Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE)

Idaho's only Bachelor of Science in industrial and systems engineering is a four- to five-year 126-credit program preparing students to lead in designing, analyzing, innovating and managing complex engineered systems across local, regional, national and global industries.

Choose your course pace

This degree program offers four-year and five-year course plans so you can choose the pace at which courses are completed. The five-year plan spreads coursework over an additional academic year, resulting in lighter semester workloads and an earlier focus on building the math foundation before entering upper-level engineering courses.  

Learning outcomes 

Students develop systems thinking to solve complex engineering problems by integrating business, equipment, materials, energy, information, human and environmental factors.  

Learn to apply engineering principles, science and mathematics to identify, formulate and solve problems. Graduates use engineering design to create solutions that meet needs can. while considering public health, safety, welfare and global economic, social and environmental impacts.

Class format

Build your foundational knowledge in math, chemistry and physics in lower-division courses, complemented by general education coursework that strengthens your communication skills and anchors you in the human, social, and cultural dimensions of the systems you'll one day design.  

Engage in engineering science courses grounded in systems thinking that teach you to see how methods, technologies and people fit together within larger systems. Upper-division courses advance your ability to integrate simulation techniques, human factors, operations research, scheduling, costing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and robotics systems into complex industrial problems, increasing workplace efficiency within complex, cyber-socio-physical production systems.

Complete your study with a team-based senior design project through our nationally recognized Interdisciplinary Senior Capstone Design Program. Sponsored by a real client, projects tackle an open-ended, interdisciplinary challenge that mirrors the uncertainty, incomplete data and trade-offs of real-world operations. The experience culminates each spring at the Engineering Design EXPO, where students showcase innovative, industry-ready solutions to faculty, employers and partners.

View industrial and systems engineering in the Catalog 

Hands-on learning

All U of I College of Engineering students participate in hands-on activities through:  

• Nationally ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the engineering design process and the development of a fully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary student teams present their industry-sponsored projects at the annual Engineering Design EXPO.  
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.    
• Earn funding to explore areas that interest you - Customize your college experience through opportunities that support academic, professional and personal development in the College of Engineering Professional Skills Academy.  Pursue technical certificates in engineering and computer science, build professional networks with faculty and industry partners and engage in hands-on research and project-based learning.  
• Internships and summer programs – Gain real-world experience through paid internships, fellowships and research mentorship programs. Work with leading companies, national laboratories and research centers to apply classroom knowledge, develop technical and professional skills and build industry connections.

Clubs and organization

The College of Engineering offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major: 

• Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering (IISE) Chapter
• Alpha Pi Mu chapter - ISE Honors Society
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)

While paying for college can feel overwhelming, University of Idaho is committed to affordability and clarity about tuition and financial aid. Here are a few key resources to help you understand the cost of your degree and explore available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to accessing federal, state and institutional financial aid.
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Use U of I’s Cost Calculator to estimate tuition and other expenses associated with earning your degree.
• Discover scholarship opportunities: When you apply to University of Idaho, you’re automatically considered for scholarships. Additional awards are available based on your previous experience, background and anticipated program of study.

If you have any questions about financial aid, scholarships or cost, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors can help you make informed financial decisions and navigate each part of the process. Reach out to our Financial Aid Office for assistance. 

Program specific scholarships

• Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.
• Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
• All first-time students and first-time transfer students in the College of Engineering are automatically considered for merit- and need-based scholarships and financial aid when filling out the admissions application and FAFSA. There are no separate scholarship applications required to be considered. Continuing students are also automatically considered after filling out the FAFSA each year.
• Additional College of Engineering scholarships – Available based on major and interest areas. Browse engineering scholarships and application processes.  

Idaho LAUNCH

This degree is approved for Idaho LAUNCH, a grant that supports Idaho students pursuing high-demand careers. Students enrolling under the 2026–27 Academic Catalog may be eligible for up to $4,000 per year / $8,000 total in scholarship funding through the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Learn about eligibility and application deadlines at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch, or see our full list of approved U of I programs on the in-state scholarships page.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.