Manufacturing Engineering, BS

Department of Engineering and Design, College of Science and Engineering

152-156 credits

Introduction

Embark on a transformative journey with Western’s Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering, where innovation meets real-world application! Dive into the heart of how products shaping our future are brought to life, from personalized prosthetic devices to advanced jet airliners. As a student in Western’s Manufacturing Engineering program, you’ll not just learn about manufacturing; you’ll be at the forefront of designing and creating the products that define our modern world.

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll transform ideas into reality through a creative and thorough process of design, production, and continuous improvement. You’ll become a critical thinker and a hands-on learner, mastering a diverse array of technologies from metal fabrication to robotics and quality assurance. Your journey will be rich with challenges, learning, and new skills, preparing you to manage and improve the facilities and processes that drive successful organizations.

Western’s Manufacturing Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.

Why Consider a Manufacturing Engineering Major?

At Western’s Manufacturing Engineering program, we don’t just teach engineering; we prepare you to make an impact. Our program is built on the Society for Manufacturing (SME) Engineering’s Four Pillars, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the Manufacturing Engineering field. With intensive fascinating laboratory experiences utilizing state-of-the-art equipment integrated into our courses, you’ll bridge the gap between theory and practice, solving real manufacturing problems for industry and applying classroom knowledge to real-world projects.

Specialize in areas that fascinate you by choosing an emphasis in CAD/CAM, Robotics/Automation, Manufacturing & Systems Management, or Composites Manufacturing enriched with elective courses that hone your expertise. Our curriculum, crafted in collaboration with industry leaders, ensures you’re not just ready for the job market but poised to lead it. Step into Western’s Manufacturing Engineering program and start shaping the future, one innovative solution at a time. Join us in crafting the next generation of products and processes that will revolutionize our world!

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 the first Friday of winter quarter). 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 of Winter Quarter. 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.