Explore the Industrial and Operations Management degree program
Managing the operations of industrial work involves planning and understanding what will make activity run smoothly and efficiently. Managing production processes and resources, coordinating workers and teams, and overseeing it all requires knowledge of business management and industrial technology.
The Industrial and Operations Management program combines core business courses with hands‑on manufacturing training - including CNC machining, robotics, safety, and supply chain skills. Designed to meet job growth in logistics and operations, this program equips students for leadership roles in manufacturing, logistics, and process improvement.
Fast facts
Degree options: B.A. or B.S. in Business Administration/Industrial and Operations Management
Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)
Program credit hours: 69
- Business foundation (21 credit hours)
- Business core (27 credit hours)
- Industrial operations management concentration (21 credit hours)
Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
School: Business and Technology
Department: Business and Economics
Opportunities and outcomes
Industrial and operations management topics covered
- Mechanical and engineering drafting using computer-aided design (CAD)
- Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and robotics programming
- CNC machine programming, setup, and operations
- Industrial safety and proper use of machinery and construction tools
- Application of supply chain management theories to real-world settings
- Conflict resolution and negotiations
- Analytical approaches to management issues
- Communication skills for business and industry
- Supervision and project management
- Database planning, management, and query application
Student learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of the core areas of business, which includes accounting, economics, management, quantitative business, finance, marketing, legal environment, information systems, and international
- Demonstrate effective skills in written and oral communication in business settings
- Work effectively in a team environment
- Apply ethical frameworks to formulate management decision alternatives
Career Scholars Program
Students in the Industrial and Operations Management program are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.
Supply chain management internships
Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find internships and career opportunities. Students studying business and industrial technology fields recently completed internships at the following locations:
- Farmers Pride
- GIX Logistics
- Michael Foods
- Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc.
- Commercial Plastics
- Timpte, Inc.
- Williams Form Engineering
Graduates work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.
Note: Due to the recent addition of the Industrial and Operations Management program, career outcomes will be available for reporting beginning in Summer 2030 with the 2028-29 Graduate Outcomes Survey.
Possible careers:
- Manufacturing manager
- Production supervisor
- Applied engineer
- Building materials manager
- Plant manager
- Inventory manager
- CNC programmer/estimator
Public disclosure of student achievement
job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey
2025-26 Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance
cost per credit hour
Tuition: $6,057
Fees: $2,351
Food plan: $4,830
Housing: $4,870
Least Expensive College in Nebraska
- CollegeTuitionCompare, 2025
Wayne State College is ranked the No. 1 least expensive four-year college in Nebraska and is recognized among the Top 10 most affordable colleges in the nation for out-of-state students. With the same tuition rates for in- and out-of-state students, a tuition guarantee, and generous scholarship opportunities, WSC makes earning a degree both accessible and affordable. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024–25 is just $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.
Industrial and Operations Management degree program courses
Students must complete the business foundation, business core, and industrial and operations management concentration courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.
Business
foundation
credits
Business
core credits
Industrial and Operations
Management
concentration
credits
Total program
credits
Business foundation courses (21 credits)
You must complete each of the foundation courses (below) with a grade of "C" or better, and accumulate at least 45 semester credit hours before taking the business core courses. You may otherwise receive conditional admission to the business administration program with approval from the Department of Business and Economics Admission Committee.
Credits: 3
Description: Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting Business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills
Credits: 3
Description: Introduction to the study of law, the law of contracts, agency and employment, negotiable instruments, personal property and bailments, and the laws governing the sale of goods.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the following statistical tools as applied to the business and economic milieu: collection and presentation of data, distributional measurements, probability and sampling, statistical inferences, linear regression and correlation, analysis of variance, and selected nonparametric statistics.
Prerequisite: MAT 105 Intermediate Algebra, or General Studies math requirement
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the role of accounting in the business environment. Emphasis is on applying basic terminology, concepts, processes, and outputs of the modern accounting system; development of an understanding of the nature and purpose of the major financial statements; and development of the ability to evaluate financial accounting information in problem-solving and decision making.
Credits: 3
Description: Continuation of BUS 240 Accounting I. Emphasis is on further study of items reported within major financial statements and development of the ability to evaluate managerial accounting information in problem-solving and decision making.
Prerequisite: BUS 240 Accounting I
Credits: 3
Description: In this course, the principal macroeconomic measurements of national production; unemployment and inflation will be introduced. Theories of how these measures interact and how they are influenced by activity in households, businesses, the federal government, and the Federal Reserve System, as well as the impact of international trade, will also be studied.
Credits: 3
Description: In this course, the principal microeconomic market model of supply and demand will be studied. Additional topics introduced to add to our understanding of the basic model will include resource allocation concepts, production and cost theory, consumer theory, and market structure conditions.
Business core courses (27 credits)
Credits: 3
