements.

 
Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Credits
CHEM 105 General Chemistry for Engineering 1 5
IND ENG 111 Introduction to Engineering 3
MATH 231 Calculus and Analytic Geometry I 2 4
ENGLISH 102 College Writing and Research (or other approved GER Communication and Literacy Course) 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
COMPSCI 202 Introductory Programming Using Python 3
IND ENG 112 Computer-Aided Design 3
IND ENG 285 Project Management 3
MATH 232 Calculus and Analytic Geometry II 4
ENGLISH 206 Technical Writing (or other GER approved Communication and Literacy course) 3
 Credits16
Year 2
Semester 1
EAS 200 Professional Seminar 1
IND ENG 250 Manufacturing Processes 3
IND ENG 267 Data Visualization and Analytics 3
MATH 233 Calculus and Analytic Geometry III 4
PHYSICS 209 Physics I (Calculus Treatment) 4
 Credits15
Semester 2
ELECENG 234 Analytical Methods in Engineering 4
IND ENG 360 Engineering Economics 3
IND ENG 367 Engineering Statistics 3
BIO SCI 150 Foundations of Biological Sciences I 1 4
 Credits14
Year 3
Semester 1
IND ENG 255 Industrial Applications of AI and Machine Learning 3
IND ENG 370 Operations Analysis 3
IND ENG 420 Work Standardization and Measurement 3
INFOST 120 Information Technology Ethics (or other approved GER Humanities and Arts course) 3
MECHENG 160 Introduction to Design Thinking (or other approved GER Social and Behavioral Science GER) 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
IND ENG 465 Optimal Decision Making Under Uncertainty 3
IND ENG 475 Computer Simulation 3
IND ENG 583 Facility Layout and Material Handling 3
EAS 130 Systems Thinking, Complexity, and Wicked Problems in the 21st Century (or other GER approved Civics and Perspectives course) 3
ARCH 111 Design I (or other approved GER Humanities and Arts course) 3
 Credits15
Year 4
Semester 1
IND ENG 595 Capstone Project 3
IND ENG 455G Applied Mathematical Optimization 3
IND ENG 540G Foundations of Systems Engineering 3
CIV ENG 311 Introduction to Energy, Environment and Sustainability 3
MECHENG 161 Intro to Innovative and Entrepreneurial Thinking (or other approved GER Civics and Perspectives course) 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
EAS 701 Effective Academic Writing 1
IND ENG 571G Quality Assurance 3 3
IND ENG 572G Reliability Engineering 3 3
IND ENG 580G Ergonomics 3 3
 Credits10
Year 5
Semester 1
IND ENG 715 Data Acquisition and Visualization for Decision Making 4 3
IND ENG 716 Engineering Statistical Analysis 4 3
IND ENG 755 Advanced Mathematical Optimization: Algorithms, Math Modeling, and Theory 4 3
 Credits9
Semester 2
IND ENG 890 Advanced Topics in Industrial and Systems Engineering: 4 3
IND ENG 999 Advanced Independent Study 4 3
 Credits6
 Total Credits130
1

CHEM 105  and BIO SCI 150 are required by the major and count toward the GER Natural Science and Wellness requirement.

2

MATH 231  is required by the major and counts towards the GER Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning requirement.

3

The BSE in Industrial Engineering requires 9 Elective Credits. Accelerated students can choose any IND ENG 400+G or 700+ level course to satisfy this requirement. The courses in sample study plan are just an example.

4

The MS-Industrial Systems Engineering requires at least 15 credits at the 700-level or above, not including EAS 701. The courses in the sample study plan are just an example. Students need to have a program of study approved by a faculty advisor.

 

Honors in the Major

Students in Industrial Engineering who meet all of the following criteria can be awarded honors in the major upon graduation:

  1. A 3.000 cumulative GPA in all UWM graded credits;
  2. A 3.500 GPA over all upper-division (300 level and higher) IND ENG courses; 
  3. At least one of the following:
    1. Participation in the Accelerated MS program with successful completion of 6 credits in IND ENG approved courses.
    2. Successful completion of 3 credits of faculty supervised research (IND ENG 699).
    3. A- grade or better in IND ENG 595.

College of Engineering and Applied Science Dean's Honor List

GPA of 3.500 or above, earned on a full-time student's GPA on 12 or more graded credits in a given semester.

Honors College Degree and Honors College Degree with Distinction

Granted to graduating seniors who complete Honors College requirements, as listed in the Honors College section of this site.

Commencement Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or above, based on a minimum of 40 graded UWM credits earned prior to the final semester, will receive all-university commencement honors and be awarded the traditional gold cord at the December or May Honors Convocation. Please note that for honors calculation, the GPA is not rounded and is truncated at the third decimal (e.g., 3.499).

Final Honors

Earned on a minimum of 60 graded UWM credits: Cum Laude - 3.500 or above; Magna Cum Laude - 3.650 or above; Summa Cum Laude - 3.800 or above.