Outside US & Canada?
Online Education Guide
Guide to Majors
- What is a College Major?
- Deciding to Go to College
- Assessing Your Skills
- Education vs. Experience
- Top Ten Job Trends
View College Majors
- Arts & Humanities
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering Major
- Bioengineering Major
- Chemical Engineering Major
- Civil Engineering Major
- Computer Engineering Major
- Electrical Engineering Major
- Engineering Management Major
- Environmental Engineering Major
- Industrial Engineering Major
- Manufacturing Engineering Major
- Materials Science Engineering Major
- Mechanical Engineering Major
- Petroleum Engineering Major
- Software Engineering Major
- Systems Engineering Major
- Health & Medical
- Science
- Social Science
- Technology
Guide to College Majors in Manufacturing Engineering
--Peter Drucker
What is Manufacturing Engineering?
More than the average person might realize, engineers are
creative pillars of modern society. While a painter focuses his
creative energy towards expressing himself on a canvas, a
manufacturing engineer works on the creation of things, processes,
and technology. We rely on the vision and genius of our society's
engineers every single time we turn on the television, drive a car,
check our email, do laundry, or take showers. Basically, the work
of an engineer is involved with almost everything we do.
Manufacturing engineers have the task of making manufacturing
processes better, faster, and cheaper. Their success or failure
directly impacts the advancement of technology and the spread of
innovation. A professional in this field constantly reviews the
allocation of resources, analyzes productivity, and seeks ways to
maximize production while minimizing cost. Manufacturing
engineering careers offer challenging opportunities that never fail
to engage intellectual curiosity and push the edge of innovative
thinking.
Career Education in Manufacturing Engineering
Preparing for Engineering School
To achieve success in manufacturing engineering, a quality
education is an absolute must. Engineers draw heavily on
mathematical and scientific knowledge, and these are skills best
developed in a
manufacturing engineering degree program. A good manufacturing
engineering degree program will provide students with an
opportunity to fuse math and science with top-notch communications
skills. But how can you decide if manufacturing engineering is the
right field to pursue? There are several things to consider.
First, think about the scope of your engineering interests.
Manufacturing engineering is just one facet of the engineering
industry. Manufacturing engineers enjoy improving the production
process from start to finish. They have the ability to keep the
whole production process in mind as they zero in on a particular
portion of the process. Successful students in manufacturing
engineering degree programs are inspired by the notion of starting
with a natural resource, such as a block of wood, and ending with a
usable, valuable product, such as a desk.
Secondly, earning a college degree in manufacturing engineering
involves intense and thorough study of advanced math and science,
including calculus, computer science, physics, and other
upper-level courses. Potential students should thrive in such
courses. Proper preparation for an engineering education includes
high school courses in math, science, computers, and computer
assisted drafting.
Compare
and contrast different manufacturing engineering programs to
find the best fit. This is a good way to discover what qualities
you're seeking in a program. Additionally, this type of research
will help you figure out what questions to ask admissions
counselors. The more information you can gather about a potential
manufacturing engineering degree program, the better informed your
decision will be.
It is also a good idea for prospective students to talk to an
experienced manufacturing engineer. Ask questions about day-to-day
job tasks, opportunities for career advancement, education
requirements, and anything else you would want to know about your
future career. This sort of career investigation will certainly
provide a more complete picture of your future opportunities.
Manufacturing Engineering Degree Programs
Career Education in Manufacturing Engineering
Even within this highly specialized field of engineering, many
choices exist. Whether you're a student interested in developing an
initial set of engineering skills, or a professional engineer
hoping to focus your general knowledge of manufacturing
engineering, you'll enjoy plenty of appealing opportunities.
Online Degrees in Manufacturing Engineering
Recently, the options for studying manufacturing engineering have
expanded to include distance learning.
Online engineering degree programs enable more students to
obtain a quality education without having to relocate to a physical
campus. Online
degrees have opened the doors to many future engineers, as well
as professional engineers hoping to advance their existing careers.
An engineering degree can open doors to many other related careers,
including information systems management, computer programming, and
business consulting.
Because the field advances quickly to keep pace with cutting-edge
technology, many manufacturing engineers rely on distance learning
to continually increase and improve their skills. Online
education makes it possible for students to maintain
commitments to full-time jobs while completing requirements to earn
a degree. Online engineering students participate in online
tutorials, web seminars, and interactive labs virtually. Students
who enroll in distance learning degree programs enjoy a unique
opportunity to tailor their own schedule and course load to fit in
with existing commitments to jobs and family.
