Tag: Innovate & Create

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering

Major Description

Chemical and biomolecular engineering is a diverse and exciting field where you could find yourself creating life-saving medicines, advancing fuel cell research, or developing the next big food item to hit grocery store shelves. It’s about improving things that people use every day while reducing their cost. Around the world, Illinois alumni can be found reducing costs at production facilities and building reactors to manufacture new materials. They’ve been instrumental in developing products like Tide (Procter & Gamble), Cheerios (General Mills), DiGiorno pizza (Nestle), and Cottonelle tissue (Kimberly-Clark). Rooted in chemistry, chemical engineering applies the principles of chemistry often, but not limited to, a large scale. Chemists often synthesize new molecules or mixtures on the size scale of beakers. Chemical engineers then work to scale up the synthesis process to meet market demand.

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Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

Two concentrations are offered through Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Chemical Engineering

Designed to prepare students for careers in the chemical, food, energy, pharmaceutical, semiconductor processing, personal care, fiber, and materials industries where chemical processes are coupled with heat, mass, and momentum transfer.

Biomolecular Engineering

Builds upon the traditional principles of Chemical Engineering, but specializes in biological and biotechnological systems in order to better prepare students who seek employment in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CHBE 121—Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Profession
  • CHBE 221 – Principles of Chemical Engineering
  • CHEM 202/203—Accelerated Chemistry I / Accelerated Chemistry Lab I
  • CHEM 204/205—Accelerated Chemistry II / Accelerated Chemistry Lab II
  • MATH 220/221—Calculus/Calculus I

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Chemical engineers work in a variety of segments within the chemical, petroleum, pharmaceutical, and electronics industries industries, including processing, manufacturing, research and development, management, environmental compliance, and business.

Common Career Skills
  • Able to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • Able to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. 
  • Effective written and oral communication with a range of audiences.
  • Recognizes ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and able to make informed, contextually specific judgments.
  • Functions effectively in a team environment where members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • Develops and conducts appropriate experimentation, analyzes and interprets data, and uses engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • Acquires and applies new knowledge as needed using appropriate learning strategies.
Common Career Titles
  • Manufacturing Engineer (Procter & Gamble)
  • Process Design Engineer (ExxonMobil)
  • Career Development Engineer (Honeywell/UOP)
  • Production Engineer (ADM)
  • Quality Associate Engineer (General Mills)
  • Manufacturing Scientist (Eli Lilly & Company)
  • Corporate Project Engineer (3M)
  • Rotational Engineer (AkzoNobel)
  • Technical Problem Solver (Epic Systems)

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.  These organizations include American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Urban Studies & Planning

Major Description

Urban Studies & Planning looks at the way our cities are designed, constructed, and planned. It studies the socio-economic factors and conditions behind housing projects in the city while also studying the effect of public transportation in suburban areas. It emphasizes both an analytical and quantitative approach combining policy, statistics, a sense of history, and more. Urban Planners help us look at the ways we can improve our neighborhoods, preserving some of the past while keeping an eye open for future improvements. The degree is professionally accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board.

More About Urban Studies & Planning
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

  • Sustainability Concentration
  • Policy and Planning Concentration
  • Social Justice Concentration
  • Global Cities Concentration

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • UP 101—Introduction to City Planning
  • UP 136—Urban Sustainability
  • UP 185—Cities in a Global Perspective.

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Urban planners do many types of jobs and are involved in almost any kind of government or private activity which seeks to affect the future or accommodate community change. 

Common Career Skills
  • Analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Computer skills
  • Independent, self-motivated work ethic
  • Interpersonal
  • Leadership
  • Oral/written communication
  • Organizational skills
  • Research
  • Teamwork skills
Common Career Titles
  • Assistant Associate Planner
  • Associate Planner
  • City Planner
  • Community Planner
  • Land Planner
  • Land Use Environmental Planner
  • Landscape Architect Land Planner
  • Landscape Planner
  • Planner Coordinator Senior Planner
  • Principal Planner
  • Senior Planner
  • Transportation Traffic Planner
  • Urban And Regional Planner
  • Urban Planner

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of FAA Career Services
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Student Planning Organization: SPO’s mission is to provide a vehicle for communication between staff, faculty and students in the planning program, provide forums for workshops and discussions, and organize social events for the department.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Urban Studies & l Planning.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Urban Studies & Planning.  These organizations include American Planning Association, Urban Institute, and The Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Landscape Architecture

Major Description

Landscape Architecture orients students to the profession and its specialties while developing both breadth of viewpoint and technical competency in the widest possible range of activities. Aspects include an understanding of the natural resource constraints on land-use for design decisions and activities; an awareness of the cultural determinants of human behavior and the social, political, economic, and legal institutions that influence these decisions; a working knowledge of the basic skills used in the design profession; and a guiding sense of responsibility to the land.

