Image of industrial machinery being used

BS/BA

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Take on the world by engineering processes and systems to improve quality, productivity and operational efficiency.

Are you one of those people who are always finding a better way to get something done or who makes things work faster, smarter and more efficiently? As an industrial and systems engineering (ISyE) student at USD, you will apply basic engineering skills from mathematics and the physical sciences, specialized analytical techniques and an understanding of how people interact with data, equipment and each other to design, evaluate and improve the performance of processes and systems. For example, ISyEs shorten the waiting time at Disneyland, make factories safer and more sustainable and help hospitals use equipment efficiently.

BS/BA

Dual Degree

1

Concentration

ABET

Accredited

147

Units (hours)

Adding value to the bottom lIne

What do industrial and system engineers do?

USD's Industrial and Systems Engineering program courses are designed to help you become a highly sought after engineer who is tremendously valuable to the bottom line for organizations. The factor that most distinguishes ISyE from other engineering disciplines is the attention devoted to human involvement in the systems being analyzed. Industrial and systems engineers focus on the big picture and how all of the moving parts can best fit together. Typical employers for ISyE graduates include: Amazon, SpaceX, Dexcom, ThermoFisher Scientific, Viasat and General Atomics.

Your Pathway to Success

See what it takes to be an industrial and systems engineer

With dedicated faculty who are invested in their students, small class sizes, a background in the liberal arts and a solid foundation of analytical, computational and hands-on skills, our graduates emerge from the industrial and systems engineering program prepared with confidence and the technical prowess to launch their careers. See what's in store for you.

ISYE 335 Six Sigma - Process Improvement Methods

Application of statistics to improve quality and productivity. Introduction to Six Sigma quality methodology and the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) problem solving strategy for continuous quality improvement.

ISYE 420 Simulation of Production and Service Systems

Modeling and analysis of systems using computer-based discrete event simulation. Principles of modeling, validation and output analysis are developed using high-level simulation languages.

ISYE 450 Manufacturing Systems

Introduction to principles of manufacturing automation and analysis of automated systems. Topics include process and machine control, control systems, programmable logic controllers, robotics, computer vision and material handling systems.

Concentration in Sustainability

USD offers a sustainability concentration within the ISyE degree program. This concentration allows ISyE majors to delve more into sustainable engineering concepts and practices to improve process and system designs/configurations. Upon completing the required courses, students will have a portfolio of projects, problem solving and hands-on practices demonstrating their competency in the subject matter.

Torero Spotlight

Hear from our industrial and systems engineers

Cheyenne Booth '25

"As a person who grew up in San Diego County, I was always excited to start my journey at the University of San Diego. As I am now about to graduate, my time here has been nothing less than what I expected. Since day one within the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, I have been welcomed and supported not only by my professors and faculty, but also by my fellow engineering students. The curriculum can be challenging, but we succeed as a team. My ISyE cohort and the community I have found within the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) have been the best part of my college experience!"

Paulina Gaitan Esguerra '25

"As a Mexican woman pursuing an engineering degree in a field dominated by men and predominantly white individuals, I have faced numerous challenges and obstacles in my journey. However, through organizations such as SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and SWE (Society of Women Engineers), I have found supportive communities that empower me to reach my fullest potential and provide resources for me to thrive in both my academic and personal endeavors."

Manuel Herzog '25

“One of the things I’ve really appreciated about USD’s Industrial & Systems Engineering program is how small the classes are. It’s made it easy to work closely with faculty, and that support has been incredibly helpful throughout my time here. The program does a great job of balancing technical and practical learning, but what stands out the most is its focus on problem-solving. Instead of just teaching a fixed approach, it gives you the tools to break down and tackle problems in any industry. That flexibility has been key in shaping how I think as an engineer."

Become an Industrial and Systems Engineer

Our career professionals, advisors and faculty are here to help you navigate and access the multitude of resources you'll need to thrive academically. They'll help you map out the right path for you, from your first year through graduation — and beyond.