Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Manufacturing Engineering Technology—Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing, BS
What is the study of Manufacturing Engineering Technology?
The Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) option develops students with the expertise in advanced 3D parametric modeling and in the planning and programming of Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) equipment used for designing and fabricating products and tooling. It builds upon a fundamental understanding of materials, processes, business, and economics introduced in the program. Whether the finished product is an athletic shoe or a jet airplane, the logical set of events that take place to produce that product must be planned and conceived in advance. The option builds upon the fundamental understanding of product form, function, materials, processes, business, and economics introduced in the core MET program.
Why Should I Consider this Major?
MET majors can declare under a CAD/CAM option. This is geared towards preparing technologists who are knowledgeable in the use of 3D parametric modeling, tool, path planning and CNC programming and operations for product/tooling design and fabrication.
This program provides the technical ability to convert product ideas into reality through the systematic use of software, processes, and equipment. These skills and the ability to supervise and manage the underlying technologies are critical to a wide range of technical industries. Graduates of this program hold positions in product/tooling design, manufacturing, and management throughout the Northwest.
How to Declare:
MET majors can declare under a CAD/CAM option. Admission to the Manufacturing Engineering Technology- CAD/CAM Option 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. See the department’s website for details. Students should declare their major early and seek departmental advisement.
Coursework
Manufacturing Core: 78-82 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 322 - Numerical Control Operations
- ETEC 325 - Manufacturing Process Planning
- ETEC 326 - Fluid Power
- ETEC 333 - Polymer Technology
- ETEC 335 - Tooling for Plastics Processing
- ETEC 344 - Industrial Quality Assurance
- ETEC 351 - Electronics for Engineering Technology I
- ETEC 361 - Advanced CAD: Assembly and Design Mechanisms
- ETEC 362 - Advanced CAD: Surface Modeling
- ETEC 424 - Manufacturing Implementation
- One course from:
- ETEC 426A - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Surfacing and Contours
- ETEC 426B - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Mill/Turn
- ETEC 426C - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Hi-Speed Machining
- ETEC 426D - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - EDM
- ETEC 427 - Tool Design
Supporting courses: 50 credits
- 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
- MATH 245 - Statistics for Engineering Technology
- CSCI 140 - Programming Fundamentals in C++
- OPS 461 - Project Management
- PHYS 161 - Physics with Calculus I
- PHYS 162 - Physics with Calculus II
- PHYS 163 - Physics with Calculus III
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- One course from:
- COMM 101 - Fundamentals of Speech
- COMM 235 - Exposition and Argumentation
- ETEC 341 - Engineering and Society
- ETEC 422 - Manufacturing Project Definition
Technical Electives: 15 credits*
- ETEC 312 - Industrial Design CAD Skills
- ETEC 334 - Reinforced Plastics/Composites
- ETEC 338 - Injection Molding
- ETEC 346 - Manufacturing and Design
- ETEC 352 - Electronics for Engineering Technology II
- ETEC 354 - Electronics for Engineering Technology III
- ETEC 397 (when relevant)
- ETEC 420 - Manufacturing Automation and Robotics
- ETEC 425 - Machine Design
- ETEC 426A - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Surfacing and Contours
- ETEC 426B - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Mill/Turn
- ETEC 426C - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - Hi-Speed Machining
- ETEC 426D - Advanced Computer Numerical Control - EDM
- ETEC 428 - Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory
- ETEC 429 - Directed Research in Manufacturing
- ETEC 434 - Advanced Composites
- ETEC 444 - Data Analysis and Design of Experiments
- ETEC 461 - CAD Automation
- ETEC 497 (when relevant)
- OPS 460 - Designing and Improving Operations
- OPS 463 - Enterprise Resource Planning Systems
- OPS 466 - Supply Chain Management
- MATH 204 - Elementary Linear Algebra
- MATH 307 - Mathematical Computing
- MATH 224 - Multivariable Calculus and Geometry I
- MATH 331 - Ordinary Differential Equations
- MGMT 311 - Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior
- MGMT 313 - Teamwork Basics
* Technical electives are to be chosen from the list above approved list. The list is also available from program faculty advisors.
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- BCOM: COMM 101, 235
- QSR: CSCI 140; MATH 124, 125, 134, 135
- LSCI: CHEM 121; PHYS 161, 162, 163
Sample Careers
Graduates of this program are employed in:
- Product/tooling design and CAD modeling
- Engineering Drafting
- Programming and operation of CNC equipment
- Consulting in CAD/CAM technologies
- Supervision and management
Department
Contact
Engineering Technology Department Website:
CAD/CAM Advisor:
Derek Yip-Hoi
ET 313, (360) 650-7236
Derek.Yip-Hoi@wwu.edu
Engineering Technology Chair:
Todd Morton
ET209, (360) 650-3380
Todd.Morton@wwu.edu