Manufacturing Engineering
Department of Manufacturing Engineering
Administration
Chair: Tracy W Nelson
Department Information:
265 CTB
801-422-6300
mfgen@byu.edu
Advisement Center:
250 SNLB
801-422-2021
sot_advisement@byu.edu
Admission to Degree Program
The degree program in the Department of Manufacturing Engineering is open enrollment.
The Discipline
A manufacturing engineer’s primary focus is turning raw materials into new products as effectively, efficiently, and economically as possible. Manufacturing engineering includes a wide array of specialties related to product and manufacturing process development. Manufacturing engineering students become familiar with fabrication processes like casting, forming, molding, and welding, along with advanced tools like CNC machining, additive manufacturing (3D printing), automation, and “smart factory” cyber-physical production systems. They learn to implement continuous improvement methodologies like Lean Production and Six Sigma. Manufacturing engineers work to improve quality and efficiency, often using statistical analysis and computer simulation. BYU’s Manufacturing Engineering Program combines fundamental principles with a strong element of hands-on experiential learning, leading to an interdisciplinary senior capstone project, where students work with an actual company to bring a new product all the way from initial idea to a functional prototype and design package ready for production.
Career Opportunities
Manufacturing engineers are needed any where physical products are being produced. Manufacturing engineers oversee the process of transforming a product design into a physical object that can be economically and reliably manufactured. Manufacturing engineering students often enter careers in the automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, medical device, consumer product, or food production industries. They may receive titles such as design engineer, industrial engineer, quality engineer, project manager, process improvement engineer, systems engineer, or production engineer.
Manufacturing engineers sit right in the middle of the action, communicating with other engineers regarding product design, supply chain managers regarding raw materials and equipment, machine operators and line managers regarding process planning, efficiency, and quality, and marketers and accountants regarding demand forecasts and scheduling. They lend their expertise in making designs more manufacturable, determining what processes to use to produce products, and organizing people and equipment to produce the right number of products, at the right time, as efficiently and economically as possible. Many manufacturing engineers also pursue management roles or become entrepreneurs and business owners.
Graduates in manufacturing engineering are well prepared to pursue advanced degrees. Some continue with graduate studies in manufacturing engineering, while others may transition to other engineering fields, an MBA, or law school. The experience, skills, and problem-solving abilities gained in BYU’s Manufacturing Engineering Program are transferrable to a wide range of careers.
General Information
Students are strongly encouraged to seek advisement early in their studies to ensure effective course scheduling. Contact the School of Technology advisement center (SNLB 250). Students should enroll in MFGEN 130: Modern Manufacturing in their first year of study at BYU.
During their senior year, manufacturing engineering students have the opportunity to be certified by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) Certification is recognized worldwide by the manufacturing industry. Following graduation, manufacturing engineers can fulfill additional work requirements and receive the Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) Certification.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:
The University Core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education.
At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
A minimum of 120 credit hours
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office
Students should see their college advisement center for help or information concerning the undergraduate programs.
Graduate Programs Available
This department also offers graduate degree programs. For more information, see Graduate Studies.
