Professionals in this field use computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, and computer-aided manufacturing in order to analyze the overall worth of a potential product and to help in the assembly of a product by graphically documenting its parts.

Engineering graphics and design technology saves companies time and money. Many products that we use today have been designed and tested before manufacturing takes place. At Western you will learn this process on a variety of state-of-the-art CAD systems, and you will practice testing designs for usefulness using a wide variety of analysis systems. The equipment and software our students use directly contribute to developing the technical skills employers desire from graduates in this field.

Our recent graduates have worked as product designers, documentation and standards supervisors, technical publication specialists, CAD managers and even mechanical engineers. They have been employed at such organizations as

• Daimler Chrysler
• Ford
• Haworth
• Johnson Controls
• Eaton Corporation

After earning prerequisites in subjects such as communications, chemistry, physics, and statistics, you will have the opportunity to study design for production, computer-aided design, CAD applications, computer-aided manufacturing, computer-aided analysis, and design verification (metrology) in a state-of-the industry campus designed to promote the future success of our students. The EGR program also offers specialties in automotive technology, plastics processing, cast metals, ergonomics, and production planning.

Consider This

At WMU our goal is to produce job-ready graduates, and our EGR program upholds this by preparing students to be versatile in business and industry environments. By the time you receive your degree, you will be able to apply the fundamentals of processing to plastics machining, rapid prototyping and design verification; you will be able to design products on several types of CAD systems, and you will be familiar with a multitude of analysis systems. Keep in mind that you'll be doing all of this in one of the most professional learning environments in North America, built to help your transition from college to business or industry.

In addition to the fact that you will be developing the skills that employers seek, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects with local industry, qualify for our departmental scholarships, and become a member of the Sunseeker solar racing team or one of our student societies, such as Tau Alpha Pi.

A Student's Perspective

"WMU is intertwined with major industries both locally and throughout the surrounding area which increases the potential for job placement and internships. WMU provides students with the best of both worlds. They have a brand new state-of-the-art engineering facility which houses the latest advancements in technology as well as a reputable faculty that is very helpful in mentoring students so that they will be better prepared to enter the job market.

"Western is small enough where students will not feel overwhelmed or insignificant, yet it possesses all the essential ingredients a student needs to compete in today's job market in terms of providing a top-notch education."

Program Options

Engineering Graphics & Design Technology Objectives

1. Use technological tools effectively in engineering design.
2. Transfer engineering designs to engineering and manufacturing processes.
3. Plan, design, analyze, implement, and improve cost-effective manufacturing/service systems.
4. Communicate effectively in verbal, written, and graphic forms.
5. Practice engineering design as a responsible, global professional.

Engineering Graphics & Design Technology Outcomes

1. Ability to use electronic tools -CAD, Microsoft Office, research, communication, etc. - in an engineering or technical environment
2. Ability to design, analyze, and use experiments and experimental results to improve processes
3. Ability to apply logical decision-making techniques
4. Ability to identify and use tools and technologies effectively
5. Ability to critically analyze, evaluate, and improve manufacturing processes
6. Ability to use and modify computer-aided design and computer-aided analysis tools
7. Ability to define problems, design solutions, and compare alternatives to technical problems
8. A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
9. Demonstration of good oral, written, and graphical communication
10. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning, including participation in professional activities and maintaining currency in the profession.
11. Function effectively as a team member.
12. Understanding of ethical behavior in engineering design
13. Understanding of the professional, societal, and global impact of technology and design activities