Where Engineering Disciplines Converge

Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) at the University of Washington is a dynamic and ever-evolving discipline that sits at the crossroads of engineering, mathematics, statistics, stochastics and science --the building blocks of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Our mission is to analyze, design, optimize and implement complex systems where people, engineering and information intersect.

Engineering Meets Leadership Strategy

ISE is often dubbed the "Business School of Engineering," and for good reason. This discipline is people-centric, merging technical skills, scientific knowledge and strategic thinking in a variety of fields. As an ISE student, you are trained to grasp the bigger picture, understanding the intricate connections within complex systems. 

This comprehensive perspective equips you with the ability to assume leadership roles, manage multifaceted projects, lead diverse teams, and make impactful decisions within organizations. As an ISE, you're not only equipped to adapt to an evolving environment, you're prepared to shape it. 

 

Master the Power of Data

With ISE, you learn to adeptly navigate the world of information. This discipline equips you with the skills to gather, process, analyze and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data.

Understanding data is the pulse of decision-making, providing vital insights that can transform operations and bring transformative change to people's lives. You'll also learn to wield the power of data and technology, deploying programming skills to achieve these lofty goals in our digital, hyperconnected world.

 

Secure a Fulfilling and Rewarding Career Path

Industrial and Systems Engineering offers more than a challenging and diverse career – it's a gateway to a rewarding future. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national mean annual wage for IEs stands at $98,560. When it comes to launching a career, no place can compare to UW's home city of Seattle. Payscale’s recent college salary reported that industrial engineering is one of the highest-paying majors. Data from CBS News also showed that students who study Operations Research, which is a key component of the ISE curriculum, receive a high salary. Here, industrial and systems engineers enjoy not only one of the highest employment rates of any major metropolitan area, but, at $117,800/year, the highest average compensation of any city on the list. 

Employment is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to a projected 224,000 new job openings for industrial engineers over the next decade. 

The benefits extend beyond career security and financial reward. Industrial and systems engineers also enjoy high levels of job satisfaction, owing to the varied, impactful, and solution-oriented nature of their work. In fact, in a recent study, industrial and systems engineering ranked as one of the ten most common professions of the world's happiest people.

Boundless Opportunities, Boundless Possibilities

Industrial & Systems Engineers aren't boxed into one industry – they're in high demand everywhere, from logistics and transportation to healthcare, energy, manufacturing, robotics, and cyber-infrastructure. As an ISE, you could find yourself in a multitude of fascinating roles, each offering a unique set of challenges and rewards.

Some influential ISEs from history include "the father of lean manufacturing," Taiichi Ohno, "the mother of modern management," Lillian Gilbreth," and the founder of the automotive giant that bears his name, Henry Ford. Some modern ISEs that may surprise you include CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, astronaut Mike Massimino, and former president of Bolivia, Jorge Quiroga.

The versatility of ISE opens up a plethora of opportunities across diverse settings. Whether you see yourself making a difference in government, the non-profit sector, or the corporate world, through the College of Engineering's Capstone Program, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with major organizations on real-world engineering challenges. From Accenture to Apple, from Meta to McKinsey, from Starbucks to SpaceX, UW ISE alums have left indelible marks on a multitude of renowned organizations. And with over 40% of recent UW ISE graduates finding their first career in the air & space sector, the sky is literally the limit when it comes to potential employers.

ISE at the University of Washington: Your Launchpad to the Future

Nestled in the global technology hub that is Seattle, the University of Washington (UW) presents a unique and exceptional environment for studying ISE. The university's proximity to industry giants such as Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Paccar, Seagen and T-Mobile, offers unmatched opportunities for internships, collaborations, and future employment. Our strong ties with these and many other respected employers, both within and beyond the tech industry, equip our students with real-world experience and industry connections that set them apart in the job market.