Engineering Design Technology (B.S.)

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Do you love the idea of exploring a potential product and helping plan how to build it using computer-aided design? Engineering design technologists do just that. When you enroll in WMU's program, you will learn and practice this process and be ready to take on challenges at graduation.

Pride points

98%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences undergraduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

$70K - $80K

median starting salary for recent College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

97%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time have a job related to their degree

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report

Pursue a bachelor's degree in engineering design technology

As an engineering design technologist, you will be ready to assume a variety of jobs such as product design, supervision, quality control, and marketing in manufacturing-related industries. Enrolling in WMU's program is a great first step.

At WMU, you'll participate in hands-on projects and engage in research both in the classroom and through student organizations and internships. With professors who are leaders in their fields and academic advisors who guide your progress, your time at WMU culminates in a Senior Engineering Design project where you will be part of a team completing a project for industry.

If graduate school is in your future, you can save time and money in our accelerated master's degree in manufacturing engineering.

When you graduate, you'll be ready to apply the latest design tools to system and product design. 

I have discovered that WMU is not just a place for academic growth but also a supportive community that encourages me to pursue my dreams and develop my personal and professional identity.
— Marionda Owens

What you'll learn

At Western, you'll learn with some of the latest computer modeling and design tools of your field. Your coursework includes opportunities to master these tools and to participate in hands-on projects with local industry. You may qualify for our departmental scholarships.

Your professors will encourage you to become a member of one of our registered student organizations, such as Tau Alpha Pi and Fluid Power Club.

By the time you receive your degree, you will be able to apply the fundamentals of plastics processing, machining, rapid prototyping and design verification.

Core courses

  • Engineering Graphics
  • Product Design Fundamentals
  • Statics and Strength of Materials
  • Computer-Aided Analysis
  • Plastics Properties and Processing
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Design for Production
  • Programming for CAD
  • Product and Machine Design

Where you'll be after graduation

Graduates of the engineering design technology program are working in roles such as product engineer, product design engineer, design engineer, manufacturing technical leader, and design technician. Some of the companies they work for include American Axle and Manufacturing, Stryker, Landscape Forms, Haworth, General Motors, DSS Valves and more.

Making the most of your learning experience

At WMU, you’ll gain hands-on experience and work with expert faculty. Internships and co-ops will boost the knowledge you build in your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll compete in engineering challenges and connect with industry professionals by joining student organizations such as Tau Alpha Pi and Fluid Power Club. Your Senior Engineering Design project will team you up with peers to apply your knowledge to a real industry project.

These experiences will help you stand out as you prepare for a successful career in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering.

Student working with computer-aided design

What scholarships are available to engineering design technology students

A number of scholarships are available for students enrolled in the engineering design technology program at Western. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs.

Frequently asked questions

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering design technology from WMU pursue careers in fields such as manufacturing engineering, engineering design and product engineering. They also use state-of-the-art, computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering digital tools to determine the overall worth of new and existing products and systems by establishing shape and function of individual components and their assemblies. Graduates have job titles such as product design engineer and design technician.

Yes, in the engineering design technology program you will learn through hands-on opportunities.

  • Professors incorporate hands-on learning into your coursework, including projects in academic labs.
  • WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has more than 25 student organizations, including Tau Alpha Pi and the Fluid Power Club. These organizations allow you to compete and network with peers at other institutions while extending your learning.
  • Many students also complete internships or co-ops during their time in the program.
  • All students complete a Senior Engineering Design capstone project, where you work as a team to address real-world projects.

Yes, there are a number of scholarships available for students enrolled in the engineering design technology program at Western. You may also be eligible for additional scholarships from WMU. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. 

View scholarship information

As an engineering and applied sciences student, you should enjoy solving problems using math and science and possess a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Once you successfully complete pre-engineering requirements, you’ll apply to the upper-level professional program where you’ll dive deeper into your specific major.

View admissions information for first-year students

View admissions information for transfer students

Yes, we welcome students who are interested in transferring to WMU from a community college or other college or university. View transfer information and set-up an appointment to meet with an advisor.

Yes! Many students in the engineering design technology program participate in internships or co-ops during their time at WMU. They are great ways to gain experience. Internships are paid positions in your field. Co-ops are also paid positions and also offer an opportunity to earn credits toward your degree.

As a WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences student, you'll also have access to many career development opportunities to be ready to land an internship or co-op.

Your professors and academic advisor can provide more information.

Western gives you options for receiving academic support in engineering design technology. Check with your professors or instructors during office hours to ask questions about your courses or find tutoring via the Bronco Study Zone.

Manufacturing engineering and engineering design technology are both essential to the development of new products.

Engineering design technologists focuses on designing products, creating CAD layouts, building and designing prototypes and testing. You’ll learn about manufacturing models and how to build prototypes and develop CAD models, 3D modeling, product development, prototyping and design analysis.

Manufacturing engineers ensure product designs are manufactured efficiently and safely. You’ll learn about manufacturing processes, automation, quality, lean manufacturing and production planning.

As a pre-engineering student, you'll spend time exploring many areas of study. Your academic advisor and professors will help your find your ideal path.