Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering
48 credits
Introduction
The Industrial Technology – Vehicle Design minor uses vehicle research, design and development projects to educate students. Through the Vehicle Research Institute, nearly 60 vehicles have been built since 1972. Since 1989, developing hybrid electrical and natural gas/biomethane vehicle technology has been a focus of the program. The student teams have set records around Indianapolis Motor Speedway, up Pike’s Peak and across the Australian Outback with a class win in the 1990 World Solar Challenge. A recent team was the only U.S. university-based team in the finals of the Progressive Automotive X Prize - a $10 million prize to build a 100 mile per hour gallon car. Graduates have entered a wide range of industry sectors including: automotive, automotive racing, aerospace, marine, heavy duty vehicle, composites, prototype design and manufacturing, computer numerically controlled machining and biofuels. Students gain an understanding of the tools, materials and processes used in industry.
Why Consider an Industrial Technology-Vehicle Design Minor?
Industrial Technology-Vehicle Design
Program (ITVD) Director
Eric Leonhardt
Engineering Technology 146
360-650-7266
Eric.Leonhardt@wwu.edu
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Program Coordinator
and Pre-Major Advisor
Lisa Ochs
Engineering Technology 204
360-650-4132
Lisa.Ochs@wwu.edu
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Contact the ITVD program director or department program coordinator, as course offerings have changed.
Students must obtain at least a C- in the MATH 124, MATH 125, PHYS 161, and CHEM 161 prerequisite courses and an overall GPA in them of 2.0 or higher to be considered. AP scores are converted to GPA as follows: 5 = A; 4 = B; 3 = C. Decisions are based on the portfolio and cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses, but successful completion of other required Minor courses, GPA in the Minor, and overall GPA are also considerations. Applications decisions will also be based upon the available space for students within the Engineering and Design Department.
Acceptance decisions will also be based on an essay (500 words or less) explaining why you want a minor in vehicle design and a portfolio of your work including pictures and description of up to three pages. The portfolio should show examples of projects or products/parts that you have designed, fabricated, assembled or produced. A design or analysis of a vehicle or vehicle related process, such as biofuel production, may be substituted for physical components produced. This is to facilitate a diverse student body who may apply for the minor.
Applications are due by noon on the Friday during the first week of fall quarter school to Ross ET 204. Only complete, on-time applications will be considered. Applicants will be notified by the end of the following week. Applications decisions will also be based upon the available space for students within the Engineering and Design Department.
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.