Precision production

Precision Production Trades, General: Precision Production Trades, General

Leatherworking and Upholstery: Upholstery/Upholsterer

Precision Metal Working: Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machinist Technology/CNC Machinist; Ironworking/Ironworker; Machine Shop Technology/Assistant; Machine Tool Technology/Machinist; Metal Fabricator; Precision Metal Working, Other; Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking; Tool and Die Technology/Technician; Welding Technology/Welder

Woodworking: Cabinetmaking and Millwork; Furniture Design and Manufacturing; Woodworking, General; Woodworking, Other

Boilermaking/Boilermaker: Boilermaking/Boilermaker

Precision Production, Other: Precision Production, Other

Manufacturing/industrial technology

Description

Closely related to similar fields of engineering, this major is intended to prepare individuals for practical careers in the research, development, and actual fabrication of materials, equipment, and other new products. The technologist will often assist a supervising engineer in product design and may act as a go-between with a manufacturer during production. The major may also touch upon elements of industrial organization and planning and productivity improvement. This study occasionally is found as a concentration within a general engineering program and may be called “manufacturing engineering technology” at some universities.

Plan of study

The plan of study usually begins with a strong liberal arts base, including the preliminary mathematics and science course work prerequisite to technology courses. There is an increasing emphasis on the use of computers in solving industrial problems; this will surely be an important component. In addition, at the upper-division level the program will lead students to integrate their knowledge and skills in order to solve industrial problems. Some business courses may also be required to enhance knowledge of management, statistics, and even accounting procedures.

Expect to take

Calculus and advanced calculus, chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, and advanced physics, materials and processes, hydraulics, metallurgy, computer-aided design.

Suggested high school subjects

Advanced mathematics, advanced science, computer science, accounting.

General interest areas

Science, business.

Some career possibilities

Engineering technologist
Manufacturing engineer
Entrepreneur
Research technologist
Factory supervisor
Sales representative
Industrial consultant
Science teacher
Industrial designer
Technical writer

Some related majors

Business administration
Industrial psychology
Engineering, general
Mechanical engineering
Industrial arts education
Mining engineering
Industrial engineering
Operations research

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