Industrial engineer: bachelor's degree, optional PE license
Industrial engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering or a related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering. No license is needed for entry-level jobs; experienced engineers may earn a PE license.
For: Students who like math, statistics and finding faster, safer and cheaper ways to make things.
Route 1: Bachelor's in industrial engineering Typical
High school students should take algebra, trigonometry, calculus, computer science, chemistry and physics.
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Start here
High school: math and science
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Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in industrial engineering (or mechanical, manufacturing or general engineering)
Statistics, production systems planning and manufacturing systems design, with lab work. Human factors engineers may need a bachelor's in psychology.
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Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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During college
Internship or co-op
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Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Industrial engineer
Some advance to management positions.
BLS
Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 2: 5-year bachelor's + master's program Some colleges
Some colleges and universities offer 5-year programs that lead to both a bachelor's and a master's degree.
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High school diploma
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Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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5 years
Combined bachelor's and master's
BLS
Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
Industrial engineer
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Industrial Engineers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Route 3: Optional: Professional Engineer (PE) license Experienced engineers
A PE can oversee other engineers, sign off on projects and provide services directly to the public.
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Start here
Bachelor's or higher in engineering
BLS
Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
FE exam
Passing usually leads to Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI) status.
FE and PE examsNCEES
FE examNCEES- Checked
- 7 Oct 2026
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Several years
Relevant work experience
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Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
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Goal
State PE license
PE license stepsBLS
Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Professional credential
Voluntary · Voluntary - Not required; some industrial engineers choose to earn one.
BLS
Industrial Engineers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 21 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.