This paper presents an overview of the origin of the industrial engineering discipline and the subjects taught in the early stages of its development. It describes in detail the current changes in the curricula to meet new requirements of the ever-changing industry demands due to the intense competition for the development of new products at the highest possible quality and the least cost. The changes have been reflected in many industrial engineering programmes. Indeed, in some cases the changes have also been reflected by a title change of the programme. The role of the accreditation committees and the Institute of Industrial Engineers, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, and its publications in shaping undergraduate education is also discussed.