Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering (B.S. in Engineering)

Planning a career during a time when entrepreneurs with technical skills have tremendous opportunities and career options? WMU's industrial and entrepreneurial engineering major is a great place to start. When you earn a B.S. in Engineering (industrial and entrepreneurial engineering), you'll learn both a traditional industrial engineering curriculum and an entrepreneurial focus that emphasizes design, creativity and innovation—all designed to support your pursuits for your future. The resources available through WMU and the Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management will set you up for success. 

Pride points

98%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences undergraduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

$70K - $80K

median starting salary for recent College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

97%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

Pursue a bachelor's degree in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering

A bachelor's degree in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering prepares students for a fast changing world where technical expertise, entrepreneurial skills, problem‑solving, creativity and innovation matters. This program focuses on helping students learn how to design systems, think creatively and turn ideas into solutions.

WMU's program combines a traditional industrial engineering curriculum with a strong entrepreneurial focus and the flexibility to select 15 technical credits to customize your program.

You will participate in hands-on projects with local industry and engage in research. With professors who are leaders in their fields and academic advisors to help guide your progress, your time at WMU culminates in a Senior Engineering Design project where you will be part of a team completing a project for industry.

And if graduate school is in your future, you can save time and money with our accelerated master's program.

WMU's program emphasized problem-solving under uncertainty, data-driven decision-making, teamwork and continuous improvement. Those foundations have carried through every role and life experience I’ve faced since.
— Amber Johnson, B.S.E’18

What you'll learn

As an industrial and entrepreneurial engineering student, you will learn from a combination of academic and practical experiences that complement your courses, which include engineering economics, quality control, supply-chain management, ergonomics, computer simulation and operations.

Unique features

  • Customize your education by choosing 15 credit hours toward any minor you want.
  • Participate in hands-on projects with local industry.
  • Qualify for our departmental scholarships.
  • Become a member of one of our student organizations such as the Institute of Industrial Engineers.

Core courses

  • Product and Service Design
  • Operations Control
  • Ergonomics and Design
  • Simulation Modeling
  • Operations Research
  • Cost and Financial Analysis
  • Engineering Economy
  • Quality Control
  • Work Design
  • Facility Planning and Logistics

Where you'll be after graduation

When you graduate from Western, you'll be prepared to take on the challenges of this exciting and growing field. Recent graduates are working in roles with titles such as industrial engineer, account manager, supply leadership associate, junior project engineer and project coordinator. They are working global at Aperture Group, Eaton, Parker Hannifin, Boeing, Kendall Electric, Wade Trim and more.

Making the most of your learning experience

At WMU, you’ll gain hands-on experience and work with expert faculty. Internships and co-ops will boost the knowledge you build in your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll compete in engineering challenges and connect with industry professionals by joining student organizations such as Institue of Industrial Engineers. Your Senior Engineering Design project will team you up with peers to apply your knowledge to a real industry project.

These experiences will help you stand out as you prepare for a successful career in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering.

Autumn Hotopp, undergraduate student, and Mostafa Zadeh, doctoral student, showcase the wearable equipment alongside Dr. Sang Kang.

What scholarships are available to industrial and entrepreneurial engineering students

A number of scholarships are available for students enrolled in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering at Western. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs.

Frequently asked questions

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering from WMU pursue careers in fields such as account management, industrial engineering and operations development. They also work as consultants and project managers. Graduates have job titles such as project coordinator, lean engineering leadership development associate and industrial engineer.

Yes, in the industrial and entrepreneurial engineering program you will learn through hands-on opportunities.

  • Professors incorporate hands-on learning into your coursework, including projects in academic labs.
  • WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has more than 25 student organizations, including Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers. These organizations allow you to compete and network with peers at other institutions while extending your learning.
  • Many students also complete internships or co-ops during their time in the program.
  • All students complete a Senior Engineering Design capstone project, where you work as a team to address real-world projects.

Yes, there are a number of scholarships available for students enrolled in the industrial and entrepreneurial engineering program at Western. You may also be eligible for additional scholarships from WMU. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. 

View scholarship information

As an engineering and applied sciences student, you should enjoy solving problems using math and science and possess a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Once you successfully complete pre-engineering requirements, you’ll apply to the upper-level professional program where you’ll dive deeper into your specific major.

View admissions information for first-year students

View admissions information for transfer students

Yes, we welcome students who are interested in transferring to WMU from a community college or other college or university. View transfer information and set-up an appointment to meet with an advisor.

We offer an accelerated degree program that allows you to complete a master’s degree in industrial engineering in just one additional year. Weave graduate courses (up to 12 credits) into your WMU undergraduate degree in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering, and earn both your bachelor's and master's degrees. Learn more about accelerated master’s degrees at WMU and view the requirements for the accelerated master’s degree in industrial engineering.

Yes! Many students in the industrial and entrepreneurial engineering program participate in internships or co-ops during their time at WMU. They are great ways to gain experience. Internships are paid positions in your field. Co-ops are also paid positions and also offer an opportunity to earn credits toward your degree.

As a WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences student, you'll also have access to many career development opportunities to be ready to land an internship or co-op.

Your professors and academic advisor can provide more information.

Western gives you options for receiving academic support in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering. Check with your professors or instructors during office hours to ask questions about your courses or find tutoring via the Bronco Study Zone.

Industrial engineering involves designing and implementing systems that improve an organization's processes. When you enter this field, your goal will be to make your company efficient and innovative with an entrepreneurial spirit. Industrial engineers study math, data analysis, supply chains, manufacturing and ergonomics. 

Engineering management requires technical and managerial skills to lead engineering teams. It's all about combining business acumen with technical expertise. You'll study technical skills as well as problem-solving, communication, project management and strategic decision-making.

As a pre-engineering student, you'll spend time exploring many areas of study. Your academic advisor and professors will help your find your ideal path.