Certificate Programs in Manufacturing
Engineering
Engineering certificate programs are a worthwhile option, both for
new students seeking an introductory educational experience and for
current manufacturing engineering professionals who want a more
in-depth knowledge of their specialty. Online engineering
certificate programs encourage students to improve their skills in
a narrow, specific aspect of the field.
This allows manufacturing engineering majors to develop a focused
expertise that could translate into stronger employment
opportunities and job growth. In addition, when you complete the
requirements for a certificate in engineering, many
online degree programs allow you to transfer these credits
toward a degree program. Certificate programs vary, and potential
students should discuss particular degree programs with school
admissions counselors.
Associate's Degrees in Manufacturing
Engineering
Engineering students pursuing an associate's degree will discover
opportunities in several engineering fields. Most associate's
degree programs provide students with foundational knowledge of
engineering technology -- a more vocationally-oriented
specialization. Students who earn an associate's degree can qualify
for many entry-level jobs in engineering technology fields. This is
an attractive opportunity for students to get their feet wet in the
classroom and on the job before deciding to pursue a more intense
degree program.
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
The
Bachelor of Science in Engineering is the foundation for the
majority of manufacturing engineering careers. Most BSE programs
focus heavily on the general concepts of engineering, math,
science, and technology. Intense and rigorous, BS programs also
emphasize the combination of strong engineering skills with the
ability to effectively communicate. Students pursuing a BS in
Engineering should also expect to study humanities, history, and
ethics.
Master of Science in Manufacturing
Engineering
After a few years of work experience, many engineers find it
necessary to increase their knowledge of a specific niche of
engineering in order to advance their careers. Thus, many
manufacturing engineers pursue a
Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. This degree
program focuses on advanced technical skills, problem-solving
abilities, and a sophisticated understanding of everything involved
in the manufacturing process. MSME degree programs allow students
to specialize, which increases their employability for advanced
positions. Because most students make the decision to pursue an
MSME while working,
online degree programs are an attractive and convenient way for
students to study and plan for the future while maintaining present
commitments.
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Aspiring leaders in the field should consider the
Master of Science in Engineering Management after a few years
of work experience. Most MSEM degree programs are designed for
current engineers who anticipate taking on their first management
roles. This advanced curriculum combines sophisticated engineering
knowledge with leadership training and project management courses.
The goal of MSEM degrees is to develop engineering professionals
who are effectively able to manage and lead a group of engineers.
Distance education is a popular way to pursue and obtain an
MSEM because it allows experienced engineers to continue working
full-time while advancing their skills, education, and training.
Online degree programs also allow students to focus more heavily on
the unique management skills associated with specific fields of
engineering.
Co-ops, Apprenticeships and Internships
Students in
manufacturing engineering degree programs enjoy several
potential career paths. One helpful way to narrow down the options
is to participate in engineering-related cooperative education
programs (co-ops) and internships.
Because engineering involves applying science, math, and technology
to real-world problems, engineering professionals find hands-on
experience a critical part of a quality education. Students have
the opportunity to gain solid work experience as interns and co-op
associates, and manufacturing companies are able to find bright,
motivated young engineers early in their careers.
The process of landing a summer internship or a semester-long co-op
is very competitive, but this should be a priority for any
manufacturing engineering student who isn't already in the
industry. Major manufacturing companies offer internships to
students who excel academically, demonstrate leadership potential,
are willing to work hard, and have the ability to communicate
effectively. It is not uncommon for a student to intern at the same
company for multiple summers, and it is also not uncommon for
companies to offer full-time employment to outstanding interns and
co-op participants upon graduation.
What Can You Do with a College Major in Manufacturing Engineering?
Career options for aspiring manufacturing engineers
- Industrial Engineer. Industrial engineering
often overlaps with manufacturing engineering. With a similar focus
on manufacturing processes, industrial engineers focus on the
product development process and seek to constantly streamline and
improve manufacturing techniques. Professionals working in this
field often pursue advanced training in
quality assurance and
operations management. Industrial engineers find work in
several industries, including manufacturing, technology, and
service. As modern technology continues to advance, industrial
engineers are applying manufacturing techniques to most other
industries.
- Business Consultant. When a manufacturing
company is having trouble addressing problems, they often hire a
business consultant to offer advice and potential solutions.