More About Landscape Architecture
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • LA 101 – Introduction to Landscape Architecture
  • LA 222 – Islamic Gardens & Architecture
  • LA 242 – Nature & American Culture
  • GGIS 103, GEOL 100 or GEOL 107 – Earth’s Physical Systems, Planet Earth, or Physical Geology
  • GGIS 220 – Landscape, Ecosystems and Environmental
  • HORT 223 – The Intelligent Behavior of Plants

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Landscape Architects work on a vast array of projects in diverse settings: parks, campuses, memorials, reuse of salvaged materials/infrastructure, residential design, urban revitalization, rain gardens, green roofs, heritage study and transportation. Because the BLA at the U of I is accredited, with some additional study and supervision, our graduates are license eligible.

Common Career Skills
  • Developing a landscape plan based on the requirements of the client, interest groups and needs of the animals and plants of the area
  • Meeting with interested parties to report on the landscaping plan and any environmental impact that may occur
  • Promoting environmental landscaping and architecture in the various sectors of the economy
  • Providing evaluations of the various plans and making recommendations to clients
  • Researching various land types, animals, plants and other living organisms in the area to be landscaped
  • Ability to analyze problems in terms of design and physical form
  • Ability to communicate effectively–orally and in written and graphic form–with clients, the public, and other professionals
  • Artistic talent–the ability to see and compose functional, creative environments
  • Sensitivity to landscape quality
  • Skills in all aspects of professional practice including management and professional ethics
  • Technical competence to translate a design into a built work
  • Understanding of the arts and a humanistic approach to design
Common Career Titles
  • Business Owner
  • Civil Engineer
  • Civil Engineer Technician
  • Drafter
  • Environmental Planner
  • Graphic Designer
  • Historical Preservationist
  • Industrial Designer
  • Land Trust Manager
  • Landscape Architect
  • Landscape Designer
  • Park & Recreational Planner
  • Professor/Educator
  • Real Estate Developer
  • Regional Landscape Planner
  • Residential & Commercial Designer
  • Site Planner
  • Urban Designer
  • Urban or Regional Planner

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience: for BLA students, study abroad programs are available in Sheffield, England; Taipei, Taiwan; Uppsala or Alnarp, Sweden
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • American Society of Landscape Architects – Illinois Student Chapter: promotes student engagement, creates professional networks, helps to develop necessary skill sets, and encourages academic growth.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Landscape Architecture.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Landscape Architecture.  These organizations include The American Society of Landscape Architects, The International Federation of Landscape Architects, the Council of Landscape Architecture Boards (CLARB) for information about licensure, and ASLA-Illinois Chapter.

Industrial Design

Major Description

Industrial Design determines the form of a manufactured product, shaping it to fit the people who use it and the industrial processes that produce it. Areas of design investigation include furniture, appliances, transportation, tools, farm equipment, medical instruments, electronics, human–computer interfaces, and recreational support equipment.

Industrial designers look for innovative and better ways to do things, linking technical knowledge with understanding people and the visual arts. They approach their work as problem solving, asking, “How do people want to travel?” rather than, “Let’s build another car.” To answer such questions, industrial designers explore a broad range of alternatives through drawings and models, steadily refining their designs as they test them against the user’s needs and manufacturer’s capabilities.

More About Industrial Design
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • ARTF 101—Contemporary Issues in Art
  • ARTF 102—Observational Drawing
  • ARTF 104—Expressive Drawing
  • ARTF 106—Visualization Drawing
  • ARTD 101—Introduction to Industrial Design
  • ARTH 110 —Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Industrial Designers are well rounded problem solvers and have access to a variety of careers.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to convey concepts with quick sketches
  • Computer proficiency
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Mechanical aptitude and basic understanding of how things work
Common Career Titles
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Industrial Designer
  • Interface Designer or Developer
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Product Designer
  • Product Developer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Industrial Design. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Industrial Design. These organizations include: Industrial Designers Society of America and IDSA’s Women in Design.

Computer Science & Music

Major Description

The Bachelor of Science option in Computer Science and Music (CS+Music) is a program for undergraduate students who plan to pursue a career in music technology, as well as students that want to push the state-of-the-art in music composition and explore new avenues of expression.

