The Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State is one of only five named ISE departments in the United States and ranks among the top 15 programs in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.
Top 11 Undergrad Industrial Engineering Program
U.S. News and World Report 2026
One of only Five Named ISE Departments in the U.S.
Ga Tech, Va Tech, Penn State and Oklahoma
Top 14 Graduate Industrial Engineering Program
U.S. News and World Report 2026
Undergrad Programs and Degrees
Welcome to one of the strongest engineering communities you can join. You can explore the field of industrial and systems engineering, or ISE. In addition, you can discover why Raleigh, NC, is a great place to live and work.
Welcome to one of the top 11 programs in the United States. Moreover, this ranking reflects the strength of our faculty, students and industry partners. As a result, you gain real value when you choose our department.
Opened in 2020, this state-of-the-art facility brings together students, faculty and industry partners in spaces designed for collaboration, innovation and hands-on learning. As a result, students gain access to modern classrooms, advanced research laboratories and flexible learning environments that prepare them to solve today’s most complex challenges.
Named after ISE alumni (Edward P. Fitts, Jr. (ISE ‘61), his wife, Debra, Edgar S. Woolard, Jr. (ISE ‘56), and his wife, Peggy), Fitts-Woolard Hall symbolizes the dedication of alumni and friends in advancing the Department’s mission.
About our Department
The Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at NC State is one of only a few named ISE departments in the United States. It ranks among the top 15 programs in the country according to U.S. News and World Report.
Living in Raleigh, NC, consistently ranks among the top five places to live and work in the country. Raleigh welcomes families and individuals, offering a well-educated workforce and a diverse, multicultural environment. As a result, this vibrant city provides a high quality of life and many opportunities for everyone. Consequently, many people find living in Raleigh the ideal way to settle down and thrive.
#6 Best Place to Live in the US (US News & World Report, 2024-2025) #13 Top 25 America’s Best CitiesBest Cities, 2024) #11 Best Place to Live in the US for Young Professionals (U.S. News, 2023-2024) Best Cities to Move to After College (USA Today, 2024)
Industrial engineering gives you the skills to improve the systems people use every day. You learn how to solve problems, increase efficiency and create better products and services. As a result, you help organizations save time, reduce costs and improve quality across nearly every industry.
Today’s professionals work at the intersection of engineering, technology and business. They use data, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to solve complex challenges. At the same time, they improve manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, supply chains and energy systems. Because every organization depends on efficient processes, graduates remain in high demand.
The Future of the Profession
The future of industrial engineering has never been brighter. Over the next decade, employers will continue investing in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and smart manufacturing. Consequently, engineers will lead efforts to design more efficient factories, strengthen global supply chains and improve healthcare systems.
The profession also plays a vital role in sustainability. Engineers develop processes that reduce waste, conserve resources and improve environmental performance. Furthermore, they help organizations make better decisions through data-driven solutions and digital technologies.
Because the discipline combines technical knowledge with leadership skills, graduates enjoy outstanding career flexibility. You can work for manufacturers, technology companies, healthcare organizations, consulting firms, government agencies or defense contractors. Likewise, you can build a career in product development, operations, logistics, quality engineering, data analytics or engineering management.
For information about the industrial engineering profession, consult these links:
At NC State, you prepare for a career in industrial engineering through hands-on learning, innovative research and real-world industry partnerships. You work alongside faculty who solve today’s engineering challenges while gaining experience with the tools employers expect.
Whether you want to improve healthcare, develop advanced manufacturing systems, optimize supply chains or apply artificial intelligence to engineering problems, this field provides the foundation. As industries continue to evolve, graduates will help shape how the world designs, builds and delivers the products and services people depend on every day.
