Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering
Mississippi State University
Box 9542
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Phone: (662) 325-3865
Fax: (662) 325-7618
E-mail: info@ie.msstate.edu

In an increasingly complex and technical world, industrial and systems engineers are needed to design cost-effective systems that coordinate the activities of people, materials, equipment, information, and energy. The industrial and systems engineer is concerned with the design of total systems, and is the leader in the drive for increased productivity and quality improvements.

The industrial and systems engineer (ISE) is involved in designing or improving major systems that encompass the total organization, whether in the governmental or private sectors, or in the manufacturing or service industries. Consequently, an ISE is often in contact with individuals from many segments of the organization. With their education and experience, industrial and systems engineers develop a global view of the many inter-related operations necessary to deliver a firm's goods and services. Because of their management skills and global view of the organization, a large proportion of industrial and systems engineers move into management positions, later advancing to top management positions, or to own and operate their own businesses.

Industrial and systems engineering graduates from MSU are working in nearly every section of Mississippi, the South, and the United States. Because of the diverse need for industrial and systems engineering, MSU graduates are hired by a variety of industries and companies, including:

Starting salaries of ISE graduates are competitive with graduates of other engineering disciplines, which are generally the highest of all college baccalaureate programs. A survey (Fortune, 1995) indicates that the salary of the experienced professional ISE is the highest of all engineers, generally due to their move into management positions.

At Mississippi State, industrial engineering students prepare themselves for their chosen profession by studying mathematics; physical, social, behavioral, and engineering sciences; and the humanities. Outside the classroom, students gain knowledge by interacting with other students, faculty, and industrial and systems engineering practitioners in informal settings. Industrial & systems engineering students are encouraged to participate in campus and local professional organizations.

The goals of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Mississippi State are to graduate students who:

• are well versed in industrial engineering theory and are capable of applying that theory to "real" situations;
• are capable of functioning in a broad range of organizations;
• have mastered the basic and professional skills in communications, economics, physical and social science, mathematics, and statistics;
• are capable of interacting and cooperating with others in professional situations;
• are capable of thinking independently;
• are professionally mature, responsible, and informed citizens; and
• are prepared for a lifelong pursuit of learning.

For students who qualify, scholarships and loans are available from MSU's Department of Student Financial Aid. Scholarships are also available from the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the Bagley College of Engineering. Interested students should contact these offices. The Department of Student Financial Aid also coordinates the university's work-study program. Under this program, eligible students may work up to 20 hours per week during regular school sessions.

The university offers a cooperative education program wherein the student alternates semesters of full-time study with full-time work. Students in this program usually require one additional year for graduation, but gain practical experience in their chosen field of study, which is greatly valued by employers.

	Frederick V. Buie, President/Owner, Keystone Electrical Manufacturing Company - During my career with one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, I worked with engineers and scientists throughout the United States. I found that the preparation I received in industrial engineering at MSU extended well beyond academic training and included many of the life skills needed to excel in a fast-paced, highly competitive business environment. Now that I own and operate a manufacturing company, I continue to draw on the skills developed at MSU.
	Rich Lopez, Vice President, Commonwealth Health Corporation - I routinely work with ISE graduates from around the country and the Southeast. My MSU ISE education prepared me to compete with the graduates of any of these other programs. The business world expects you to produce for the business and to help them succeed. I believe that I am able to do that, in large part because of my preparation at MSU. Go Dawgs.
	Chad Robinson, Consultant, Accenture - The team building skills I developed in the industrial engineering program at MSU, both in courses and team projects, helped me to be successful in my work. I cannot stress enough the importance of communications and teamwork skills.
	Lee Yap, Senior Consultant, Pricewaterhouse Coopers - Through the industrial engineering program, I have acquired a strong understanding of how operations and businesses are run and how to look for optimal solutions in every situation. The ISE program has taught me how to analyze each situation logically to arrive at a sound solution. And the ISE faculty is simply GREAT.
	Mitch Franks, Airline Product Systems Manager, FMC Energy Systems - I believe the ISE curriculum offered by Mississippi State is one of the better investments in the nation. Students not only leave with an industrial engineering degree, but also with a solid foundation consisting of engineering knowledge and principles that allows them to become a value-added contributor to working society.