Best Industrial Engineering colleges in Illinois 2025

Northwestern University’s industrial engineering program prepares students that plan on pursuing a career as an industrial electrician, designer, or even a permit specialist. This program includes courses in physics, building materials, and architectural design, along with general education requirements at the undergraduate level. Classes are available both in-person and remote, though some labs may include hands-on work with programs like Autocad and professional internships at an engineering firm in the Chicago metro. Students at Northwestern typically develop a portfolio of their work to be used when applying for professional roles post-graduation.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s industrial engineering program is a top school in the midwest for students interested in pursuing professional opportunities in the field of engineering. Their program fosters professional growth for those interested in designing bridges, roadways, and skyscrapers. Students should expect a rigorous workload, extensive lab-time, and professional internships to further their experience and understanding of the design process from schematic design to construction.