Mechanical Engineering Technology Major
Why study mechanical engineering technology at CMU?
The engineering technology program prepares students who are interested in pursuing careers related to manufacturing or mechanical engineering technology. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- A $16.2 million facility featuring 30 state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms for electronics, robotics, manufacturing systems, design, and more
- Internship opportunities with Michigan industries
- Involved faculty members who also work closely with business and industry
- CMU's annual cardboard boat race for engineering students, which was named one of the "102 Things You Gotta Do Before You Graduate" by Sports Illustrated on Campus
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Overall employment of engineering technicians is expected to increase about 9 to 17 percent.
- Opportunities will be best for individuals with extensive job training in engineering technology.
- As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers will continue to look for technicians who are skilled in new technology and require a minimum of additional job training.
Career options
Graduates of the engineering technology program at CMU will find career opportunities in a variety of areas. Some of these may require additional education.
- Chemical Production
- Construction Management
- Design Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Food Processing
- Project Management
- Quality Control
- Research
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Mechanical Engineering Technology Major
The engineering technology majors are designed to prepare students who aspire to careers related to manufacturing or mechanical engineering technology.
Students who wish to pursue one of these majors must fulfill all requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, which includes 30-42 hours of general education requirements and 24-29 hours of basic science and mathematics.
Students pursuing any of these majors must consult with a departmental advisor during their first semester at CMU.
All engineering technology students are required to complete the following core courses. Additionally, all students must complete 18 required credits from one of two Technology Majors. Students also need to select six credits of Technical Electives in consultation with an advisor.
( Total: 51 semester hours )
(27 hours)
Engineering Technology Core
All engineering technology students are required to complete the following core courses.
( Note: You may select only one of IET 279 OR EGR 251. )
3
EGR 120 Introduction to Engineering
A general introduction to mechanical and electrical engineering with an emphasis on problem solving, engineering tools, engineering design processes, and teamwork. Recommended: MTH 106 or higher.
3
EGR 251 Engineering Statics
The course will cover free body diagrams and equilibrium of particles and rigid bodies, internal forces in machines, and beams, friction, and application to machines. Prerequisites: MTH 132; PHY 145; Pre/Co-Requisite: EGR 120.
3
IET 154 Engineering Design Graphics
Focus on engineering design fundamentals, design processes, and the utilization of graphics within design. Computer-Aided design and product data management techniques are covered.
3
IET 170 Metal Technology
Introduction to the processing of metal materials through casting, fabricating, machining, and basic welding.
3
IET 279 Applied Statics
This course will cover force systems, resultants and equilibrium, trusses, frames, beams, and shear and moments in beams. Prerequisites: PHY 130 or 145.
3
IET 284 Fluid Power Technology
A study of hydraulic and pneumatic technologies related to the generation, transmission, and control of fluid power in fluid power systems. Prerequisites: MTH 130 or IET 180. Recommended: IET 120 or MTH 105.
3
IET 291 Applied Electronics
An introduction to the applications of basic electricity-circuit analysis, linear circuits, and digital circuits. (Not open to IET majors). Prerequisite: math competency.
3
IET 359 Parametric Design and Modeling
Development and production of engineering and technical models with computer systems and specialized computer aided software applications; introduction to parametric modeling and design. Prerequisites: IET 154
3
IET 365 Plastics Technology
Introduces basic polymer formulization, properties of plastics materials, methods of molding plastics, and the fabrication and decoration of plastic articles.
3
IET 375 Robotics
A basic study of robotics including components, programming, and industrial applications. Prerequisite: IET 291. Recommended: IET 292.
(18 hours)
Required Courses
3
IET 350 Mechanism Design
Study of mechanisms with graphical and analytical analysis of displacement, velocity, acceleration, motion, gearing, gear trains, linkages, and cams. Recommended: MTH 106, MTH 108, or MTH 130.
3
IET 351 Dynamics
Study and engineering application of relationship between the forces acting on a body, the mass of the body, and the motion of the body Prerequisites: PHY 145; PHY 175 or PHY 130; PHY 170.
