Manufacturing Engineering, BS

Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering

151-155 credits

Introduction

Manufacturing organizations are responsible for creating the vast array of products used in our modern world. These can range from highly personalized products such as a prosthetic device, to complex transportation systems such as a jet airliner. The process of creating these products starts with the identification of a need. This is followed by a systematic sequence of engineering activities that includes the design of the product, the manufacturing processes, the equipment and tooling, and the production systems necessary to produce the final product in sufficient quantities, and with a quality that will be profitable to the organization.

Manufacturing engineers are responsible for conducting this design effort and for implementing, operating, managing and continuously improving the facilities and processes necessary for an organization’s success. They need to be both critical thinkers and applications or “hands-on” oriented. Familiarity with a broad range of technologies in areas such as metals fabrication, polymer processing, CAD/CAM/CAE, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), equipment and tooling design, robotics, automation, controls, systems integration, quality assurance, and Lean Manufacturing is essential. Manufacturing Engineers must also be able to work in and lead teams comprised of other engineers, technologists, scientists and technicians. They must be comfortable functioning in a global setting where the operations of an organization are increasingly dispersed geographically.

This program develops these skills with the help of intensive laboratory components spread throughout its courses. Through these experiences, students learn to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to solve practical, application-based problems in manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.

Why Consider a Manufacturing Engineering Major?

Manufacturing Engineers need to be both critical thinkers and applications or “hands-on” oriented. They can be employed in any company that creates a product, and may be involved at any point in product development from design to plant operations, maintenance, and management. Competency in a broad range of technologies in areas such as metals fabrication, polymer processing, CAD/CAM/CAE, Computer Numerical Control (CNC), equipment and tooling design, robotics, automation, controls, systems integration, quality assurance, and Lean Manufacturing provides great flexibility in career choice. The ability to work in and lead teams comprised of other engineers, technologists, scientists, and technicians, allows for career advancement in management. Manufacturing Engineers are also capable of innovation in design and manufacturing that can lead to patenting and start-up companies.

Engineering and Design Departmental Website: engineeringdesign.wwu.edu

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Program Admissions: Admission to the Manufacturing Engineering 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 (applications are due by noon on the first Friday in February). 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: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 204, MATH 224, CHEM 161, PHYS 161, PHYS 162, ENGR 101, ENGR 115, ENGR 170, and ENGR 214. Students may be currently enrolled in no more than three 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. While decisions are based primarily on cumulative GPA in the prerequisite courses not counting PHYS 162, successful completion of other required Major courses, GPA in the Major, and overall GPA are also considerations. The program will also take into consideration the student’s rationale for pursuing a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, as explained in a set of short-answer questions that should be  submitted as part of the application.

Major Application: In addition to the academic performance described above, acceptance will also be based on a set of short-answer questions explaining why the student wants to pursue a degree in Manufacturing 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 MFGE 231, MFGE 250, MFGE 261, in addition to any other outstanding pre-major course spring quarter before the end of Phase II registration. Students who do not register by the end of Phase II registration may lose their major status. Students need to have no more than two of the following courses or equivalencies outstanding at the beginning of Fall quarter of year three: PHYS 163, MATH 331 and ENGR 225.

Other quarters: If additional spaces become available, all pre-Majors will be notified by email that applications are being accepted, including the application deadline.

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 during the standard time of application. Transfer students who believe they are ready to apply to the MFGE major should contact the department program coordinator for advising the quarter before 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.