New U of I degrees prepare students to lead the future of smart manufacturing and AI

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho has launched the state’s first bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial and systems engineering (ISE) to support Idaho’s evolving workforce needs and long-term economic growth.

Students can now pursue a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science or a Master of Engineering in industrial and systems engineering through the College of Engineering. The programs prepare them for careers in some of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, artificial intelligence and automation, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, food processing and supply chain management.  

The programs offer flexible options for students in Moscow and working professionals throughout Idaho. The master’s programs are available entirely online. Bachelor’s degree students may complete their first two years at U of I or an Idaho community college before completing their upper-division courses entirely online.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, more than three times the projected 3% growth rate for all occupations. The agency projects about 25,200 openings each year and reported a median annual wage of $101,140.

“As Idaho’s semiconductor, agribusiness, advanced manufacturing and aerospace industries continue to grow, so does the need for engineers who can improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains and solve complex challenges,” said Javier Calvo-Amodio, associate professor of industrial and systems engineering. “We're excited to offer the state's first undergraduate and graduate degrees and prepare students to meet the needs of Idaho’s future economy.”

The new degree programs emphasize the integration of AI and machine learning into complex industrial systems while considering the people who use and operate those systems.  

“Students learn to use simulation, operations research, AI, machine learning and robotics to support integrated decision-making in complex, real-world systems, guided by systems thinking as the connective tissue,” said Ean Ng, clinical associate professor of industrial and systems engineering. “Our students can design systems that are not only efficient and intelligent but also centered on the people who operate them.”

The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, practical problem-solving and hands-on learning. Students can participate in the College of Engineering’s nationally recognized Interdisciplinary Senior Capstone Design Program, in which students work with industry partners to develop solutions for real engineering challenges.  

The new master’s programs build on that foundation by preparing students for advanced technical leadership, research and doctoral study. Graduate students may choose a research-based thesis option or a professional non-thesis option. They develop expertise in systems engineering, operations research, engineering management, smart manufacturing and sustainable systems while working closely with faculty to address real-world engineering challenges. 

Media contact

Alexiss Turner
University of Idaho College of Engineering
208-885-7511
alexisst@uidaho.edu