More About CS+Music
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CS 124 – Intro to Computer Science 1
  • CS 128 – Intro to Computer Science 2 
  • MUS 101 – Music Theory and Practice I
  • MUS 107 – Musicianship I
  • MUS 110 – Introduction to Art Music: International Perspective

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

This degree will prepare students for advanced study at the graduate level for many existing programs on music and audio technology, as well as equip them with the proper skills to successfully join and lead a vibrant workforce community centered around the creation and distribution of entertainment media through constantly evolving technological platforms.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to keep audience’s interests
  • Ability to read and write music
  • Ability to use various sound equipment
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Basic reading, writing, editing skills
  • Communication skills
  • Creativity
  • Entertaining skills
  • Good stage presence
  • Humbleness
  • Observation skills
  • Performance techniques
  • Physical stamina
  • Self-discipline
  • Singing/instrumental talents
  • Teaching abilities
  • Versatility
Common Career Titles
  • Architectural Acoustic Monitor
  • Artist & Repertoire (A&R)
  • Church Music Director
  • Community Development
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Conductor
  • Copyright Specialist
  • Disc Jockey
  • Engineer/Mixer
  • Instrument Service Specialist
  • Film Music Editor
  • Music Software Programmer
  • Music Store Manager
  • Music Stringer
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Therapist
  • Manufacturers Representative
  • Music Attorney
  • Music Copyist
  • Music Critic
  • Music Promoter
  • Music Reporter
  • Musician
  • Orchestra Librarian
  • Piano Tuner
  • Publicist
  • Recording Technician
  • Singer
  • Studio Musician
  • Synthesizer Specialist
  • Tour Manager
  • Voice Teacher

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Illinois Student Association of Music Scholars (ISAMS): enhance the academic experience, scholarship and community of students in musicology (historical and ethnographic) and related fields of music scholarship, including music theory, music education, and composition through fostering community interaction and dialogue, providing scholarly support and critical dialogue, offering professional development and organizational support.
    • iRobotics: focuses on competing in CARD and other robotics competitions, as well as spreading the word of science and technology to the community.
    • Women in Computer Science: offers a comfortable environment for everybody who studies and does research in computer science.

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Computer Science and Music. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse into the world of Computer Science and Music. These organizations include Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, Association for Computing Machinery, Association for Women in Computing, IEEE Computer Society, American Federation of Musicians and The American Musical Instruments Society.

Architectural Studies

Major Description

Architectural Studies provides an undergraduate academic education in architecture that can serve as a foundation for advanced professional education. It offers an appropriate balance of basic professional studies in architectural design, architectural history, practice and technology, structures, and studies in the arts and sciences.  It is humanistic and professional discipline, which synthesizes art and science through intellectual rigor, aesthetic judgment, and technical understanding. 

More About Architectural Studies
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • ARCH 171—Design I: Concepts and Theories of Architectural Design
  • ARCH 172 —Design II: Drawing and Modeling
  • ARCH 101—Introduction to Architecture
  • MATH 220—Calculus
  • MATH 231—Calculus II or Physics 101—College physics: Mech & Heat

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

This major prepares students to enter a two-year NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree program, or to pursue a graduate degree or career in an allied discipline.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to conceptualize & understand spatial relationships
  • Ability to generate ideas and evaluate feasibility of implementation
  • Ability to identify past influences
  • Ability to understand measurements
  • Aptitude for details, logic and reasoning
  • Computer skills
  • Creativity
  • Good technical writing ability
  • Knowledge of construction
  • Research and analytical skills
Common Career Titles
  • Architect
  • Architectural Historian
  • Building Contractor
  • City Planner
  • Conservator
  • Construction Manager
  • Consumer Researcher Educator
  • Draftsperson
  • Graphic Designer
  • Historic Preservationist
  • Industrial Designer
  • Inspector
  • Interior Architect
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Architect
  • Product Designer
  • Professor
  • Regional Planner
  • Surveyor
  • Technical Writer
  • Town Planner
  • Urban Designer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Architectural Studies.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Architecture.  These organizations include American Institute of Architects; Architects, Designers, American Institute of Architecture Students, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and National Association of Minority Architects.

Systems Engineering and Design

Major Description

Systems Engineering and Design (formerly General Engineering) is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program that emphasizes real-world problem-solving through a unique orientation toward partnerships with industry. It brings together basic sciences, engineering sciences, and engineering design. Systems Engineers understand how to apply business fundamentals to promote utilization of new technology, engage in entrepreneurship, and succeed in engineering and non-engineering careers. 

More About Systems Engineering and Design
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Concentrations

One unique aspect of the Systems Engineering and Design program is that the students focus their studies through the Secondary Field Option, shaping the Systems Engineering and Design curriculum to their interests and career goals. Students select a Secondary Field Option by the start of their junior year. There are two basic types of Secondary Field Options: pre-approved or customized. 

