International economic competition is fierce today. Manufacturers rely on trained, dedicated professionals to develop and implement the equipment and production methods they need to keep their leading edge.
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Manufacturing engineers are involved with the production process, from product design through post-sale service. As a member of a production team, manufacturing engineers work with other professionals to design products and the automated systems that produce them. They are experts in selecting the right materials to use and processing them into usable products. They know how to control automated production systems with computers and they utilize advanced technologies when appropriate.
Accredited undergraduate programs dedicated to manufacturing engineering are found at fewer than 25 institutions in the world. Stout's program is the only undergraduate program in Manufacturing Engineering in the UW System.
Two factors make UW-Stout an ideal location for a Manufacturing Engineering program-our heritage and our resources. Throughout its history, UW-Stout has developed technical programs to meet the needs of industry. These programs focus on the direct application of technical knowledge to the solution of practical problems. The bachelor of science degree in Manufacturing Engineering represents a natural direction for UW-Stout.
Our resources include up-to-date facilities with laboratories specifically designed to promote understanding of the technologies involved in manufacturing. Our specialized faculty has developed a curriculum to prepare students to work with both traditional and cutting-edge manufacturing processes and technologies.
Our resources also include a successful cooperative education program, and
the Stout Technology Transfer Institute, a nationally-recognized center that
assists regional manufacturing companies. As you progress toward your degree,
both provide opportunities to learn through on-the-job experiences while you
are still enrolled at the university.
Program Mission Statement
The Manufacturing Engineering Program prepares pragmatic manufacturing engineers
who will respond aggressively to the changing needs of the global marketplace,
apply research and theory in the development of marketable products and efficient
processes, and design with an awareness of the realities of manufacturing and
the needs of society. This preparation is enhanced through extensive
hands-on laboratory learning experiences.
Educational Objectives
The Manufacturing Engineering Program develops manufacturing engineers who are:
- In demand by manufacturing employers
- Recognized for their ability to apply engineering expertise
- Recognized for their leadership and teamwork skills
- Continuing to develop professionally
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Manufacturing Engineering program the student will be able to:
- Apply the principles of mathematics and science to the solution of practical problems.
- Perform engineering analysis by designing and conducting experiments and analyzing results.
- Design products and manufacturing systems using contemporary methods.
- Communicate effectively.
- Function effectively in team or group settings.
- Integrate sound management principles into the engineering process.
- Practice his or her profession at the highest ethical standards.
- Implement technology with an awareness of important societal issues.
- Recognize the need for and have the ability to engage in lifelong learning.
- Understand global and cultural issues.
Preparing for UW-Stout
Students in the Manufacturing Engineering program must have an aptitude for
science and mathematics. We encourage you to take as many upper level math
and science courses in high school as possible, including mathematics through
algebra and trigonometry, physics and chemistry. Early development of computer
skills is also very helpful.
Admission Requirements
In addition to fulfilling the university's basic admission requirements, you
must also rank in the upper 40 percent of your graduating class or have an
ACT composite score of 22 or greater and a mathematics score of 22. Students
not meeting the admission requirements may start in the Pre-Manufacturing Engineering
program.
Entrance Options
UW-Stout has transfer agreements with the UW Colleges and several Minnesota
pre-engineering programs. With planning, you can transfer to the Manufacturing
Engineering program without loss of credits.
Starting Out
Industry's manufacturing problems are not only technical in nature. They're also social and economic. Manufacturing engineers must therefore have a broad education.
The first two years of UW-Stout's program will include English composition,
communication, and other general education offerings, as well as mathematics,
physics and engineering fundamentals.
As You Progress
Science and mathematics classes form the foundation for engineering science courses, and their application to analysis, synthesis and creative design.
As you work through the program, the courses will emphasize modern manufacturing
techniques such as computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), robotics,
and microprocessor control of manufacturing. You will receive extensive laboratory
experience in those and related areas, including computer controlled manufacturing
systems, statistical process control, electronic instrumentation, and materials
processing and testing.
Entry Positions
Manufacturing engineers have rewarding careers in industry, government, research, service, and entrepreneurship. The average starting salary for program graduates in 2006-07 was $51,000 a year. Employment of graduates has been more than 92 percent for the past seven years. Many companies consider manufacturing engineers good candidates for advancement to management positions.
The demand for manufacturing engineers is good in manufacturing centers across the United States. Many American firms also have companies overseas, presenting graduates with international career opportunities.