Engineering Technology

Industrial Engineering Technology (IET)



What is Industrial Engineering Technology?

Industrial Engineering Technology (IET) is about determining the most effective ways to use people, machines, materials, and information to make a product or to provide a service.

As companies adopt management philosophies of continuous productivity and quality improvement to survive in the increasingly competitive world market, the need for Industrial Engineering Technologists is growing.

Industrial Engineering Technologists figure out how to do things better. They engineer processes and systems that improve quality and productivity. They work to eliminate waste of time, money, materials, energy, and other commodities and therefore save companies money.

This program is accredited by TAC (Technology Accreditation Commission) of ABET. The ABET accreditation is used to assure quality in educational institutions and programs. Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process of peer review. It requires an educational institution or program to meet defined standards or criteria.

What type of courses will I take?

Students begin the Industrial Engineering Technology program by studying fundamentals of raw materials and manufacturing processes along with computer aided drafting and design. Then, they learn principles of problem solving and data analysis. Later courses like plant layout, material handling, quality control, work measurement and ergonomics along with industrial experimentation prepare students for the development of effective and efficient processes and systems.

Throughout their studies, students undertake projects drawn from businesses or their personal lives. The project work allows them to apply their newly developed skills and gain some genuine experience.

What is the difference between engineering and engineering technology?

Engineers and Engineering Technologists are often called by similar titles or even the same titles. They often work in the same organizations at the same kinds of tasks. In common practice, the work of both engineers and engineering technologists are called the “field of engineering.” Hence, job titles for both are often just “engineer.”

Engineers typically take more courses in math and physics and develop a deeper view of the theory than Engineering Technologists.

Engineering Technologists gain a broader perspective of business enterprises by taking a variety of technology related courses and apply theory as well as practical experience to decision making and problem solving.

Will I be able to find a good job and have good career potential?

The career potential for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology is excellent.


The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that “Industrial engineers are expected to have employment growth of 20 percent over the projections decade, faster than the average for all occupations.

As firms look for new ways to reduce costs and raise productivity, they increasingly will turn to industrial engineers to develop processes that are more efficient and reduce costs, delays, and waste. This should lead to job growth for these engineers, even in manufacturing industries with slowly growing or declining employment overall.

Because their work is similar to that done in management occupations, many industrial engineers leave the occupation to become managers. Many openings will be created by the need to replace industrial engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.”


From U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook

Is this a profession where I sit in front of a computer all day?

Industrial Engineering Technology is different from other engineering technology functions. You do not sit at a desk all day. You work with other engineers, managers, supervisors, customers, and suppliers. You may also interface with craftspeople and operational employees.

What is the Six Sigma certification at Missouri Southern all about?

Our students have the unique opportunity to gain Six Sigma Green Belt and/or Black Belt certification, which will give them a competitive edge when starting their careers.

The certification will guarantee future employers that graduates will have proficiency in using a disciplined process and statistical techniques to achieve near perfect processes. It also guarantees that students have actually applied the methods and techniques successfully and caused a positive impact to the bottom-line of an organization.

Industrial Engineering Technology Program Mission

The mission of the industrial engineering technology program is to provide theory-based curriculum with applied learning experiences resulting in a competent and diverse engineering technologist. Graduates are multi-skilled to work in a team environment, prepared to become an integral part of world-class organizations. Faculty and students continuously engage in applied research and problem solving for our varied constituents.

Program Educational Objectives:

The Industrial Engineering Technology program at Missouri Southern will produce graduates who:

  • have an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools of engineering technology.
  • have the ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering and technology.
  • are able to identify and analyze problems and design effective engineering technology based solutions.
  • contribute professionally by functioning effectively on teams.
  • communicate effectively with professionals and lay audiences.
  • have an understanding for the discipline of engineering technology and its role in a societal and global context.

Student Outcomes

The Student Outcomes of the B.S. in Industrial Engineering Technology program are:

  1. Ability to identify properties of common engineering materials, explain metallurgical processes. [ABET a]
  2. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of various manufacturing processes and use of modern tools. [ABET a]
  3. Ability to produce multi-view drawings using software and explain design principles. [ABET a]
  4. Ability to apply knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. [ABET a]
  5. Ability to apply knowledge of electrical systems. [ABET a]
  6. Ability to apply knowledge of probability and statistics. [ABET a]
  7. Ability to apply knowledge of engineering economics. [ABET a]
  8. Ability to apply knowledge of quality control and process improvement. [ABET a]
  9. Ability to apply knowledge of facilities and logistics. [ABET a]
  10. Ability to apply knowledge of work measurement and ergonomics. [ABET a]
  11. Ability to use software applications where appropriate. [ABET a]
  12. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology to problem solving. [ABET b]
  13. Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data, resulting in recommendations for process improvements.[ABET c]
  14. Ability to apply creativity in the design of systems, components, or processes. [ABET d]
  15. Ability to identify, analyze, and solve technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools. [ABET f]
  16. Ability to fulfill team role, listen to others, research and gather information, and share in the work of the team.[ABET e]
  17. Ability to prepare concise written and oral reports for a variety of audiences using engineering technology terminology, technical literature, graphs, and figures when appropriate. [ABET g]
  18. Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in distance learning. [ABET h]
  19. Ability to understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities. [ABET i]
  20. Respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues. [ABET j]
  21. Commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement. [ABET k]
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