How do I Choose the Best Industrial Engineering School?

Industrial engineering is a rapidly growing sector that is essential to introducing new technologies and strategies in industrial production. Professional engineers perform a wide variety of tasks within their companies to maximize cost efficiency, production yields, and worker safety. In order to develop the skills necessary to succeed in the job, it is important to receive a quality education from an accredited industrial engineering school. A prospective student should carefully research many different schools and consider several factors when choosing an institution. Among other points, it is important to consider an industrial engineering school's costs, reputation, size, and the type of courses offered.

There are many sources of help available when choosing an industrial engineering school. High school students can ask their guidance counselors to help them find information on different schools and offer their professional opinions on which institutions seem to be the most promising. People who are already out of high school may want to consider visiting career counselors who can offer the same types of services.

The Internet is perhaps the most useful research tool, as careful searches can yield university home pages, student opinions, and independent reviews of thousands of different schools. It is important to investigate school websites thoroughly, looking for information about their location, size, and accreditation. In the United States and several other countries, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits schools that meet high engineering education standards. ABET certification ensures that a school can provide students with the skills necessary to succeed in industrial engineering careers.

Most industrial engineering school websites provide prospective students with information about class sizes, available resources, and tuition costs. Some students prefer smaller, lesser-known schools where hands-on learning is the focus, while others may want to enroll in larger universities that have strong reputations in engineering. It also is a good idea to look for a school that offers access to the most up-to-date tools and technology.

If cost is a factor, a student can view tuition estimates and learn about available financial aid. In addition, some schools promote paid internship programs that can help students earn money while they break into their careers and still attend courses. Many schools have scholarships and financial aid programs as well.

Finally, if possible, it is a good idea to visit an industrial engineering school in person before committing to the application process. Enrollment counselors can answer questions, set up tours, and clarify information about program details. By carefully weighing options and taking time to conduct dedicated research, an individual can be sure to choose the best school for his or her career goals.