Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFT)
If you enjoy working with your hands and your head to make things and to make things better, Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MFT) may be for you. Manufacturing engineering technologists implement the designs for products by bringing together people, raw materials and processes, and capital to solve manufacturing problems and create efficient production systems.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology combines the study of math and basic sciences with materials and manufacturing processes, productivity techniques, computer applications and robotics, and product design. You will also practice communicating your ideas orally and in writing. A degree in this field will enable you to work in manufacturing planning and operations, tooling and systems design, process and product development, quality assurance, technical training, and supervision. On the job you may research new types of robot grippers in a laboratory setting, evaluate a product for production possibilities, introduce closed-loop control into the assembly of plastic components, improve machine tools, supervise an automobile production line, bring automation to a foundry, train technicians to apply a computer-aided design system, or diagnose and correct malfunctions in laser welding equipment. The skills of our recent graduates contribute to the success of organizations such as:
In the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program, you will use the facilities at the state-of-the-industry Parkview Campus, newly designed to promote the future success of our students. |
Consider ThisOnce you set foot in one of our classrooms or laboratories, you will quickly realize that the Parkview Campus is one of the most professional learning environments in North America , built to help your transition from college to business or industry. Also, if class size concerns you, manufacturing engineering technology students usually attend classes of only 16 to 20 students, which helps you take advantage of our faculty's expertise, experience, and connections to local business. At WMU our goal is to produce job-ready graduates, and our MFT students exemplify this. Program OptionsWestern's program allows you to pursue one of three career specialties:
Here's what a recent graduate of the program has to say: The hands-on types of labs really let students experience things they may use in the work world, giving them a better understanding of how real world processes work. The instructors are great. Most are there well past their scheduled hours and are always willing to help a student in need. The faculty work just as hard as their students to help them excel not only in school but also in their entire college experience and career. -Jason Karbowski, BS-Manufacturing Engineering Technology, 2004 |
Manufacturing Engineering Technology Objectives
- Plan, design, analyze, implement, and improve cost-effective manufacturing methods.
- Synthesize and use technical tools to monitor and control manufacturing processes to solve production problems effectively.
- Manage projects, people, and resources effectively.
- Communicate effectively in verbal, written, visual, and graphical forms.
- Pursue professional growth and interact effectively in work environments.
Manufacturing Engineering Technology Outcomes
- Ability to define problems, design solutions, and compare alternatives to manufacturing challenges
- Ability to critically analyze, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods
- Ability to plan and develop efficient process sequences
- Ability to apply manufacturing theory and techniques to optimize the utilization of equipment and methods
- Ability to apply scientific methods through experimentation
- Ability to apply statistical techniques
- Ability to apply logical decision-making techniques
- A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement
- Ability to select, use, and modify tools and technologies effectively in appropriate settings
- Understanding of ethical behavior in technical settings
- Understanding of the professional, societal, and global impact of manufacturing engineering technology
- Ability to use electronic tools -CAD/CAM, Microsoft office, research, communication, etc. - in a technical environment
- Demonstration of good oral, written, visual, and graphical communication
- A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, lifelong learning, including participation in professional activities and maintaining currency in one's profession
- Ability to work effectively, fairly, and equitably in a team.
