Undergrad Programs
Welcome to the NC State Industrial and Systems Engineering undergrad programs. We are a top-15-ranked national program.
Last Updated: 03/11/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
Welcome to one of the strongest engineering communities you can join. You are now part of a top 15 program 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.
This page will help you take the next steps in your journey. For example, 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.
You can also learn what campus life offers and how to tour the ISE Department. Furthermore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions. You will see how our department prepares you for a successful ISE career. Then, you can meet our current Ph.D. students and explore their research. Finally, you will learn how to apply to NC State.
About Our Department
Industrial and systems engineering continues to gain strong momentum with students. As a result, you join a field that is growing in visibility and impact.
Our department celebrates more than 95 years of excellence. Moreover, U.S. News and World Report ranks our program #11 nationally. Therefore, you become part of a respected and nationally recognized community.
As you move through the program, you prepare for a wide range of careers. That is because we offer diverse research areas, including:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Health Systems
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Supply Chain and Logistics
- Systems Analytics and Optimization
In addition, the College of Engineering ranks our department #1 for student satisfaction, job placement and job placement in your field of study. Right now, more companies seek to hire our graduates than we have students to fill those roles. Consequently, you enter a field filled with opportunity and strong demand.
ABET Accreditation and Why it Matters
ABET accredits engineering programs at the associate, bachelor and master levels. As a result, you can feel confident that our program prepares you for the global workforce. Moreover, ABET standards ensure that students achieve strong learning outcomes.
- In addition, ABET includes more than 2,200 experts from industry, academia and government.
- Their criteria focus on what students experience and learn throughout their programs.
- Furthermore, ABET’s voluntary peer review process strengthens engineering programs where quality, precision and safety are essential.
- Finally, ABET is a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization.
- It is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
What is Industrial and Systems Engineering?
Many high school students aspire to become engineers. However, you may still wonder which engineering path best fits your interests and goals. Industrial and systems engineering is often called the “people person’s” engineering. Moreover, it blends the physical and social sciences with core engineering principles to improve processes and systems. Simply put, you learn how to make things work better.
As an industrial and systems engineer, you improve quality and productivity while reducing waste in time, materials, money and energy. As a result, organizations rely on industrial engineers to improve efficiency and performance. Consequently, many industrial and systems engineers move into management roles. For the same reason, industrial engineering is also an excellent choice if you hope to own and run a business.
Living in Raleigh
Campus Life
As an industrial engineering student at NC State, you benefit from strong academics and an active campus life. Moreover, you build friendships, join clubs and participate in activities while earning a top quality education.
The Talley Student Union serves as the center of student life. In addition, you can cheer in the stands, compete on the field or enjoy a workout at campus facilities. With hundreds of year round arts programs, you can explore your creativity and connect with a supportive community.
NC State also offers a variety of housing options. For example, you may choose traditional residence halls, themed village communities or on-campus and off-campus apartments for upperclassmen and graduate students.
NC State Dining provides many choices as well. Furthermore, you can select from quick-service eateries, all-you-can-eat dining halls, familiar fast-food chains, specialty cafes, coffee bars and food trucks.
Tour the ISE Department
We believe seeing is believing. Therefore, we invite you to tour the department and explore the many areas within ISE. As you visit, you will see the spaces where students learn, collaborate and create.
During your tour, you can explore:
- Our world class 3D printing lab
- The robotics and automation lab
- The virtual reality cave and biomechanics lab
- The biomedical 3D printing lab
While you are here, you may also sit in on a simulation modeling or product development class. In addition, you can meet current students and see how they apply what they learn.
To get started, complete the ISE Campus Visitation Form and schedule your visit. By planning ahead, you can experience firsthand what makes our program distinctive.
Got Questions? (FAQ)
Undergrad Degrees
We prepare you for careers in industry, service, consulting and government organizations. As a result, you graduate with skills that employers value across many sectors.
Moreover, you gain a strong foundation for advanced study at leading engineering, business and management universities. Therefore, you can pursue further academic opportunities with confidence.
In addition, we offer an undergrad degree, an accelerated bachelor/master program as well as three minors (industrial engineering, supply chain engineering and data science, analytics and decision-making). By choosing one of these programs, you can align your education with your professional and research goals.
Undergrad Degrees
Undergrad Minors
Admissions
So are you ready to become a member of Wolfpack Nation? Great!
Discover what you need to apply to our undergraduate admissions program, as well as the answer to the question, “Can I afford it?“