Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering
186 (148+ program credits)
Introduction
Students enrolled in Western’s Plastics & Composites Engineering (PCE) program study the relationship between molecular structure, processing, and properties of polymers and composites. The PCE curriculum prepares graduates who understand and apply established scientific and engineering knowledge to support engineering activities in manufacturing environments. The technical curriculum is built upon a firm base of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and materials science. Practical experience in design, materials, processing, economics, testing, characterization, and analysis is a crucial part of the hands-on curriculum that is provided in the program’s extensive and well-equipped laboratory facilities.
The Plastics and Composites Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Why Consider a Plastics and Composites Engineering Major?
A plastics and composites engineer can be involved in the development, design analysis, planning, supervision, or construction of the materials, methods, and equipment for the production of industrial or consumer goods in the plastics or composites industry. The PCE graduate will help to solve the complex problems associated with plastics or composites manufacturing operations. PCE graduates work in teams with engineers, scientists, and technicians to solve manufacturing-related problems.
Engineering and Design Departmental Website: cse.wwu.edu/engd
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Plastics and Composites
Engineering Program Director
Nicole Larson
Engineering Technology 117
360-650-3428
Nicole.Larson@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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Manufacturing Engineer | Composite Design Engineer | Plastics Engineer | Material Scientist
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Program Admissions: Admission to the Plastics and Composites major is a two-phase process. When students initially declare, they are designated as pre-majors. Students must complete the courses listed below in order to apply to the major. Admission to full major status is determined by academic performance as a pre-major and other factors. Admission to the major is competitive. Neither completion of the prerequisites nor attainment of any specific GPA guarantees admission.
Major Prerequisite courses: CHEM 161, CHEM 162, MATH 124, MATH 125, PHYS 161, ENGR 104, ENGR 170, and ENGR 214. Students may be currently enrolled in no more than two of the above courses when they apply for major admission. A final decision on applications may be delayed until receipt of final grades for in-progress courses. Students must obtain at least a C- in the above 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 primarily on cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses, but successful completion of other required Major courses, GPA in the Major, and overall GPA are also considerations.
Application: In addition to academic performance as described above, acceptance decisions will also be based on an essay (500 words or less) explaining any prior experience, academic challenges and/or achievements that would give insight as to why you would like to study Plastics & Composites Engineering.
Applications are due on the first Friday in February. Only complete, on-time applications will be considered. Applicants will be notified by the end of the following week. Students who are accepted must register for PCE 371, MFGE 261 and MATH 345 spring quarter before the end of Phase II registration unless they are given explicit permission from a PCE advisor not to do so. Students who do not register by the end of Phase II registration may lose their major status. Graduation will be delayed if students do not complete PHYS 163 by the end of fall quarter junior year and MFGE 342 by the end of winter quarter junior year.
Other quarters: If additional spaces become available, all pre-Majors will be notified by email that applications are being accepted, including the application deadline and the requirements to apply.
Transfer Students: A student that will be transferring to Western Washington University will be designated as a pre-major and will need to apply to the major. Transfer students who believe they are ready to apply to the PCE major should contact the department program coordinator for advising the quarter they intend to start at Western.
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.