3
IET 356 Thermodynamics
Study of thermodynamics and basic tools necessary to obtain quantitative solutions to common engineering applications involving energy and its conversion, conservation and transfer. Prerequisites: PHY 145, PHY 175; or PHY 130, PHY 170.
3
IET 379 Mechanics of Materials
Introduction to methods of determining the internal stresses and deflections of basic load-carrying members of construction and machine applications. Prerequisites: PHY 145, PHY 175; or PHY 130, PHY 170.
3
IET 450 Machine Design Graphics
Design layouts, calculations, and detail and assembly drawings of machines are made. Prerequisites: IET 359.
3
IET 454 Mechanical Design Problems
Study of problem solving, applied mechanics, manufacturing methods, and the generation, transformation, or consumption of mechanical energy in the design of a mechanical system. Prerequisite: IET 379.
(6 hours)
Technical Electives
Select 6 hours from the following:
3
IET 180 Power and Energy Technology
An introductory study of operational and scientific principles related to energy sources used as prime movers. To include gasoline, diesel, rotary, turbine, and jet engines.
3
IET 225 Manufacturing Process Planning
Study of the responsibilities and activities normally associated with process planning and its relationship to other manufacturing functions. Prerequisites: IET 170.
3
IET 326 Manufacturing Methods Analysis
Study of methods, materials, tools and equipment for optimizing production operations.
3
IET 327 Industrial Safety
A study of the principles and practices of safety management with emphasis on occupational safety standards and loss control.
3
IET 377 Computer Numerical Control Programming
Programming and operation of CNC machines, including CNC vertical milling center and turning center. Emphasis on manual programming, CAM design, and machine setup and operation. Prerequisites: IET 154, 170.
3
IET 388 Automotive Power Transmission
A study of the various automotive power transmission components including clutches, transmission, drive shafts, and rear axle/differential assemblies.
1-6
IET 420 International Engineering Technology
Engineering and technology applications, issues, and perspectives in international settings. Travel abroad required. May be repeated once. Any interested students should contact the IET Department. Prerequisites: 12 hours of IET credit.
2-8
IET 425 Industrial Internship
Supervised work experiences in industry. CR/NC only. Prerequisite: departmental permission.
3
IET 426 Plant Layout and Materials Handling
Study of plant layout through the development of overall layout, area detailing, scale models, and drawing of flow diagrams.
3
IET 428 Manufacturing Quality
Study of specific quality techniques used by production departments to monitor processes, products, and reliability so quality can be improved. Prerequisites: junior standing; permission of instructor.
2-5
IET 437 Independent Study
Individual investigation and research to increase ones technical competency. Prerequisite: departmental pre-registration.
3
IET 451 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing
Complete fundamentals of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts as interpreted in the American National Standards Institute document ANSI Y14.5M, Dimensioning and Tolerancing. Prerequisite: IET 359.
3
IET 455 Tool Design
Covers the process of planning and developing tools, fixtures, and devices for efficient and economical manufacture of a product. Prerequisites: IET 170, IET 359.
3
IET 457 Computer-Aided Design
Development and production of computer generated graphical images for solid-based models and basic system assemblies utilizing mass properties and boolean operations. Recommended: IET 359.
3
IET 458 Surface Modeling
Development and production of industrial and engineering designs with conceptual and parametric surface modeling tools. Utilization of generative shape design functions to model engineering designs. Prerequisites: IET 359.
3
IET 477 Advanced Computer Numerical Control Programming
Advanced CNC programming techniques including advanced GM codes, 3D surface machining, and multi-axis programming in CNC vertical milling center and turning center. Prerequisites: IET 359, 377.
3
IET 500 Production Concepts
Comprehensive review of current factors which influence productivity. Emphasis is placed on the integration of people, methods, machines, materials, and management. Prerequisite: 12 IET credit hours.
3
IET 576 Industrial Automation
A study of electro mechanical devices, industrial robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and automated work cell designs. Prerequisites: IET 375; MTH 132; CPS 150 or CPS 180.