Description: Develops the management art and science of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling through people to make ideas materialize within economic constraints of a business enterprise. Develops ability to construct policy, to make scientifically sound decisions within that policy, and to establish ethical procedures to insure organized productive effort to intended objectives. Develops a management attitude, outlook, and ability.
Credits: 3
Description: Survey of the problems and opportunities involved in conducting business operations across national boundaries. Analysis of the concepts, tools, institutions, and environmental factors controlling international flows of money, personnel, information, goods, and services.
Credits: 3
Description: This course facilitates students in conquering the essential concepts of product, price, promotion, distribution, segmentation, ethics, and social responsibility, while addressing the evolving digital and social media influences. The fundamentals will be stressed allowing for useful decision processes by managers while encouraging the development of the marketing specialist as one of the key decision makers in a firm. Marketing is critical to implementing strategy, gaining competitive advantages, and ensuring positive organizational results.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of the financial function within a business enterprise. Areas addressed include financial analysis, working capital management, capital budgeting, sources and forms of long-term financing, financial structure, and cost of capital.
Prerequisites: BUS 226 Business Statistics, and BUS 241 Accounting II or BUS 142 Survey of Accounting
Credits: 3
Description: Successfully managing operations is vital to the long-term viability of every type of organization. This course provides a broad overview of issues in operations and supply chain management emphasizing a strategic orientation toward design and improvement issues. Specific topics include competitiveness; operations strategy; quality management; statistical process control; design of products, services, processes, and facilities; forecasting; supply chain management; logistics; project management; inventory management; lean production; and scheduling.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will examine theoretical structures that shape or influence Western thought and review specific professional codes of ethics relevant to business majors. Students will learn a decision-making framework for examining and articulating well-reasoned positions on ethical issues in business.
Credits: 3
Description: This course focuses on public, administrative, and regulatory law, and the relationship of business to the legal structure. Topics include employee and consumer protection, environmental regulation, labor law, monopolies, price-fixing, and the regulation of domestic and international trade.
Credits: 3
Description: Involves analysis of cases in which knowledge from basic courses in marketing, accounting, finance, management, and economics is integrated and applied. Demonstrated interrelationship between the functions of business, complexities of business problems, and strategic management models are addressed.
Prerequisites: BUS 270 Principles of Marketing, BUS 322 Managerial Finance, BUS 352 Operations and Supply Chain Management, or instructor approval; and completion of 105 semester credit hours
Credits: 0
Description: This course requires students to demonstrate or report their level of achievement of the student learning objectives developed for the Business Administration major foundation, core, and concentration courses. Various assessment measures such as surveys, comprehensive exams, and capstone projects will be used to gather student data. Completion of this course is a graduation requirement. Graded S/N.
Prerequisite: Completion of 100 semester credit hours
Credits: 3
Description: Emphasis is on providing breadth of knowledge in the organizational concepts and considerations surrounding the use of information systems technologies such as computer systems and communications systems. Topics include role of information systems in managerial functions, general systems theory, design and implementation of Management Information Systems (MIS), decision support systems, expert systems, and artificial intelligence.
Industrial and Operations Management concentration courses (21 credit hours)
Credits: 3
Description: This course concentrates on the skills needed by first-line supervisors. Issues covered include the following: supervisor’s job description, organizing an effective department, acquiring employees, motivation, effective leadership, communication skills, supervising groups and work teams, labor relations and supervisory challenges in the 21st century.
Credits: 3
Description: The focus of this course is on the concepts and theories of supply Chain Management through the application in real world settings. Students will emulate decision making through simulated applications and will work with local/regional organizations to make improvements or explore opportunities enhancing supply chain applications.
Credits: 3
Description: A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to manufacturing via lectures, lab activities, and field trips. Lecture topics will cover manufacturing from product demand to fulfillment, while the lab element will focus on metal machining. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on safety issues directly related to the industrial environment. Students will look at state and federal regulations associated with the industrial/manufacturing environment. Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: The goal of this course is to teach the student to produce a product on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes. Topics include reading a detailed blueprint, tooling selection, work holding strategies (including jigs and fixtures), CNC programming, machine setup, and CNC operations. Students will use various specialized measurement tools to meet established quality standards. Multi-axis programming will be used to program parts. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: Introduction to the concepts and procedures of CIM production as well as the main components and devices in a CIM cell. Using a fully simulated industrial CIM, students learn about the CIM production cycle, from customer order and inventory control, through automated manufacturing of materials into finished parts, to quality inspection and final delivery. Additional topics include programming industrial robots and the opportunity to earn an industrial Robot Certification. Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $10 required.
Suggested pairings
Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Suggested pairings include:
- Drafting (minor)
- Manufacturing Management (minor)
- Supply Chain Management (major)
Related programs
Students interested in the Industrial and Operations and Management program may also be interested in:
Business Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Manufacturing Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Safety Management (B.A. or B.S.)