Curriculum 2009-2010
Semester I - Fall (17 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 1420 Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| IME 1500 Introduction to Manufacturing (Area VII) | 3 |
| MATH 1180 Precalculus Mathematics (Prof. 3) | 4 |
| CHEM 1100 General Chemistry I (Area VI) | 3 |
| CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I Lab (Area VI) | 1 |
| IME 1020 Technical Communication (Prof. 1) | 3 |
17 |
|
Semester II - Spring (16 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 1220 Automobile in Society (Area VII) | 3 |
| MATH 1220 Calculus I (or MATH 2000 or MATH 1700)(Prof. 4) | 4 |
| CS 1040 Introductory C/C++ (or CS 1021 and CS 1023) | 2 |
| PHYS 1130 General Physics I (Area VI) | 4 |
| PHYS 1140 General Physics I LAB (Area VI) | 1 |
| AREA VIII Health and Well-Being | 2 |
16 |
|
Semester III - Fall (17 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 2540 Machining Processes | 3 |
| IME 2460 Introduction to Computer-Aided Design | 3 |
| ECE 1000 Fundamentals of Circuits & Electronics | 3 |
| PHYS 1150 General Physics II | 4 |
| PHYS 1160 General Physics II Lab | 1 |
| COM 1040 Public Speaking (Prof. 4) | 3 |
17 |
|
Semester IV - Spring (18 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 2500 Plastics Properties & Processing | 3 |
| MSE 2540 Properties of Materials (or ME 2500) | 3 |
| MSE 2550 Materials Science Lab (or ME 2500) | 1 |
| IME 2810 Statics and Strength of Materials | 4 |
| ECE 1010 Fundamentals of Electronics/ Machines | 3 |
| MATH 2600 Elementary Statistics (or IME 2610) (Prof. 4) | 4 |
18 |
|
Semester V - Fall (16 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 2830 Thermodynamics | 2 |
| IME 2840 Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics | 2 |
| IME 3260 Operations Planning & Control | 3 |
| IME 3480 Designing for Production | 3 |
| IME 3520 Metal Casting | 3 |
| IME 3570 Fabrication, Assembly and Finishing | 3 |
16 |
|
Semester VI - Spring (15 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 3200 Engineering Cost Analysis | 3 |
| IME 3280 Quality Assurance & Control | 3 |
| IME 3580 Computer-Aided Manufacturing | 3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 |
| AREA IV* Other Cultures & Civilizations | 3 |
15 |
|
Semester VII - Fall (17 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 4220 Engineering Teams: Theory & Practice (Area V) | 3 |
| IME 4580 Manufacturing Systems Integration | 3 |
| IME 4810 Metrology | 3 |
| IME 4910 Multidisciplinary Senior Proposal (Prof. 2) | 2 |
| Approved Elective | 3 |
| AREA I* Fine Arts | 3 |
17 |
|
Semester VIII - Spring (15 Credits) |
|
| Course | Credits |
| IME 4020 Supervision of Industrial Operations | 3 |
| IME 4920 Multidisciplinary Senior Project (Prof. 2) | 2 |
| IME 4930 Multidisciplinary Senior Project Consultation | 1 |
| Approved Elective | 3 |
| AREA II* Humanities | 3 |
| AREA III* United States : Culture & Issues | 3 |
15 |
|
Total Credits = 131 |
* At least two of these courses must be at the 3000-4000 level; Depth must be met with a sequence of courses from one department
NOTE: A grade of "C" or better in gate courses (indicated in italicized type) is required for enrollment in upper division courses offered by the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
Preparation
To enter the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program, you should have completed in high school at least three and a half years of college preparatory mathematics, including trigonometry, and two years of basic science such as physics and chemistry.
Admission
To apply to WMU, write to:
Office of Admissions,
Western Michigan University,
Kalamazoo , MI 49008-5211
Call 269-387-2000, or go to http://www.wmich.edu/admissions
Advising
An academic advisor will work with you to ensure that you take the right sequence of courses and get maximum benefit from your studies at WMU.
To make an appointment with an advisor, call 269-276-3270.
Financial Aid
Information about financial assistance such as scholarships, employment opportunities, loans, and grants is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Write to Student Financial Aid,
Western Michigan University,
Kalamazoo , MI 49008-5337
Call 269-387-6000, or go to http://www.wmich.edu/finaid
Career Placement
Career services helps WMU students and alumni in job search planning.
Call 269-387-2745, or go to http://www.wmich.edu/career
For More Information
For more information about Manufacturing Engineering Technology, write
Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Western Michigan University
Parkview Campus
Kalamazoo , MI 49008-5336
Call 269-276-3350, or Email ime-info@wmich.edu
For information about other engineering programs at Western Michigan University, visit the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' web page at: http://www.wmich.edu/engineer
Our Manufacturing Engineering Technology program is fully accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, Inc., 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 - Tel: (410)347-7700.