The best industrial engineering associate degrees can be found in many technical and community colleges. Industrial engineering associate degree programs can open up various opportunities for employment and industrial engineering associate degree jobs, due to the practical, specialized skillset industrial engineers have.
A great way to begin your journey in a fulfilling career path is by getting an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. This article discusses the best Associate Degrees in Industrial Engineering, the employment opportunities available when you graduate, and some of the average salaries you can earn with your degree.
Where Can I Get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
You can get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering from several learning institutions, including the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, Sinclair Community College, the Indiana Institute of Technology, Fox Valley Technical College, and the University of Akron. You can find detailed summaries of ten of the best Associate Degrees in Industrial Engineering, below.
What Schools Offer the Best Industrial Engineering Associate Degrees?
- Fox Valley Technical College
- McLennan Community College
- Miami Dade College
- Ivy Tech Community College
- South Seattle College
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
The admission requirements for an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering include filling out an application form, submitting test scores, submitting transcripts, passing a skills assessment, and paying an application fee. Many schools offer financial support options that students can take advantage of and applying for financial aid is a part of the application process, as well.
However, Associate of Industrial Engineering application requirements vary from one institution to another. Some schools provide early enrollment options to high school juniors and seniors. For these, students will have to additionally demonstrate their aptitude in particular subject areas. Plus, some schools require you to take a placement test or provide specific medical records, like vaccination records.
Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Admission Requirements
- Complete an application form
- Apply for financial aid
- Submit standardized test scores
- Submit transcripts
- Take a placement test
How to Get an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree
You can get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering by fulfilling all the program requirements necessary for graduation. This includes attending classes and maintaining a particular GPA throughout your studies. In addition, you will need to fulfill specific course requirements.
How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
You need a minimum of 60 credits for an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. The courses you take will largely develop your math skills and science knowledge. They may include chemistry, physics, calculus, and engineering. Some coursework will be lectures and some will be lab-based. In this way, you will get hands-on experience as you learn.
Industrial Engineering Degree Requirements
- Foundational coursework in math, english, physics, and graphics
- Advanced coursework in math, physics, and engineering
- Coursework in electrical studies, chemistry, statistics, and mechanics
- Coursework in mechanics, fluids, and thermodynamics
- Lab work
Best Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Valley Technical College | Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Indiana Institute of Technology | Associate in Science in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| Kent State University | Associate of Applied Science in Systems or Industrial Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| McLennan Community College | Associate in Science in Industrial Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Miami Dade College | Associate in Arts in Industrial Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Sinclair Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| South Seattle College | Associate of Science in Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| University of Akron | Associate of Applied Science in Advanced Mechanical Engineering Technology | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Massachusetts, Lowell | Associate of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology | New England Commission of Higher Education |
Best Schools for Industrial Engineering: Top Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Programs
There are many good schools where you can study an associate degree program in industrial engineering. However, it is wise to first look into the top industrial engineering associate degree programs.
In this section, we will look deeper into some of the best schools for an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. Find out what each of the best industrial engineering associate degree programs generally entails, what the admission requirements are, and the overall application process.
What Is an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree?
An industrial engineering associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered at the end of a two-year study program, allowing students to acquire specialized knowledge and technical skills in the operation of industrial equipment. Getting an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering offers many opportunities for students wishing to pursue engineering careers.
Through an associate degree program, Industrial engineering students will understand the mechanics of factory equipment, and also be able to observe and collect data from the production process to streamline production. They will learn about topics like fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanical design.
How Important Is an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
An Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering is an important credential to have because it teaches students the operation, management, and repair of the mechanical systems that many industries rely on for productivity. Further, it is a step towards earning a bachelor’s degree, which is often seen as a prerequisite to entering the professional engineering field.
That being said, industrial engineering associate degree holders can begin their careers by taking advantage of entry-level job opportunities in varied mechanical engineer roles. Some roles include mechanical engineering technician, civil engineering technician, electrical engineering technician, and industrial engineering technician.
What Types of Associate Degree Can You Get in Industrial Engineering?
There are several types of Associate Degrees in Industrial Engineering, namely, the Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Arts (AA), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. Each of these industrial engineering associate degree types offer similar general and core education courses, but elective courses and upper-level courses may differ.
The outcome is that an AA or AS degree will give you the opportunity to pursue further studies, such as a bachelor’s degree. Meanwhile, an AAS degree will give you the necessary skills to begin working soon after graduation.
Is It Better to Get an Associate in Science Degree or an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Industrial Engineering?
It is better to get an Associate of Applied Science degree if you want to enter the workforce straight away because it will give you the necessary credentials to begin an entry-level job after graduation. This is because it largely covers the practical skills necessary for work.
An Associate in Science degree is better for students who wish to transfer their credits to a four-year program. It will also teach students some practical skills, but it is more theory-based. Ultimately, the reason one degree type is preferable to the other depends on your purpose for pursuing the degree as well as your career goals.