Transfer to Wayne State
Our generous transfer credit policy will allow you to get credit for what you've already earned.
- If you've taken courses at other institutions, you can transfer those credits to Wayne State.
- Already have an associate degree? Seamlessly transfer your full degree through one of our transfer pathways.
- Military or veteran student? You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Business and Economics Department faculty

Henry Akaeze, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Henry Akaeze is a business professor at Wayne State College. Akaeze’s teaching expertise spans various economic disciplines, including macroeconomics, microeconomics, natural resource economics, and agricultural resource economics.

Mwata Chisha, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

Patrick Cho, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor

Laura Dendinger, J.D.
Professor
Dr. Laura Dendinger is a business professor at Wayne State College, teaching courses including business communication, negotiations, and conflict management.

Brian Kufner, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Brian Kufner is a business professor at Wayne State College. He is lead faculty and student advisor for the undergraduate and graduate human resource management concentrations at Wayne State College.

Michelle Laughlin, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Michelle Laughlin is a business professor and teaches marketing and business courses at Wayne State College.

Kelly Legler, MBA
Instructor
Kelly Legler teaches business in the Business and Economics Department at Wayne State College. Legler's teaching interests include financial, managerial, governmental, and nonprofit accounting, as well as business communications.

Dr. Pat Lutt is a business professor at Wayne State College. She teaches marketing and business courses at Wayne State College.

Rose MacClure, J.D.
Assistant Professor

Lindsay McLaughlin, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Lindsay McLaughlin is a business professor, teaching marketing and management at Wayne State College.

Jeryl Nelson, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Jeryl Nelson is a business professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests are finance and management.

Charles Parker, Ph.D.
Professor
Dr. Charles Parker is an economics professor at Wayne State College. His teaching interests include microeconomics, finance, and law.

Carla Streff, MBA
Instructor
Get in touch
Department of Business and Economics
Gardner Hall, Room 106
Phone: 402-375-7245
Student clubs for industrial and operations management
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) - A local chapter of the national ASSP, an organization for students pursuing careers in safety, health, and environmental fields
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) - Student chapter of AGC designed to enhance learning experiences in the field of construction
Drafting and Design Club - Learn about opportunities available in the drafting and design career field
Epsilon Pi Tau - A national honor society for students in technology-related fields
FBLA Collegiate - A collegiate division of FBLA and professional organization for students in business and related majors
Sigma Beta Delta - International honor society for business
SkillsUSA - National career and technical student organization

Accreditation and Rankings
Recognized for excellence
Best College in Nebraska for Business Administration
Ranked No. 1 in Nebraska for Business Administration in CollegeRaptor’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings for program quality and value.

Accredited by the IACBE
Wayne State's Business degree programs are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education and comply with high principles of excellence.

Top Business College of Distinction
Wayne State was recognized as a Top Business College for teaching excellence, successful graduate outcomes, and student opportunities.

A Top Public College in the Midwest
Wayne State College is ranked among the top public colleges in the Midwest for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, reflecting strong academics and student outcomes.

Where you'll learnDepartment facilities

Gardner Hall
Gardner Hall is home to the Department of Business and Economics at WSC and connects to advanced computer labs in the Center for Applied Technology by skywalk.

Center for Applied Technology (CAT)
The CAT is home to the Department of Technology and Applied Science and features state-of-the-art labs and tech-savvy classrooms.
Your next steps

