Industrial Engineering combines science and technical knowledge with human sciences to design, plan, and analyze systems that involve people, materials, money, energy, equipment, and other resources. Industrial engineers work with personnel in research and development, accounting, engineers in other disciplines, maintenance, human resources, and production to increase organizational productivity, improve quality, reduce health care costs, conserve energy, develop public transportation systems, and improve industrial safety conditions. Industrial engineering distinguishes itself from other engineering professions because it has applications in manufacturing, service, commercial, and governmental activities. It is the major branch of engineering concerned not only with technology, but with people, making industrial engineers a prime source of management talent.

Through consultation with his/her academic advisor, a student is assisted in choosing electives which will prepare him/her for a degree of specialization compatible with his/her future goals. The available concentrations are Engineering Management and Manufacturing. Specific courses required in each concentration are described in Degree Programs Section.

The major goal of the Industrial Engineering program at the University of Miami is to prepare graduates to contribute to the economy by virtue of employment in a variety of industries: manufacturing (heavy and light, traditional and high technology) and service (health care, retail, transportation, logistics, government, consulting, banking, and insurance). In striving to achieve this goal, the objective of the faculty is to provide all graduates with the mathematical, scientific, and design tools required to formulate problems accurately, generate alternative solutions, evaluate those alternatives, and present the best solutions to clients or decision makers in a fashion that facilitates decision-making processes. In addition, superior students are prepared for graduate studies and research.