Industrial engineering is a branch within the engineering profession that deals with processes, particularly the efficiency of those processes. Industrial engineering is most closely intertwined with manufacturing, because of the processes that have to be managed in a complex production facility. Industrial engineers examine processes and develop ways to utilize resources, personnel, materials, and machines to improve production efficiency and reduce costs.

Traditionally, industrial engineers were used in factory planning to provide an efficient flow of raw materials into a plant, production processes, and final products moving out of the plant. Today, industrial engineers still work on plant design, but can also be found in many other industries. Industrial engineers can be used in any location where queues of people or products take place, such as hospital emergency rooms, large dining facilities, financial institutions, theme parks, or military logistics.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_engineering

A student in an industrial engineering program will take a solid base of math and science courses, basic mechanical and/or manufacturing engineering courses, and other more intensive courses in systems theory, management, computer science, statistics, and control systems. Most seniors in a Bachelors program will perform a senior project that will act as a capstone to his industrial engineering education.http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/spec-doct-industrial

Entry level industrial engineers generally begin working as part of a multi-disciplinary project team. A new industrial engineer will often perform targeted work relating to a small part of the overall process, such as simulation or testing of processes. As he or she gains experience, the industrial engineer will take on additional tasks and responsibilities, potentially including managing projects or personnel, or being responsible for a larger portion of the process.http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm

Higher level industrial engineers will manage large teams of personnel including other industrial engineers, engineering technicians, programmers, financial personnel, and other support personnel. Because of their management background, many industrial engineers move on to manage large groups of engineers in other areas.