Our students are the central focus of our department, benefitting from a cutting-edge curriculum designed for high-caliber thinkers and problem solvers. We offer co-op and internship opportunities, active student organizations, multiple study-abroad programs, numerous undergraduate and graduate research opportunities, and industry-sponsored senior design projects for a robust academic experience that goes beyond the classroom.

A core tenet of our department is our research efforts, providing faculty and students hands-on experience through our world-class labs and centers funded by the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and NIH amongst many others. The department continues to forge strong partnerships with Oak Ridge National Lab, CNS/Y-12, and the State of Tennessee for research collaborations that are making positive system impacts across a range of industries.

Mission Statement

We are committed to providing a sound modern industrial engineering education, to engage in creative research, and to deliver outreach activities through our undergraduate and graduate programs. The department continuously enhances its performance in the creation, integration, and dissemination of knowledge as it relates to the design, implementation, operation, analysis, and improvement of industrial processes as well as in service to the profession of industrial engineering.

Vision Statement

We will be a premier industrial and systems engineering department known for a high-impact approach that integrates:

• pioneering research in the areas of systems analytics and operational excellence,
• strong student preparation, and
• deep engagement with partners from the government, private, and non-profit sectors.