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • CS 101—Introduction to Computing: Engineering & Science
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism
  • ECE 110 – Introduction to Electronics
  • SE 101 – Engineering Graphics and Design
  • SE 261 – Business Side of Engineering
  • TAM 211 – Statics

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering and Design prepares you to do well in all aspects of industry, including health care, communications, environmental stewardship, government, and business.

Common Career Skills
  • Ability to conduct/explain scientific data
  • Ability to follow systematic procedures
  • Ability to formulate/defend positions
  • Ability to understand measurements
  • Ability to use technical equipment
  • Ability to work well with others
  • Analyze/organize/interpret data
  • Aptitude for details, logic and reasoning
  • Eye/hand coordination
  • Make sound judgments
  • Research skills
  • Solve open-ended problems
  • Speak effectively/listen objectively
Common Career Titles
  • General Engineer
  • General Maintenance Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Design Engineer
  • Application Engineer
  • Consulting
  • Design Engineer
  • Engineering Administration
  • Engineering Marketing
  • Engineering Product Planner
  • Government Services
  • Process Engineer
  • Research and Development
  • Staff Engineer
  • Systems Engineers
  • Technical Sales
  • Technical Service Support

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Systems Engineering and Design.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of SED.  These organizations include National Academy of Engineering and National Society of Professional Engineers.

Learn more about what students and alumni are doing with a degree in IE.

Physics

Major Description

In this major, you will study, measure, and manipulate the fundamental interactions of matter, energy, space, and time. This branch of science forms the foundation of all natural sciences and engineering disciplines. Students in this major will gain a deep conceptual and mathematical understanding of the world around us through their coursework and hands-on learning opportunities. This program will give you the tools to quantitatively break down complex problems to solve scientific mysteries and reveal the inner workings of nature. This program provides a solid training in physics, but also allows space for electives, thereby providing students more flexibility to take more advanced Physics coursework or pursue other interests. Our Physics program will give you the keys to a wide range of challenging and fulfilling careers, whether you plan on entering a graduate or a professional school, or joining the private-sector workforce after graduation. There is also the option for those in Physics to earn a Secondary Education minor and obtain certification to teach Physics in high schools.

More About Physics
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

There are a variety of career options for majors in Physics in the following areas: Data Science, Engineering, Finance, Government and Private-Sector Research, Medicine, Physics, Software, Teaching, and Technology Development.

Common Career Skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Communication
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Knowledge of math, science, and engineering
  • Logic and reasoning skills
  • Teamwork
Common Career Titles
  • Acoustical Physicist
  • Application Engineer
  • Astrophysicist
  • Biophysicist
  • Engineer
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Fiber Optic Engineer
  • Fluid Physicist
  • Geophysicist Health
  • Physicist
  • Lab Technician
  • Materials Scientist
  • Medical Physicist
  • Project Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Physicist
  • Systems Engineer
  • Technical Analyst
  • Technical Consultant

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Physics. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Physics.  These organizations include American Institute of Physics and American Physical Society.

Materials Science & Engineering

Major Description

Materials Science and Engineering provides an understanding of the underlying principles of synthesis and processing of materials and of the interrelationships between structure, properties, and processing. Students learn how to create advanced materials and systems required, e.g., for flexible electronic displays and photonics that will change communications technologies, for site specific drug delivery, for self-healing materials, for enabling the transition to a hydrogen-based economy, and for more efficient photovoltaics and nuclear systems for energy production. The curriculum uses concepts from both basic physics and chemistry and provides a detailed knowledge of what makes the materials we use every day behave as they do.

More About MatSE
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Areas of Focus

The MatSE program provides a diverse set of courses enabling a plan of study designed around the interest of the student. Highlights of the possible focus areas are:

Biomaterials

The science and engineering of materials for use in biological applications, particularly as related to human health. This area includes concepts in basic and intermediate chemistry and basic and intermediate biology, with relatively less coverage of physics topics. It includes a subset of the standard junior year courses and requires additional chemistry and biology in the junior year

Ceramics

Studies the science and engineering of ceramic materials, including alloy design, composites, synthesis, and processing methods. Ceramics makes significant use of concepts from both basic physics and basic chemistry.

Electronic Materials

Describes the design and engineering of materials primarily for the microelectronics industries. Topics span the ceramics, metals, and polymers areas. Concepts from basic and intermediate physics are used along with basic chemistry.

Metals

Introduces the design and processing of metals and alloys to achieve desired properties. This area primarily uses concepts from basic and intermediate physics with relatively less emphasis on chemical concepts.

