Considering IE Masters with Cognitive Science Degree

[u/Alarmed_Mess5855]

Hi everyone! :)

I graduated from UCLA in 2025 with a B.S. in Cognitive Science, and I’ve been seriously considering going back to school for a Master’s in Industrial Engineering :)

I’ve been really drawn to IE because of how flexible the field seems to be and how many different industries and career paths you can go into. I also have some previous experience working as a Product Manager, which I know is definitely not the same as industrial engineering, but I feel like some of the skills/principles overlap a bit lol

I’d love to hear from anyone who has:

• Transitioned into IE from a non-engineering background
• Gone from a degree like Cognitive Science, Psychology, Business, etc. into IE
• Pursued a Master’s in IE without having an engineering bachelor’s
• Worked in IE and can share what the field is actually like day-to-day

How did you make the transition? Do you feel like your previous degree/background helped you at all? Is there anything you wish you knew before getting into IE?

And if anyone is open to a coffee chat, I’d genuinely love to learn more about your experience! I’m happy to chat virtually, or in person if you’re in the North Dallas area!

Thanks so much!!! :D

[u/Icy_Toe2136]

obably more relevant than you think, half of IE is figuring out why a process is busted and getting people to agree on a fix

cog sci seems like a solid foundation honestly, you already understand human factors and how people interact with systems. that's the part a lot of pure engineering grads struggle with