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Fitts-Woolard Hall at sunrise with the beautiful multi-colored clouds reflecting off the large glass windows.

About

See why the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at NC State University is one of the top-ranked ISE programs in the country.

Last Updated: 02/16/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

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 and ranks among the top 15 programs in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. The department currently has a rich and diverse research portfolio in:

NC State ISE also supports three other academic programs:

NC State ISE has strong connections with other departments, universities, medical schools and external partners. It houses two state-funded centers and one privately funded center:

Vision, Mission and Objectives

Vision

To become and be perceived as one of the preeminent ISE departments in the world. This will be achieved through image, research, education/alumni/outreach/students, economic development, collaborations/partnerships, infrastructure/culture/staff/faculty.

Mission

The mission of the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering is to provide a premier educational experience for our students and a world-class environment for our faculty. We want to give them the opportunity to turn ideas into reality and enhance the economic development and quality of life of the citizens of North Carolina, our nation and humankind.

Objectives

  • Recruit, develop and cherish the highest quality faculty.
  • Recruit high-quality students and support them through scholarships, fellowships and funded research.
  • Provide our students with an academic environment that prepares them to be global leaders.
  • Conduct interdisciplinary research with global impact and partner with industry, government and leading educational institutions.
  • Provide outstanding service to industry, government, academic professions and our alumni.
  • Promote the accomplishments of our faculty, staff and students, as well as publicize departmental projects, centers and major research findings.

By the Numbers

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate

  • B.S. in Industrial Engineering (BSIE)
    • Minor in Industrial Engineering
    • Minor in Supply Chain Engineering
    • Health Systems Engineering Certificate Program
  • Accelerated Bachelor/Master in IE (ABM)

Graduate

  • Master in Industrial Engineering (MIE)
  • Master of Industrial Engineering/Master of Business Administration (MIE/MBA)
  • Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)
  • Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering

Online

Interdisciplinary Programs and Degrees

Operations Research

Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Engineering Management

Faculty (2025-2026)

  • 25  Tenured and Tenure-track
  • 7  Distinguished Professors
  • 4   Professors
  • 9  Associate Professors
  • 5  Assistant Professors
  • 11  Lecturers (part-time)
  • 13  Emeritus
  • 4  Adjunct
  • 6  Teaching Professional Faculty
  • 3  Research Professional Faculty

National Rankings (U.S. News & World Report)

  • Undergraduate Program: #11
  • Graduate Program: #14

Enrollment (Fall 2025)

  • 489 Undergraduates
  • 34 Masters
  • 89 Ph.D.s

Degrees Granted (2024-2025)

  • 88 Undergraduates
  • 36 Masters
  • 16 Ph.D.s

Job Placements

More than 90% of our undergraduate students have received job offers or are pursuing advanced degrees before graduation.