Department History
The Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering (MMET) joined the College of Engineering on July 1, 2019. MMET houses the bachelor of science in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), the minor in Manufacturing Systems, the online graduate certificate in Manufacturing Engineering, and the Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering. MMET also supports the interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Mechatronics. The MET program was formerly part of the School of Technology.
Academics and Research
Class sizes are generally small with most classes having fewer than thirty students; junior and senior level classes typically have under twenty. MMET faculty have industry experience in the fields of product and systems design, manufacturing, operations, logistics, and quality.
Most faculty members have industrial experience and balance their efforts between teaching and applied research. Excellent teaching is very important and a number of our faculty members have received recognition through the University Distinguished Teaching Award, Michigan Technological University Academy of Teaching Excellence, Center for Teaching and Learning Instructional Awards, and the Dean’s Teaching Showcase.
Research projects are often focused on better teaching methodologies, along with a mix of applied industrial research. Undergraduate students participate in research projects and have had opportunities to write papers with the faculty and make presentations at national meetings.
Facilities
MMET has dedicated computing and laboratory facilities in the Electrical Energy Resources Center as well as a modern, well-equipped machine shop which includes laser scanning and industrial quality 3D printing.
What is Mechanical Engineering Technology?
MET majors take classes ranging from fluid mechanics and manufacturing processes to product design, and learn to operate machine tools such as lathes and mills. MET Focus areas include:
Computer-Aided Engineering
This high growth area consists of using computer-based analysis tools for optimizing engineering tasks at every level of a product's lifecycle. The tools are used for engineering tasks such as analysis, design and simulation, planning, diagnosing, validating, and maintenance to increase reliability with a lower overall product or service cost.
Fluids and Power Systems
Current and future power systems using conventional and alternative technologies are the focus of this concentration. Conservation, renewability and sustainability of energy resources is interwoven throughout the course offerings, giving the student an awareness of their critical importance to our energy future.
Manufacturing
This concentration provides each student with the required tools to be successful in the global world of manufacturing. Cutting edge concepts in Lean, Six Sigma, and production planning are just a few of the skill sets that are mastered through an assortment of available elective courses.
Certification
MET graduates are required to take the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam as part of the Professional Practice course, which also may qualify graduates to later take the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
Accreditation
The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Jobs and Placement
Graduates from Mechanical Engineering Technology programs are highly sought after by both large and small firms. New graduates can expect almost 100% placement with excellent starting salaries. Job opportunities for interns and graduates are available in such diverse industries and organizations as research and development, automobile manufacturing, defense, construction, pharmaceuticals, energy and transportation, power, hospitals, aerospace, education, and state and local governments.