Manufacturing Technology

This multidisciplinary program is designed to prepare men and women to meet the growing need for manufacturing professionals. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory experiences organized to provide students with a working knowledge of traditional and computer-aided design and production tools. The program is built on a foundation of lower-division math, science, economics, and manufacturing concepts. Upper-division manufacturing technology (MFGT) classes integrate the foundation into a unified body of knowledge on the management of materials, processes, costs, and personnel. In addition to this core curriculum, the program currently offers a range of lab courses in three high demand areas:
Computer-Integrated Manufacturing
Metals Processing
Polymer/Plastics Processing

The Minor in Manufacturing is specially designed to complement business and engineering majors.

The Manufacturing Technology Program is professionally accredited by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT) and the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF).

Career Outlook

Job opportunities are available throughout the manufacturing sector—-in large and small, local and national organizations involved in the full range of operations—-from research and development through mass production. Although the program is designed to educate students as technical managers, graduates are employed in numerous capacities. Starting salaries for MFGT graduates in 2001 averaged $49,800 per year for these representative entry-level positions:
Applications/Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Manager
Project Manager
Production Planner/Supervisor/Manager
Quality Assurance Specialist
Technician
Technical Sales Representative
Tooling Designer
Vocational Instructor

Industrial Support

Many organizations actively support the program by sponsoring projects, funding research, donating equipment and materials, and hiring students. The program’s partners are exemplified by the Manufacturing Technology Advisory Board. Its twelve members provide direction and guidance from their vantage point as senior managers in industry.

Student Organizations

Student chapters of professional organizations play a key role in developing well-rounded individuals with leadership, managerial, social, and technical skills. The most active groups in the program are:

Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)

These student organizations arrange and sponsor guest speakers, field trips, social activities, and professional certification exams. Manufacturing students also compete and excel in regional and national design and fabrication competitions.

Scholarships

In addition to university-wide scholarships, Manufacturing students are eligible for twelve to fifteen special scholarships each year. The individual awards range from $100 to $1000 and are based on academic performance/improvement, participation in activities, leadership qualities, and/or financial need.

Internships

On-campus work experience is available through a limited number of part-time production jobs and sponsored projects in the program’s labs. Many students also take advantage of cooperative education/internship opportunities available through the university’s Office of Experiential Education. These are full-time, semester and/or summer positions with well-known companies. Participants gain professional experience and earn salaries of $2500-$3500 per month as well as upper-division elective course credit.