Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) is the practical application of engineering and scientific principles for the purpose of designing and manufacturing quality products, services, and systems. The majority of the MET’s training is centered around using today’s high-tech computer hardware and software. These computer skills are complemented with instruction in mathematics, science, and engineering analysis to provide the graduate with the sound foundation essential to implement design and manufacturing solutions.
Today, more than ever, industry is challenged to produce cost-effective, high-quality products at ever-increasing production rates. In order to stay competitive, companies are developing computer-integrated manufacturing systems, implementing concurrent engineering, and certifying to ISO 9000, and are also competing for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award. These companies demand highly trained and knowledgeable employees to successfully implement these critical design and manufacturing initiatives. The associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology will give the student a competitive advantage in entering the job market, and will enable industry professionals to obtain the necessary skills to advance within their organizations.
The associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology provides the student with a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of today’s design and manufacturing processes using CAD, CNC, CAD/CAM integration, and total quality management. Manufacturing engineering technicians must have a sound math and science foundation, possess a working knowledge of materials, exhibit good communications skills, and most of all be skilled in the latest computer technologies.
Using CAD, students learn how to create designs in three-dimensional space, provide documentation according to current professional standards, and provide for seamless integration into computer-aided manufacturing systems. In addition, students are instructed in design for manufacturability, including the necessary design analysis methods required to ensure product function and reliability. During the final semester, the student’s career is punctuated with a capstone project. These competitive projects combine design and manufacturing students into small teams whose mission is to research, design, document, and ultimately manufacture a product or implement a system.
For information on career opportunities that are available in the precision manufacturing industry in the Pioneer Valley region visit the Western Massachusetts Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association (WMNTMA) website www.wmntma.org
Accreditation: Accredited by the ETAC Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org
3-year Graduation Rate (Cohort Entering Fall 2010)
|
Fall 2010 Enrollment
|
Fall 2011 Enrollment
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Fall 2012 Enrollment
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Fall 2013 Enrollment
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35%
|
72
|
82
|
104
|
127
|
Upon successful completion of the requirements for the program options, the degree of Associate in Science in Mechanical Engineering will be awarded.