What Is the Difference Between an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree and an Industrial Engineering Certificate?
The difference between an industrial engineering associate degree and a certificate in industrial engineering is that an associate degree will enable graduates to pursue entry-level jobs, while certificates are often pursued by professionals as an additional credential.
Students earning engineering majors may also take an additional certificate course in industrial engineering. Another key difference between an industrial engineering certificate vs a degree is that a certificate course is generally shorter. Meanwhile, it takes two years to complete an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering.
The core course content covered in certificate programs tends to focus on one or two specific areas in engineering, such as production planning and control, target costing, and supply chain management. Associate degrees, on the other hand, cover foundational courses from which students can build as they work toward their degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, it costs about $4,230 annually to get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. However, there are many factors that can affect the average industrial engineering associate degree cost.
For example, public institutions charge less, averaging about $3,812 per academic year. On the other hand, private institutions, both nonprofit and for profit, cost roughly $18,631 and $15,736, respectively. In addition, many colleges offer scholarships and grants to help students offset the typical Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering cost.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree?
It takes two years to complete an industrial engineering associate degree, typically. Students need to complete a total of around 60 credits in order to graduate. If a student takes a full credit course load of about 15 credits per semester, then they should be able to complete their program in two years.
Some schools offer summer classes, which may shorten the overall Associate in Industrial Engineering program length. Other schools offer degrees online, allowing students to take their classes at their own pace, part-time. This option, however, would mean that students may take longer to graduate.
How Hard Is It to Get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
It is hard to get an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering, regardless of the brevity of time it takes to complete coursework. This type of degree is for someone who enjoys scientific processes and is very detail oriented. Being able to manage mechanical systems requires both skillsets.
Another consideration is that the nature of work requires students to be very meticulous because, depending on the industry you work in, a single error could prove fatal. Therefore, you must excel in your industrial engineering coursework before you can excel in your chosen career.
Why Should You Get an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree?
You should get an industrial engineering associate degree because it gives you skills in quality management safety, design, testing, process performance, and industrial mechanics. The benefits of an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering are that it can lead to a lucrative entry-level career or an advanced degree. Either way, you are taking a step in advancing your career.
With this degree, you’ll have the skills required to continuously improve production techniques by minimizing waste, while reducing production costs. Electrical engineers, quality control technicians, manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, and mechanical engineers have roles that require the skills taught in an associate degree program in industrial engineering.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in an Associate Degree Program in Industrial Engineering?
In an associate degree program in industrial engineering, you need to complete education requirements in subjects such as mathematics, physics, and communication, as well as specific technical courses.
We’ll now discuss five common Associate in Industrial Engineering courses in depth. Learn more about the topic’s courses in Associate in Industrial Engineering programs cover so that you know what to expect.
Calculus
Calculus courses focus on developing the mathematical skills that are central to engineering. Students will become increasingly proficient at solving complicated mathematical problems, which will enable them to resolve some technical problems they may encounter on the job.
Physics
One of the basic sciences that students will study is physics. Using the mathematical knowledge gained from calculus courses, students will be able to apply their knowledge to mechanics and motion, focusing on problem-solving.
Communication
Communication skills are core to how effective you will be in your work role. Communication classes are offered in various varieties, such as public speaking, or technical report writing. You will likely have to take a few colleges English courses as a prerequisite to communication classes.
Drafting
Drafting classes will also come in various forms, but, at their core, they will address engineering design. The purpose is to teach students to create engineering drawings and learn how to read and interpret them. Students will take courses such as mechanical drafting using AutoCAD or courses in mechanical design.
Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineering courses will enable students to understand how the various aspects of their learning come together in this field of mechanical engineering. They may learn about engineering technology, electrical systems, and other complex systems used to manage industries.
Continuing Education Paths for Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
After graduating, the best path to take with an industrial engineering associate degree is to move on to a bachelor’s degree program in industrial engineering. Eventually, you can pursue a master’s degree or even a doctoral degree in industrial engineering.
Additionally, with additional education, you can pursue certifications in a variety of specializations such as Associate Ergonomics Professional, Certified in Engineering Graphics, Value Methodology Associate Certification, and Certified Manufacturing Engineer, to name a few.
Related Industrial Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best industrial engineering associate degree programs are accreditation, admission requirements, curriculum content, career services support, and employment outcomes. To learn more about how to choose an industrial engineering associate degree program, explore these five attributes a bit more.
Accreditation
Accreditation comes from an independent regulatory body that checks to see that the programs offered by a school meet the required standard relevant to professional pursuit. Accreditation bodies are the quality control arm of the education system. You should check that your desired school is accredited since this means its degree programs are high quality and respected.
Barriers to Admission
It is important to be aware of what the program admission requirements are before you apply. These may include high school grades, subjects taken in high school, pre-college prep work, and admission fees. Additionally, consider if there are barriers to your admission that the college can’t accommodate, such as medical conditions, disabilities, or criminal records.
