Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Description

The mission of the Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) degree program at Minnesota State Mankato, is to provide a broad-based education to enable graduates to enter a variety of globally competitive manufacturing careers to serve the needs of the citizens of Minnesota, and the world by:

• providing the highest quality education to prepare application-oriented graduates for career opportunities in both traditional and computer-automated manufacturing environments;
• encouraging and supporting faculty, and students to engage in scholarly activities and research that support effective and ethical transfer of technology;
• providing access to state of the art equipment, facilities, and methodologies, along with faculty expertise to benefit MET students; and
• engaging in partnerships with area industry and other constituencies to broaden access to the program for traditional and diverse populations, while supporting K-12 pipeline development.

Program Description. Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) degree program awards a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) to successful students through a four-year curriculum.

“Engineering Technology” is the profession in which knowledge of the applied mathematical and natural sciences gained by higher education, practical experience, and competence developed in a specific field, is devoted to application of engineering principles and the implementation of technological advances for the benefit of humanity through its focus on product improvement, manufacturing, and automation of technological processes and operational functions. - Engineering Technology Council of the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).

“Modern manufacturing activities have become exceedingly complex because of rapidly increasing technology and expanded environmental involvement. This, coupled with increasing social, political, and economic pressures, has increased the demand for highly skilled manufacturing technologists, engineers, and managers.” – Society of Manufacturing Engineers Fundamentals of Manufacturing 2005.

"Students use major study areas of applied mathematics, engineering sciences and materials, product design, manufacturing processes, automated systems and controls, quality, manufacturing management and personal and professional effectiveness to perform in careers requiring the application of scientific and engineering knowledge and methods. Combined with technical skills in support of engineering activities; student careers often fit in the occupational spectrum between the craftsman and the engineer at the end of the spectrum closest to the engineer. Engineering technology is oriented less toward theory and more toward practical applications." (ASEE).

Manufacturing involves plans, materials, personnel, and equipment which are trans­formed in some way that adds value. Students acquire leadership and managerial skills necessary to enter careers in process and systems design, manufacturing operations, maintenance, technical sales or service functions. The curriculum concentrates on the study of individual subsystems and their overall optimization of cost, quality, speed, and flexibility goals for the success of a manufacturing enterprise. Students from the program are currently employed in a wide variety of industries including medical, electronics, power systems, defense, and automotive. A list of companies and industry sectors employing MET graduates may be obtained from the Department Chair.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (sme.org) is the lead professional society used in developing program criteria used for guiding program relevance and continuous improvement. Students are encouraged to take the Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) exam in their senior year and pursue other certifications as their experience broadens.

The primary goal of the MET program is to provide all graduates with the solid technical foundation necessary to insure their success in a wide variety of employment opportunities. To accomplish this goal, program outcomes and objectives are defined and assessed for continuous improvement. These are consistent with the mission of the university and college and reviewed by the Industrial Advisory Board on an annual basis. They are as follows:

Program Outcomes. Students at the time of graduation are prepared to:

1. apply knowledge, problem solving techniques, and hands-on skills in the assessment, design, application, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems, including automated manufacturing, processes, process controls, manufacturing operations, management, and systems integration.
2. specify and implement hard and soft technologies to solve manufacturing system problems using creativity in design.
3. demonstrate the application of their knowledge of mathematics, statistics, science, engineering and technology.
4. conduct, analyze and interpret experiments and apply results to improve processes and systems.
5. recognize the need and develop the skills for life-long learning.
6. communicate effectively across all design and management interface levels of an organization.
7. function effectively in a team and or leadership environment.
8. implement accepted professional standards of integrity and ethical conduct.
9. understand and engage in behavior which respects diversity and global cultures.
10. practice timeliness and quality with regard to work requirements.

Program Objectives. Graduates two to three years into their careers should have the foundation to:

1. deliver products, services, and support to both internal and external organizations by applying technical knowledge, problem solving techniques and hands-on skills in traditional and emerging areas of manufacturing.
2. actively participate in on-going professional development, professional growth and increasing professional responsibility.
3. effectively communicate ideas to technical and non-technical people.
4. perform, lead, and manage in cross-functional teams.
5. work within the accepted standards of professional integrity and conduct.
6. design, analyze, build, and test virtual or real models in product development and continuous improvement environments.
7. implement, and continuously improve cost, quality, time, and flexibility goals using world class management methodologies.