Polymers

Teaches the methods for molecular design to achieve desired properties in individual polymers, polymer blends, and polymer composites as well as processing methods. This area primarily uses concepts from basic and intermediate chemistry with relatively less emphasis on physics concepts.

Advanced Processing and Characterization Methods

Introduces principles for designing and engineering materials structure, properties, and chemistry from atomic to macroscopic scales, this area also teaches fundamental and practical concepts necessary for determining materials structure and chemistry at different length scales. This area utilizes basic knowledge from physics and chemistry.

Composites

Studies the science and engineering of materials formed by combining multiple materials into a single material. Studies of composites make significant use of properties of materials and mathematical knowledge.

Materials for Energy and the Environment

Studies materials for energy production, harvesting, and storage; materials for environmental remediation, water purification, and recycling; and includes discussions on sustainability and life-cycle analysis of the environmental impact of materials. Materials issues related to both renewable and non-renewable energy production are covered. This area utilizes concepts from both physics and chemistry.

Materials Theory and Computation

Introduces computational modeling approaches for materials that span length- and time-scales from the atomic to the macroscopic. This area focuses on computational prediction of material response to different stimuli (mechanical loads, temperature, electronic excitations, etc.) and fundamental material properties.

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • MSE 201—Phases & Phase Relations
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

Graduates with MatSE degrees find jobs in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, chemical, electronics, energy, nanotechnology, computational modeling, consulting, patent law and telecommunications industries—virtually any industry that uses “stuff.”

Common Career Skills
  • Communicate effectively
  • Design and conduct experiments
  • Identify materials-related problems and formulate plans to solve such problems
  • Knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering, including calculus, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, solid state physics and mechanics
  • Understanding of contemporary and cultural issues
  • Understanding of the impact of materials engineering on society and the environment
  • Understanding of the professional and ethical responsibilities of materials engineers
Common Career Titles
  • Consultant
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Material Engineer
  • Materials Consultant
  • Metallurgical Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Research and Development

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Materials Science and Engineering. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Materials Science and Engineering.  These organizations include ASM International, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, and Society of Plastics Engineers.

Industrial Engineering

Major Description

Industrial Engineering solves complex system problems by addressing how systems and how components fit together. Due to the human component, industrial engineers draw upon a variety of disciplines, including not only mathematics, computer science and process control, but also communications, psychology and production management.  These skills are needed in order to design efficient, productive systems in a wide range of business, industrial, and governmental settings.

There are also customized track options for this major: 

  • Economics and Finance
  • Industrial Engineering Fundamentals
  • Operations Research
  • Quality Engineering
  • Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Logistics
More About Industrial Engineering
Degree Requirements
ICT Requirements

Courses That Introduce the Major

  • CHEM 102/103—General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Lab I
  • MATH 221—Calculus I
  • MATH 231—Calculus II
  • PHYS 211—University Physics: Mechanics
  • PHYS 212—University Physics: Electricity & Magnetism

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering prepares students to work in a limitless variety of industries, including technology, health care, communications, manufacturing, and government—you will be equipped to make an impact in the career path of your choice.

Common Career Skills
  • Designing the admissions procedure at a hospital.
  • Developing a hardware protection program for spacecraft.
  • Developing a supplier quality program.
  • Developing and launching a complete material handling system.
  • Developing prototype units for the cellular phone car adapter market.
  • Developing the conceptual layout of a dockyard and ship repair facility.
  • Discovering a new way to assemble a product that will prevent worker injury.
  • Implementing lean manufacturing concepts.
  • Performing motion and time studies.
  • Representing a company in the design and construction of a new plant.
  • Representing manufacturing and purchasing issues on a design team.
  • Simulation modeling.
  • Teaching industrial engineering courses.
  • Working on a design project to make a medical device to treat sleep apnea.
  • Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
  • Ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams
  • Apply techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
  • Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context
  • Communicate effectively
  • Core knowledge of mathematics and physical sciences, and the ability to apply that knowledge in engineering practice
  • Identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
  • Knowledge of contemporary issues with a broad emphasis on the arts, humanities, and sciences
  • Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
  • Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
Common Career Titles
  • Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Operations Manager
  • Product Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Production Planning Systems Manager
  • Salesman

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience

  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center and Engineering Career Services
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • Alpha Pi Mu Industrial Engineering Society: honors academically outstanding students at the University of Illinois in the area of Industrial Engineering. In addition to awarding achievement, we aid the IESE department and help the community with service projects.
    • Institute of Industrial Engineers: discusses topics related to Industrial Engineering and socialize with other IE’s

Further Information

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Industrial Engineering.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Industrial Engineering.  These organizations include Institute of Industrial Engineers and Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

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