Curricular Content
The curricular content is at the core of any program. Check the actual course offered by the institution you’d like to apply to. You can speak to an academic advisor if you are not clear on what a particular course entails. In doing so, you will be able to determine if what you will learn is in line with your career goals. and select the program that is most suitable.
Career Services
Plan to call or visit the school and ask to speak with a representative from the career services department. Find out things such as how internship programs work, and if the career services team assists with resume building, job applications, and interview preparation. This is crucial, as it is central to your smooth transition out of school and into the workforce.
Employment Outcomes
Knowing the employment outcomes for graduates is vital to determining the quality of a program offered at an institution. Ideally, you want to attend a program with a high rate of employment within the first six months of graduation. Employment outcomes also speak to how well-connected a school is within the engineering industry.
What Is the Most Affordable Industrial Engineering Associate Degree?
The most affordable Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering is offered at Miami Dade College. At a cost of $118.22 per credit hour for in-state tuition, the full in-state cost for the Associate in Arts in Industrial Engineering degree is currently $7,093.20. This figure, however, does not include the cost of books and supplies, room and board, and meal plans.
Salary and Job Outlook for Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Graduates
The main purpose of pursuing any level of education is for the long-term employment and career opportunities it provides. Thankfully there are a variety of industrial engineering associate degree jobs available to graduates. In addition, there are many companies hiring industrial engineers and, though you will begin at an entry-level position, there’s much to look forward to professionally.
In this section, we will discuss the employment opportunities and the job outlook for various careers you can have in the industrial engineering field. In addition, we will cover the average Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering salary as well as how much the highest-paying jobs offer.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. An industrial engineering associate degree provides both industry-based knowledge and technical skills that are necessary for the engineering industry. These skills are applicable in fields such as environmental, mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace engineering.
Entry-level jobs in this field usually have ‘technician’ or ‘technologist’ attached to them. For example, you could work as a civil engineering technician or mechanical engineering technologist. With continued education, there are also great opportunities for career advancement into full-on engineering roles such as aeronautical engineer and environmental engineer.
What’s the Average Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Salary?
The average base salary is $62,000 per year for someone with an Associate of Applied Science degree in industrial engineering, according to PayScale. However, the industrial engineering associate degree average salary will vary based on the roles you take. For example, an applications engineer could earn a yearly average of $66,690, while a quality manager will earn an average of $71,636 annually.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Industrial Engineering Associate Degree?
Graduates can get a variety of jobs with an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering, but they will typically require more technical skills than supervisory or managerial skills. These roles are available in the aerospace, civil engineering, and electrical engineering fields, among other career fields.
The highest-paying industrial engineering jobs for associate degree holders may also require industry-specific technical knowledge. These roles may require Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering graduates to go through additional educational or on-the-job training.
Industrial Engineering Degree Jobs
- Industrial engineering technician
- Mechanical engineering technician
- Civil engineering technician
- Aerospace engineering and operations technician
- Electrical engineering technician
Potential Careers With an Industrial Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering?
You can make between $50,00 and $80,00 with an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering. With that, it is important to note that there are many factors that affect the average amount of money that industrial engineering majors make out of college.
Some factors that affect salaries are tied to specific responsibilities one would have, the company budget, bonuses, and benefits packages. Below, we’ll provide an overview of some of the highest-paying jobs for graduates with an industrial engineering associate degree.
Highest-Paying Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician | $73,580 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technician | $63,640 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | $60,460 |
| Industrial Engineering Technician | $60,220 |
| Civil Engineering Technician | $58,320 |
Best Jobs for Industrial Engineering Associate Degree Grads
The best jobs for industrial engineering associate degree graduates can be found in various industries ranging from manufacturing to infrastructure and development to aeronautics. We will discuss the best jobs for an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering in more detail below.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering Worth It?
Yes, an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering is worth it if you want to start an entry-level industrial engineering career. It is an affordable degree and takes a short amount of time to complete. Additionally, the credits you earn in an associate degree can be used to progress to a bachelor’s degree.
If you want to learn industrial engineering for a career applicable to diverse industries with many opportunities for advancement, an Associate Degree in Industrial Engineering may be the right place to start.
Additional Reading About Industrial Engineering
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Industrial Engineering Associate Degree FAQ
There are several degrees that are similar to an industrial engineering associate degree such as Associate Degrees in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Production Engineering, and Management Engineering, among others.
Your college or university will likely have a career services department to help you prepare for your interview. You can also use other resources online that break down common industrial engineer interview questions and how you can answer them.
Yes, industrial engineering is a popular degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 3,421 bachelor’s degrees were awarded in industrial engineering from 2011 to 2012. Then, from 2018 to 2019, the total degrees awarded were 5,704. This shows a growth of about 60 percent.
The lowest-paying engineering roles are found in the environmental sector. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, environmental engineering technicians earn $48,390. Although, indicators show that the field is growing with a job outlook of 8 percent expected between the years 2020 and 2030.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
