Skip to main content

Industrial Engineering minor

MBEB building living roof

In collaboration with the College of Engineering and the College of Business’s Supply Chain Management group, an Industrial Engineering minor is being offered to engineering and construction management students. The minor is designed to provide students the tools needed to apply engineering concepts to complex manufacturing and business environments. To learn more about the minor, please contact James Kroes (professor in Supply Chain Management) at jimkroes@boisestate.edu or Amy Moll (professor in Materials Science and Engineering) at amoll@boisestate.edu.

The Industrial Engineering Minor is a transdisciplinary collaboration between the College of Engineering [COEN] and the College of Business’s Supply Chain Management group [COBE SCM] designed to (i) provide training on the design, optimization, and management of complex manufacturing, service, and supply chain systems, (ii) prepare students with the tools needed to apply engineering concepts to issues faced by production, service, and supply chain organizations, (iii) develop the analytical and managerial skills necessary for successful careers in industry.

WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

“Industrial Engineering gives practitioners the opportunity to work in a variety of businesses. Many practitioners say that an Industrial Engineering education offers the best of both worlds: an education in both engineering and business. Industrial Engineers (IEs) are the only engineering professionals trained specifically to be productivity and quality improvement specialists.

The most distinctive aspect of Industrial Engineering is the flexibility it offers. Whether it’s shortening a roller-coaster line, streamlining an operating room, distributing products worldwide, or manufacturing superior automobiles, these challenges share the common goal of saving companies money and increasing efficiencies. Many people are misled by the term Industrial Engineer. It’s not just about manufacturing. It also encompasses service industries, with many IEs employed in entertainment industries, shipping and logistics businesses, and healthcare organizations. IEs figure out how to do things better. They engineer processes and systems that improve quality and productivity. They work to eliminate waste of time, money, materials, energy and other commodities. This is why many IEs end up being promoted to management positions.” *

* Retrieved from the Institute of Industrial Engineers 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: What type of student is this minor appropriate for? A: The Industrial Engineering minor is designed for undergraduate students that would like to develop the skills needed to successfully improve and manage process-intensive organizations.

Q: Do I need a permission number to enroll in courses? A: Yes, students with junior standing need permission numbers to enroll in the COBE minor courses (Please contact James Kroes, professor in supply chain management,  at jimkroes@boisestate.edu for instructions in how to request a permission number.)  Enrollment in the minor and junior standing satisfies the pre-requisites for the program’s gateway course, SCM 301. However, please be aware that all other course prerequisites are required.

Q: When are the SCM courses offered? A: SCM 301 is offered every fall, spring, and most summer semesters. The remaining courses will be offered at least once per year during either the fall or spring semesters.

Q: Can I complete the minor after I have finished my degree? A: No, you must complete all of the required course work for the minor before you finish your degree.

Q: Who should I contact if I have additional questions? A: Please contact James Kroes (professor in supply chain management) at jimkroes@boisestate.edu or Amy Moll (professor in materials science and engineering) at amoll@boisestate.edu with any questions regarding the program.