An industry needs driven degree in manufacturing engineering

Western Michigan University, Muskegon Community College, and industry in Western Michigan (USA) have developed a 2+2 program in manufacturing engineering. The program is delivered on a community college campus located 100 miles from the main campus of the university. The curriculum for the program was developed in a large part by representatives of 13 manufacturing firms in the area where the program is offered. This curriculum was developed to meet the needs of local manufacturers, to be self-funding upon reaching steady state and to accreditable. Local industry has been actively involved in the delivery of the program and provides more internship opportunities than the program can fill. The program's development and its delivery, since start-up in the fall of 1996, are presented. Some of the lessons learned during the first two years are presented. The program anticipates its first graduates in the 1999-2000 academic year. Application for EAC/ABET accreditation will be made at this time.