Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Why Earn your MS/PhD in Industrial Engineering at Columbia?

Columbia gives you a rigorous Ivy League education in the heart of a vibrant global city for unmatched opportunities and impact.

As a student, you’ll benefit from:

  • New York City
    There’s no better place to study industrial engineering than New York City, a hub for some of the world’s largest and most complex enterprises. The department takes full advantage of this strategic location, drawing on expert practitioners for seminars, conference participation, research collaborations, and career connections for students.
     
  • Outstanding Placement
    From tenure track positions at prestigious global universities to senior roles at leading companies in technology and finance, your training and research opportunities at Columbia Engineering prepare you for leadership. 
     
  • Multidisciplinary Research Opportunities
    Join experts across the university for a multifaceted approach to problems in industrial engineering at the Center for Applied Probability and the Columbia Business Analytics Initiative.
     
  • Columbia University
    With a PhD from Columbia, you’ll join one of the world’s most international, accomplished networks of researchers and alumni. Your Ivy League credential will open doors wherever you go and the relationships you build here will accelerate your career.

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Additional Information

  • Research Areas
    • Building Design and Energy Conservation
    • Human-Centered Design
    • Human-Centered Robotics
    • Real Estate Technology
    • Urban Logistics
    • Design for Behavior Change
  • Professional Experience
    • Professor of Practice, Columbia University, 2019 – present
    • Principal, Invisible Design, 2019 – present
    • CEO, frog, 2015-2018
    • Senior Partner, Prophet, 2013 – 2015
    • CEO Continuum, 2009 – 2013
    • VP of Strategy, Continuum, 1994 – 2009
    • Associate Professor, MIT, 1992 – 1994
    • Assistant Professor, MIT, 1986 - 1992
  • Education
    • PhD, Mechanical Engineering, MIT
    • SM, Technology and Policy, MIT
    • BA, Engineering, Cambridge University
  • Honors and Awards
    • IDSA Design of the Decade - Silver, 2010
      Design Thinking's Contribution to Business – Swiffer
    • IDSA Research - Gold, 2005
      Moen Revolution Showerhead
    • 2003 IDSA Design Explorations - Bronze
      Syracuse Synergy Laboratory
    • IDSA Consumer Products - Gold, 2002
      Master Lock Titanium Series Padlocks
    • ID Magazine Annual Design Review – Design Distinction, 2002
      MasterLock Titanium Series Padlock Line
    • IDSA Design Explorations - Bronze, 2001
      Andersen Windows Research
    • IDSA Transportation - Bronze, 2001
      MasterLock Steering Wheel & Airbag Lock
    • Museum of Modern Art, New York, Permanent Collection, 1997
      Design Continuum, Inc., Master Lock Company Titanium Series Padlock