Successful engineering consultants are experts in particular niches
or industries. Business consultants are able to look at problems
objectively, formulate plans for improvement, and most importantly,
effectively communicate with clients. Business consultants with
degrees in manufacturing engineering are especially valuable to
companies seeking to update and streamline production and assembly
procedures. Knowledge of proven
business and management principles is necessary for this
career.
- Operations Research Analyst. An operations
research analyst studies processing and manufacturing procedures in
order to determine areas for improvement and growth. Professionals
in this field rely on extensive research and observation to make
decisions and solve problems. Like a manufacturing engineer,
operations research analysts are able to view the bigger picture of
a production process in order to gauge how to make the individual
components of the process cheaper and more efficient. Operations
research analysts focus on the end result and continually try to
improve their products. This type of position is found in various
parts of the engineering industry, including manufacturing
engineering and industrial engineering.
- Engineering Technician. Engineering
technicians apply scientific, mathematic, and engineering theories
and methods to solve technical problems in various fields of
engineering. Most engineering technician jobs require an
associate's degree. Engineering technicians in the
manufacturing industry generally assist more experienced
engineering professionals in research, product design,
manufacturing procedures and various related tasks. The function of
an engineering technician generally involves practical and physical
assignments, like using an engineer's plan to build a prototype of
a product or utilizing computer assisted drafting tools to generate
virtual models.
- Engineering Managers. Engineering managers are
experienced engineering professionals who are successfully able to
combine their command of engineering technique and theory with
excellent communication skills. In general, an engineering manager
guides, oversees, and directs teams of engineers and is responsible
for the productivity and results of her team. Many engineering
managers work in the manufacturing industry, and a background in
manufacturing engineering is a solid foundation for future
engineers hoping to pursue this advanced career path.
- Information Systems Managers. Systems managers develop, modify, and monitor information systems, which collect and track data and enable users to recall and pull up information quickly. Information systems managers have to keep up with constantly-changing computer technology and create plans to implement the latest technology on existing systems. In addition, they supervise teams of computer programmers, computer engineers and systems analysts. Information systems managers rely on their manufacturing engineering degrees constantly, in order to appropriately address the requirements of managing information systems.
Salary Expectations for Manufacturing Engineers
Engineering is not just an important and stimulating
profession--it is also a lucrative one. The Wall Street Journal
reports that many entry-level manufacturing engineers earn salaries
between $45,000 and $50,000. Salary.com reports the average salary
for a manufacturing engineer is approximately $64,000 per year.
After about 10 years of work experience, manufacturing engineers
have an earning potential of $75,000 per year or greater. An
engineering professional who continues to advance his education and
develop additional skills has the potential to earn a significantly
higher salary than his peers who do not do so.
Certification and Licensure
Professional Engineer (PE) Certification and
Licensure. In order to qualify for a Professional Engineer
license, a candidate generally needs a bachelor's degree from an
ABET-accredited engineering
program, a passing score on a state examination, and four years of
work experience. More recent graduates have the option of dividing
this licensure process into two segments. The Fundamentals of
Engineering (FE) exam is often taken immediately after graduation
and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam is taken after
four years of working in a chosen engineering field.
Manufacturing Technologist Certification (CMfgT).
Qualified candidates for the Certified Manufacturing Technologist
Certificate (CMfgT) must pass a three-hour, 130-question
multiple-choice exam. The exam covers math, manufacturing
processes, manufacturing management, automation, and related
subjects. Additionally, a candidate must have at least four years
of combined education and manufacturing-related work
experience.
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE).
Candidates qualifying for the Certified Manufacturing Engineer
Certificate must pass a three-hour, 150 question multiple-choice
exam which covers more in-depth topics than the CMfgT exam. CMfgE
candidates must also have eight years of combined education and
manufacturing-related work experience, with a minimum of four years
of work experience.
Certified Engineering Manager (CEM). The Certified
Engineering Manager Certificate is also designed for engineers with
eight years of combined education and manufacturing experience. The
test is four hours long and has 160 multiple-choice questions. The
CEM certification exam covers business processes, teamwork,
responsibility and other management-related categories.
Other Associations and Certification Bodies
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers
- National Society of Professional Engineers
- The American Society for Engineering Education
- The Institute of Industrial Engineers
- National Academy of Engineering
- International Engineering Consortium
- The Junior Engineering Technical Society
- Online Degrees in Manufacturing Engineering
- Online Degrees in Systems Engineering
- Online Degrees in Operations Management
