Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Industrial Technology—Vehicle Design Specialization, BS
What Is the Study of Industrial Technology—Vehicle Design?
The Bachelor of Science degree program in industrial technology-vehicle design prepares graduates to solve open-ended challenges in vehicle design, composites, manufacturing and alternative fuels. The program uses vehicle research, design and development projects to educate students. Over 40 vehicles have been built since 1972. Since 1989, developing hybrid and solar vehicle technology has been a focus of the program. Graduates have entered a wide range of industry sectors including: automotive, racing industries, aerospace, marine, heavy duty vehicle, composites, prototype design and manufacturing, computer numerically controlled machining and biofuels. Students gain an understanding of the tools, materials and processes used in industry.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
Jobs obtained by Western students vary widely depending on the individual student’s abilities and the portfolio of work they create while in the program. Graduates of this program hold positions with all the major automotive equipment manufacturers and custom car-building companies, as well as positions as stylists. Graduates also work in the marine, aerospace, composites and trucking industries.
How to Declare:
Admission to the Vehicle Design major is a two phase process. Students initially declare as pre-majors. Admission to full major is determined by academic performance as a pre-major.
Coursework
Core Courses: 70 credits
- ETEC 112 - Introduction to Engineering, Design and Graphics
- ETEC 113 - Introduction to Computer-Aided Design
- ETEC 220 - Introduction to Engineering Materials
- ETEC 224 - Applied Engineering Statics
- ETEC 225 - Strength of Materials
- ETEC 246 - Manufacturing Processes I
- ETEC 280 - Power Mechanics
- ETEC 281 - Power Transmission
- ETEC 327 - Manufacturing Economics
- ETEC 333 - Polymer Technology
- ETEC 334 - Reinforced Plastics/Composites
- ETEC 380 - Advanced Power Mechanics
- ETEC 382 - Automotive Electronics
- ETEC 400 - Independent Study
- ETEC 480 - Advanced Emission Control
- ETEC 484 - Vehicle Design
- ETEC 486 - Advanced Vehicle Design
Supporting courses: 48 credits
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- One course from:
- CSCI 138 - Programming Fundamentals in Visual Basic
- CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++
- CSCI 141 - Computer Programming I
- MATH 114 - Precalculus I AND MATH 115 - Precalculus II
- OR
- MATH 118 - Accelerated Precalculus
- One course from:
- MATH 124 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
- MATH 134 - Calculus I Honors
- One course from:
- MATH 125 - Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
- MATH 135 - Calculus II Honors
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- One course from:
- COMM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech
- COMM 235 - Exposition and Argumentation
Recommended electives to fulfill 60 credit upper division course requirement:
- ETEC 311 - Perspective and Rendering I
- ETEC 322 - Numerical Control Operations
- ETEC 341 - Engineering and Society
- ETEC 362 - Advanced CAD: Surface Modeling
- ETEC 381 - Advanced Power Transmission
- ETEC 426A - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Surfacing and Contours
- ETEC 434 - Advanced Composites
- ETEC 461 - CAD Automation
- ETEC 481 - Gaseous Fuels
- ETEC 489 - Directed Research in Power Mechanics
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- BCOM: COMM 101, 235
- QSR: CSCI 138,140, 141; MATH 114, 115, 118, 124, 125, 134, 135
- LSCI: CHEM 121; PHYS 161, 162, 163
Sample Careers
See "Why Should I Consider This Major?"
Department
Contact
Vehicle Design Advisors
Steven Fleishman
ET 144 (360) 650-2914
Vehicle Design
Program Coordinator
Eric Leonhardt
ET 142, (360) 650-7266
Engineering Technology Chair
Todd Morton
ET209
(360) 650-3380