Industrial Engineering
Industrial Engineers work to make industrial processes more efficient. They might work on supply chains or assembly workstations. Whether is involves human factors or cost controls and analysis, Industrial Engineers help industries stream line their manufacturing and insure quality to decrease wastes of time, money and energy.
The work of Industrial Engineers is used by any number of companies and industries and therefore the job outlook for Industrial Engineers is strong. As industry evolves, the work of Industrial Engineers also evolves. These days there's a debate about whether the term "Industrial Engineering" is outdated and shouldn't be replaced by something like "Production" Engineering but all agree that the work Industrial Engineers is as vital as ever.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2010, Aerospace parts and manufacturing employs the greatest number of Industrial Engineers and Companies working with commercial and industrial machinery and equipment pay the highest salaries with the mean being over $100,000. Other industries paying high salaries include Health and Personal care stores, Oil and Gas extraction and office administrative services: all paying in the high $90,000's.
The following top schools offer excellent degree programs in Industrial Engineering: