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What is a Manufacturing Engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is responsible for converting the science of manufacturing raw materials into a finished product in the most efficient manner possible.  A manufacturing engineer will invest extensive resources and time to master critical elements of the manufacturing process.  Key processes a manufacturing engineer will learn include:

  • Studying fabrication processes and material flow
  • Keenly understanding operational flow
  • Streamlining manufacturing processes without affecting quality
  • Maximizing resources during fabrication
  • Improving overall productivity with limited resources
  • Increasing profitability

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Manufacturing Engineer Degree

Northwestern University is a private comprehensive research university in Evanston, Illinois offering over 100 interdisciplinary programs across its 12 schools and colleges. The university, founded in 1851, is composed of innovative, collaborative, and multidimensional students aiming to make exceptional contributions to society.   The BS in Manufacturing & Design Engineering program at Northwestern’s Segal Design Institute offers undergraduates valuable and immersive opportunities through its rigorous, team-based curriculum. The program gives emphasis on sustainability, human-centered design, entrepreneurship, and the development of impactful products and services. Visit design.northwestern.edu to check the program details.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Southern California (USC), a private research university in Los Angeles, California, first opened its doors in 1880 to only 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, the university provides extensive opportunities to over 48,000 students and is considered a global center for arts, technology, and international business.

USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering offers a MS in Manufacturing Engineering degree which is a multidisciplinary program preparing future engineers who are responsive to the needs of modern manufacturing. Graduates are expected to learn how to design, install, and operate complex manufacturing systems whether they’re made up of people, materials, automated machines, or information systems. To know more, go to usc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Known as the southern branch of the University of California System, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university based in Los Angeles, California. The university, since its founding in 1919, has been aiming to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge in different disciplines for the improvement of our global society by committing to academic freedom at all times.

The Manufacturing Engineer major at UCLA’s Samueli Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department is an integrated program that introduces the relationship between manufacturing and mechanical product design. The program covers different areas like Intelligent Material Systems, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Fabrication, Mechanical Design, Advanced Robotics, Mechatronics, and many more. Students are encouraged to conduct research in different aspects such as physical and mechanical material behavior in manufacturing processes and design, design of mechanical systems, design methodology, automation, robotics, and unmanned machinery, manufacturing, and mechanical systems, and computational geometry and geometrical modeling. To know more about the program, go to mae.ucla.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of California, Berkeley has a reputation of excellence, boasting many renowned graduates and faculty members.  In fact, 20 UC Berkeley faculty members have received Nobel awards.  According to a National Research Council analysis, UC Berkeley has at least 48 highly ranked graduate programs, making it one of the top 10 universities in the nation.

The UC Berkeley campus is known nearly as much for its colorful history of political and social activism as it is for its exemplary academics.  Its attractive campus features Sproul Plaza, Campanile Tower, Lawrence Hall and Doe Library, among other architectural landmarks.

The University of California, Berkeley is also known as "UC Berkeley" or simply "Cal."

History

In 1849, when California first became a state, those drafting the State Constitution added a clause for establishing a university that would "contribute even more than California's gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations."  This aspiration led to a merger in 1868 of the private College of California in Oakland, California with a state-legislated land grant that included the Agricultural, Mining and Mechanical Arts College and land parcels in both Oakland and Berkeley, California.  The governor of California signed into law the Organic Act allowing for the creation and organization of the "University of California."

The University of California was officially founded in 1869 with a group of 10 faculty members and 40 students on its first campus in Oakland, California.  In 1873, the University of California moved to a new campus in Berkeley.  After much debate over its mission, governance and curricula, the State Constitution of 1879 guaranteed the University of California some independence to organize and govern itself via its Board of Regents with only limited oversight by the state legislature.  This structure of governance would lead to periodic debates through the years between the regents, state governor and legislators, campus chancellors, faculty members and students.

In 1914 the University of California, Los Angeles was established, initiating the statewide UC System that today has 10 campuses across California.  The University of California, Berkeley is considered the flagship institution of the UC System.

Academics

The academic calendar of the University of California, Berkeley is based on the semester system.  UC Berkeley offers more than 350 different degree programs, in one of its 14 colleges and schools, ranging from Aerospace Studies and Art History to Urban Design and Women's Studies.

The academic year at UC Berkeley is divided into two semesters, fall and spring, and one Summer Session.  If you have earned quarter units at another institution that you wish to transfer to UC Berkeley, they can be converted to semester units by multiplying by two-thirds (i.e. 180 quarter units is equal to 120 semester units).

Colleges and Schools

The University of California, Berkeley is comprised of 14 colleges and schools, which are:

  • College of Letters and Science
  • Haas School of Business
  • College of Chemistry
  • Graduate School of Education
  • College of Engineering
  • College of Environmental Design
  • School of Information
  • Graduate School of Journalism
  • School of Law
  • College of Natural Resources
  • School of Optometry
  • School of Public Health
  • Richard & Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy
  • School of Social Welfare

Student Life

Student organizations abound at UC Berkeley, with hundreds available to connect students to community, share talents and develop their group building and leadership skills. The Center for Student Leadership offers assistance with student organization recognition, recruitment and retention, as well as campus publicity and event planning for different groups.

UC Berkeley's Center for Student Leadership also provides programs that provide leadership development models and theories.  Individual or group coaching is available, in addition to workshops, team building and challenge course initiatives.

The Cal Corps Public Service Center has many volunteer or internship programs that connect people, ideas and resources to activism in the areas of social justice, community health and public service.

The Cal2Action.Berkeley.edu program offers online resources that connect UC Berkeley students to countless community volunteer programs such as Berkeley After School Program Volunteers, The Music Connection and Youth Impact, among others.

Fraternities and Sororities

There is a thriving "Greek Life" on campus at UC Berkeley with more than 60 recognized chapters of fraternities and sororities.  The "Cal Greeks" have a 140-year tradition at UC Berkeley, and students seeking a common ground for leadership, scholarship, friendship and service can choose from a diverse selection of sisterhood or brotherhood chapters.

Traditions

The California Golden Bears, or Cal Bears, sports teams are known throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.  You will hear many traditional Cal Bears songs and cheers when attending any sporting event at UC Berkeley.  The UC Berkeley Rally Committee is charged with the responsibility of guarding and protecting the universities traditional songs and cheers.

Athletics

UC Berkeley is well known for its Cal Bears sports teams, rally and spirit groups, and more than nine spectator sports facilities.  You can log onto CalBears.com, the official site of the California Golden Bears intercollegiate athletics.  The site includes sports news, schedules and ticket sales, traditions, boosters clubs and more.

There are many club sports and recreational activities available at UC Berkeley, in addition to intramural sports.  Intramural sports include leagues for a variety of indoor and outdoor sports such as basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and tennis.  The Cal Sports Club provides instruction, competition and recreation in 25 sports and activities open to all Cal Recreation Club members.

Satellite Campuses

There are many adult education and continuing education classes offered through the UC Berkeley Extension program.  The extension courses are taught at satellite campuses in Berkeley and San Francisco, California and many courses or certificate programs are available online.

The programs of study available through UC Berkeley Extension include Art & Design, Behavioral & Health Sciences, Business, Computer Technology, Education, Engineering, Humanities, Sciences, Sustainability Studies, Writing, Editing and Technical Communication.

Community Life

There is plenty to do on and off the campus of University of California, Berkeley.  The UC Berkeley website provides a searchable calendar of campus events that include art exhibits, music performances by established artists from around the world, weekly noon concerts, comedy nights and many other forms of entertainment.

Many listings for entertainment and news can be found in the Daily Cal, an award-winning, independent newspaper run by students since 1871.  Other news outlets include The Berkeleyan, a weekly newspaper from staff and faculty, as well as podcasts and the KALX student-run campus radio station.

Several popular dining spots are located on the UC Berkeley campus, including Ramona's Café, Pat Brown's Grill, The Terrace Café, The Golden Bear and the Free Speech Movement Café, an eatery and study spot that features a wall exhibit and events that offer a forum on timely political and social issues.

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Carnegie Mellon University is a private global research university based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It started operating in 1900 as the Carnegie Technical Schools. With more than 14,500 students from 100 countries, the university offers top-ranked programs in the fields of social sciences, engineering, sciences, computer science, business, fine arts, and information systems.

The top ranked manufacturing engineering degree is a program under Carnegie Mellon’s Department of Mechanical Engineering that prepares students for their individual career paths, whether in the industry or academia. The program curriculum covers engineering theory, hands-on experience, and technical skills where students learn how to solve practical and realistic problems and analyze situations to come up with reliable and cost-effective solutions. It also covers the analysis, design, and manufacture of systems that are included in the mathematics, science, and engineering courses. To get started on the program, visit meche.engineering.cmu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Founded in 1817, the University of Michigan is the top public research university in the country located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The university continues to fulfill its mission of creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values in developing responsible and productive leaders and citizens.

The MENG degree in Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Michigan School of Engineering is a 30 credit-hour program that involves the improvement of quality and efficiency of manufacturing systems through advanced skills and techniques in the engineering field. The program, with on-campus and online options, also includes an overview of the complete product development and manufacturing process as well as its management. Read more of your future program at umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Georgia Institute of Technology, also known as Georgia Tech, is a public research university and institute of technology based in Atlanta, Georgia. The university has nearly 40,000 students at its main campus in Atlanta as well as campuses in France and China. Since its founding in 1885, the university has been committed to improving society through advanced science and technology.

The Manufacturing Engineer Certificate under the Manufacturing Education Program, facilitated by Georgia Tech Manufacturing Institute, prepares students for employment and further studies by exposing them to the fundamentals of manufacturing science and engineering. In order to be admitted to the program, students must be enrolled in any engineering graduate program as they develop knowledge and skills in their specific disciplines and combine these with a general understanding of the entire manufacturing industry. At the end of the program, students are expected to have a balanced comprehension of the real problems and solution methodologies faced by manufacturing industries every day. Learn more about the program at sandbox.ibb.gatech.edu.

Acceptance Rate

20.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

New York University's main campus is located in Greenwich Village. It is a private, non-sectarian, research university and the largest non-profit institution of higher learning in the US. Study abroad facilities are located in a wide variety of countries around the globe. New sites are planned for Abu Dhabi in 2010 and Washington DC in 2012.

History

New York University was established on April 18, 1831 by bankers, merchants and traders in order to provide young men with a higher education. They were to be admitted on merit alone, with no focus on social status or birthright.

On April 12, 1831, the New York State Legislature gave the school its charter and it was incorporated as the University of the City of New York. The name was changed to New York University in 1896 by popular demand. The first students were welcomed in 1832 and attended classes in rented rooms of Clinton Hall.

Academics

New York University is ranked 22nd of the world's top universities by the Global University Ranking. It is made up of 16 colleges, institutions and schools. When the university was founded, the only school was the College of Arts and Science.

Undergraduate schools include:

  • Education of Human Development
  • Gallatin School of Individualized Study
  • School of Social Work
  • Stunhardt School of Culture
  • Polytechnic Institute of New York University
  • Stern School of Business
  • Tisch School of Arts

Postgraduate schools include:

  • Institute of Fine Arts
  • College of Nursing
  • College of Dentistry
  • Institute of Study of the Ancient World
  • School of Law
  • Courant School of Mathematical Sciences
  • School of Medicine
  • School of Continuing and Professional Studies
  • Graduate School of Arts and Science
  • Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

New York University is the only private university in the US with two medical schools, as it also awards the degrees for Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

Campuses

New York State University's buildings are situated on approximately 229 acres between 14th Street in the north, Broadway on the east, Avenue of the Americas to the west and Houston Street to the south. Washington Square Park is the core of New York University's buildings and has been since 1970. The Washington Square Arch is the unofficial symbol of the University.

During the 1990s, New York University became a double square university when a second community was established around Union Square. Other campuses and facilities include but are not limited to:

  • Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine
  • New York University Medical Center
  • Belleview Hospital Center

Athletics

New York University's sports teams are known as the Violets. Their colors are violet and white. Dictated by geography and history, Columbia University are their rival. The University's team mascot is the bobcat. Most of New York University's sport teams participate in the University Athletic Association and the NCAA's Division III.

Student Life

The governing student body at New York University is the Student Senators Council. The University has more than 350 clubs and organizations for students on campus. These include fraternities, sororities, sports teams and those that focus on arts, culture and entertainment.

New York University first formed a Greek community in 1837. Greek  life at New York University is governed by four boards.

Community Life

New York is known as The City That Never Sleeps and there is much to see and do. Take in a festival, enjoy nightlife, enjoy a Broadway show or visit Rockefeller Center or Central Park.

There are an abundance of free venues, such as Central Park Stage, Brooklyn Museum, BB King Blues Club and Grill, Studio Museum of Harlem, Museum of Modern Art and Whitney Museum. Be sure to check times for free admission and also check out other free venues. There's something for everyone in New York City.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts chartered in 1839 by the United Methodist Church. The university, with two more campuses, supports over 34,000 students from 130 countries across 17 schools and colleges with more than 300 programs of study.

BU’s College of Engineering offers an undergraduate degree in Manufacturing Engineering that focuses on design, robotics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), manufacturing systems and control, and green manufacturing. It is a comprehensive educational program that introduces manufacturing with an emphasis on design, scheduling, budgeting, and building projects. The college also offers a Master of Science in Product Design & Manufacture which can be converted as a dual degree with the Questrom School of Business MBA program. Check bu.edu to know more.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Recognized as one of the nation's premier research universities, Lehigh University provides rigorous academic programs for over 7,000 students on its campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The university, established in 1865, provides real-world collaborative experiences, professional development, and career advisement to prepare students to enter the workforce.

Lehigh's award-winning program, the Manufacturing Systems Engineering is offered at P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Business and Economics. The MS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree is perfect for engineers, scientists, and managers in the industry who want to develop their skills in operations as well as to advance in their careers. Access the full curriculum at engineering.lehigh.edu.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of California, Irvine is among the ten campuses of the University of California system. It is a public research university in Irvine, California founded in 1965 with a mission to provide comprehensive academics, cutting-edge research, and public service to catalyze change in communities and enhance the lives of individuals.

The Institute for Design and Manufacturing Innovation (IDMI), a research institute within the Henry Samueli School of Engineering, offers a Materials and Manufacturing Technology (MMT) concentration in their graduate programs. Interested students must have sufficient background and training in either Materials Engineering or Natural Sciences, however, students can still take the required courses to be eligible in this program. Go to engineering.uci.edu to know the requirements of the program.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts founded in 1865 with a mission to use science and engineering principles to help the advancement of society. The university focuses on education and research with its highly flexible and rigorous programs as well as its interdisciplinary research on its campus and in more than 50 project centers throughout the world.

At WPI, the Manufacturing Engineering degree is offered as a minor, master’s, and Ph.D. program, focusing on utilizing engineering principles and designs to create practical, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions in the production process. Students are given the opportunity to work one-on-one with WPI’s renowned faculty who are leaders in different fields such as robotics, manufacturing and materials processing, machining, grinding, materials engineering, and surface metrology. Read through the program at wpi.edu.

Acceptance Rate

49.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Simply Cal Poly, the California Polytechnic State University located in San Luis Obispo, California offering hands-on learning and real-world experience incorporated in their academic programs. Founded in 1901 as part of the 23-campus California State University system, the university offers more than 150 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs in its 6 academic colleges.

The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department at Cal Poly’s College of Engineering offers a BS degdree in Manufacturing Engineering that applies engineering analysis and methods to the production of manufactured goods and services. The program gives emphasis on the development and sustained operation of manufacturing systems which include computer-aided methods, automation, design for manufacture, as well as production tooling, and material handling in modern manufacturing. Visit ime.calpoly.edu to view the available programs.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Located in  Clemson, South Carolina, Clemson University is a public land-grant research university established in 1889. It is the state’s second-largest university in terms of student population. With over 26,000 students, Clemson aims to provide a high seminary of learning by developing quality programs for individuals within and outside of South Carolina.

The Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering at Clemson is a program where students learn to apply engineering analysis and design to different areas like manufacturing, machines, energy conversion and conservation, materials, health, and automotive. Before choosing a major, applicants need to apply for the general engineering program first where they will encounter math and science fundamentals, problem-solving methods, and modern analytical tools. The mechanical engineering program prepares students in the use of thermal and fluid science and mechanical systems in various industries along with acquiring analytical, design, and experimental abilities. The university also offers a Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program where students are allowed to count up to 12 credit hours in the bachelor’s curriculum toward a master’s degree. Read more about the program at clemson.edu.

Acceptance Rate

51.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Washington (UW), founded in 1861, is one of the oldest public research universities in Seattle, Washington. Ranked as one of the top universities in the world, the university continues to educate more than 54,000 students annually through undaunted research and scholarship.

The BS in Manufacturing Engineering degree at UW’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Department equips students with a systematic approach when solving problems, and superior oral and written communication skills. This program focuses on system integration, design, and improvement of manufacturing and service systems. Visit ise.washington.edu to read through the program.

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Founded in 1887, the North Carolina State University (NCSU) started as a public land-grant research university focused on agriculture and engineering and is now leading across multiple disciplines. The university, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, serves more than 36,000 undergraduate and graduate students who specialize in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The Master of Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering degree, a 33 credit-hour online program at NCSU Engineering Online, is designed for professionals with an undergraduate degree in either engineering or the physical sciences. The program provides practical training opportunities as well as the application of theory and practice of integrated manufacturing systems engineering with a focus on manufacturing systems, logistics, mechatronics, and biomanufacturing. Access the complete details of the program at engineeringonline.ncsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

45.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

As a nationally ranked private university located in Dallas, Texas, Southern Methodist University (SMU) is considered a global research university with a liberal arts tradition. The university, founded by the United Methodist Church, is now supporting nearly 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students from all 50 states and 90 different countries with its extensive research opportunities, leadership development, community service, and international study.

At SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering, several programs related to manufacturing engineering are offered at its Mechanical Engineering Department. The undergraduate program, Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering degree, provides an in-depth discussion of engineering principles used in manufacturing systems. The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Mechanics and Manufacturing program, on the other hand, provides students with the technical knowledge and skills required for engineers to lead organizations and create impactful solutions in a manufacturing setting. Read the details of admissions at smu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is a public research university in Golden, Colorado which also has the highest admissions standards among public universities in the United States. Founded in 1874, the school offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of engineering, science, and mathematics with a focus on studies on earth, energy, and the environment.

The Advanced Manufacturing program at Mines offers four degrees and professional certificates available to both undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals.   For undergraduates, an Area of Special Interest and a Minor in Advanced Manufacturing are available which are 12-credit and 18-credit hours, respectively. There is also an available Advanced Manufacturing Certificate with a focus on additive manufacturing which can be completed entirely online or on-campus if desired. Lastly, a Master of Science Non-Thesis in Advanced Manufacturing is a 30-credit hour graduate program where students can choose 21 credits in electives which include Finite Element Analysis for Advanced Design Applications, Analysis of Metallurgical Failures, and Lean Manufacturing and Advanced Robot Control. Explore each program’s curriculum at manufacturing.mines.edu.

Acceptance Rate

53.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

As a part of the 23-member California State University system, San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research university in San Diego, California. The university, founded in 1897, has a student body of over 35,000 offering bachelor's, master’s, and doctorate programs in 100 different areas of study.  At SDSU, students have access to world-class professors and academic pathways across a wide array of learning domains.  Learn more about the myriad programs today by gathering information from the admissions team or reviewing the published course catalog today. 

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

California State University - Long Beach (CSULB) is a public university based in Long Beach, California under the 23-school California State University system. Originally called Los Angeles-Orange County State College, the university was founded in 1949 with a mission to enhance students’ lives through high impact education, superior teaching and research, and action for the public good.

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at CSULB features academic programs that deliver the solid theoretical foundation and practical basics to prepare students for a successful engineering career in different fields such as robotics and advanced manufacturing or designing of aircraft or space vehicles. The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering which provides cutting-edge facilities to students as well as close collaborations with local companies and government agencies for an internship, scholarship, and employment opportunities. Read more about the programs at csulb.edu.

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded in 1942 by the Society of Jesus, Fairfield has more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all states and around the world across its 5 schools. The university aims to instill critical thinking, cultivate open inquiry, and foster ethical and religious values in its students.

The Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree at Fairfield University is designed for practicing engineers who want to advance their knowledge and for those aspiring to focus on a specialization. Students have the option of specializing in either thermal systems or mechanical systems in different fields such as aerospace, quality control and reliability, project development and management, and control systems, materials and mechanics, and manufacturing. Explore the program at fairfield.edu.

Acceptance Rate

57.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Located in Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University (BYU) is a private research university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university aims to provide a spiritually strengthening, intellectually enlarging, and character-building education to lead and serve the community.

The Manufacturing Engineering degree offered by BYU’s Department of Manufacturing Engineering at College of Engineering, includes a wide range of specializations related to product and manufacturing process development. The program is available as a minor, undergraduate degree, and master’s degree. It focuses on turning raw materials into new products in effective, efficient, and economic ways. For more information, go to byu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Located in Peoria, Illinois, Bradley University is a private university established in 1897 serving nearly 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students with over 185 academic programs. The programs available at Bradley are in the fields of business, communications, education, engineering, fine arts, health sciences, liberal arts and sciences, and technology.

The degree in manufacturing engineering at Bradley’s Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Department deals with the entire production process such as product design, manufacturing system design, manufacturing process optimization, and lean manufacturing implementation. Students will learn about the systems and processes in the actual manufacturing industry which include production system design and facility design. The department also offers a 30 credit-hour Master of Science Manufacturing Engineering program that gives students opportunities to build their own individual projects in collaboration with the faculty. Visit bradley.edu to explore the program.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Part of the California State University system, the California State Polytechnic University - Pomona or Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) is one of the best public polytechnic universities in Pomona, California. The university, established in 1938, offers an inclusive environment for experiential learning, discovery, and innovation of its students.

CPP’s Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department features its undergraduate Manufacturing Engineering degree that contains a well-balanced curriculum designed to prepare students for a productive career in different manufacturing environments. Students are provided with a solid foundation in production processes and techniques, properties of materials, as well as computers and automation management, and professional communication. The program is unique as it helps students apply and showcase their knowledge and skills through laboratory assignments, projects, and co-op work. Visit cpp.edu to check the full curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

54.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

28:1

Illinois Tech, Illinois Institute of Technology is a private technology-focused research university located in Chicago, Illinois. The university, established in 1890, aims to provide quality education to people of all backgrounds in order to keep up with the needs of modern times. Its programs are mainly in the fields of engineering, science, architecture, business, design, human sciences, applied technology, and law.

Illinois Tech currently offers two graduate programs related to Manufacturing Engineering: Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering and Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering. The first program focuses on the combination of research and development with mathematics, science, and business skills to develop innovative design systems and processes. On the other hand, the second one leans on the improvement of quality and efficiency of manufacturing systems through advanced engineering skills and training. Compare and read through the two programs at iit.edu.

Acceptance Rate

60.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

What Does a Manufacturing Engineer Do?

Trained manufacturing engineers will have a host of job duties to help make a manufacturing process more efficient and profitable. Manufacturing engineering technicians are trained in a variety of technical and engineering disciplines that include: mechanical engineering, systems engineering, computer aided design, industrial engineering, materials engineering, computer aided manufacturing, and electrical engineering.

Business skills include the ability to understand systemic manufacturing design, processes, equipment, human resources, material management, operations, work cell training, machines, lean manufacturing, tooling, and fabrication. Business acumen and engineering grit combine to enhance business objectives for a manufacturing plant.

Top Manufacturing Engineering Degrees

Students seeking a degree in Manufacturing Engineering (ME) have a number of programs to select from a variety of accredited colleges and universities.  Degree programs will typically be confined to a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.  However, the emphasis of each program can differ depending upon the school’s program design, resources, and accreditation standards.  To help you find the best program for you, simply review the degree summaries below and connect with your perfect college match.

Manufacturing Engineering Bachelor Degrees

Bachelor degrees in ME have traditionally been designed to be completed in four-years.  With the advent of accelerated programs and distance learning courses, you may be able to condense the time it takes to earn a degree.  Students should expect to register for both  general education courses and core engineering and business classes.

General education classes will likely include creative writing, communications, philosophy, psychology, and sociology.  Core classes in ME will be a function of the area of emphasis.  More specifically, if a school offers a general ME degree program you can expect a confined set of classes.  However, if specializations such as Lean Engineering, Process Engineering, or Engineering Technology are offered by the college, curricula will be targeted in that area.

For reference purposes, the classes below are a general set of courses you can expect to take in a Bachelor of Science program in manufacturing engineering.  These classes include:

Manufacturing Engineering Master Degrees

A master’s degree in manufacturing engineering may be a viable goal for students seeking to build on their undergraduate degree or help take their career to the next level.  Masters degrees in ME are conferred as a Master of Science (MS) or Master of Science in Engineering (MEng).  Students can expect the course to take 1-2 years to complete given full-time enrollment.  Core classes in a master’s degree program in ME can include the following:

In addition to the core of a master’s degree program, students will be required to perform research in an approved ME field of study or complete a thesis project.  Both tracks are intended to add value to the existing body of knowledge in manufacturing engineering for students remaining in academia and for those intending to pursue a career in the public or private sector.

Skills & Abilities Required for ME's

A manufacturing engineer will need to have a wide variety of abilities and skills to effectively navigate school and this vocation. While not a comprehensive list, you will need to possess an above-average level of aptitude in a variety of domains to effectively communicate and solve complex problems as a professional engineer. A list of the top ten skills include the following:

Synthesis & Creativity

Manufacturing engineers are expected to be industrious and create new production solutions. In order to design a new process or improve a manufacturing process, ME's will need to possess latent curiosity and creativity. The goal is to eliminate waste, reduce materials, optimize resources, and save time while producing the same units.

Critical Thinking Skills

A manufacturing engineer will need to carefully inspect and document systems and people in a fabrication process to improve overall efficiency. Solving manufacturing processes will require knowledge of fabrication, science, and logic to draw conclusions and test hypotheses.

Communication Skills

  1. Listening: Most ME's work in teams with other engineers, machinists, and managers to solve problems. Actively listening will help resolve issues, ask better questions, and build trust more effectively. Active listening skills also helps gather information from third-party suppliers, vendors, and customers.
  2. Speaking: Clearly articulating a question or problem helps an entire production team get on the same page. Additionally, sharing information about a process or concept in a practical manner is helpful to solve complex manufacturing quandaries.
  3. Written: Manufacturing engineers must carefully log activities and provide documentation for team members. Properly documenting activities and processes is a vital aspect of improving manufacturing efficiencies.

Math & Statistical Analysis Skills

A manufacturing engineer will utilize the use the principles of statistical analysis, regression analysis, calculus, linear modeling, correlation analysis, and trigonometry to assess issues. Advanced math and statistics is fact-based and utilized to build theories and solutions in manufacturing.

Problem Solving Skills

Solving direct problems and indirect problems is an everyday occurrence for an ME. Taking time to understand issues, communicate variables, and present solutions is a skill required by an manufacturing engineer.

Employment Outlook & Engineering Specializations

Manufacturing engineering majors need to look forward to life after college and consider jobs. Jobs for ME's can be in a variety of sectors of the economy that can range from pharmaceutical and toy production to furniture and automotive. After earning a degree in manufacturing engineering, graduates can consider a direct path into a career or adjacent careers in manufacturing. Alternative paths after graduation include: mechanical engineer, operation technician, electrical engineer, civil engineer, electro-mechanical technician, systems engineer, industrial engineer, materials engineer, or project manager. Some jobs will require additional schooling and/or certifications to pursue.

Manufacturing Engineer Salary & Job Growth

Manufacturing engineer salary data is currently listing the mean annual income at $90,340.  The lowest ten percent will earn approximately fifty-six thousand dollars and the top 10% average $130,930 annually.  The largest employers for ME's include aerospace manufacturers, automotive manufacturers, engineering firms, and semiconductor corporations.

Annual growth is expected to be around 10% for manufacturing engineers.  By adding some 25,000 new jobs in the coming 10 years, employment opportunity and career growth will follow for qualified candidates.  States employing the greatest number of ME's are Michigan and California followed by Texas, Ohio, and Illinois.

Additional Resources for Manufacturing Engineers

Students seeking additional information outside academia can connect with the SME and and the AME.  Both organizations provide resources for manufacturing engineers and membership benefits for professionals nationwide.

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