University of Iowa

Industrial and systems engineering is concerned with the analysis, design, and implementation of systems through optimal use of resources--human, materials, energy, information, and financial. Systems may range from small units to extremely large operations.

In order to accomplish these activities, the industrial engineer must be skilled in mathematics, physical sciences, management, and human relations, as well as manufacturing, computer systems, economics, optimization, human behavior, and systems analysis and design. 

Industrial engineers improve the quality of our lives by making systems and process better, faster, cheaper, and safer. They excel at exploring business challenges and developing ways to make industries, hospitals, education, and government more effective. They know how to work with others and how to help people work more effectively, and they're typically responsible for implementing the delicate and complex process of system change.