College Catalog

Graduates will work with engineers and technicians to solve technical design problems in the development and manufacturing of products. The major will emphasize the use of new materials and manufacturing techniques, use of computer software applications, current practices in quality, productivity, manufacturing economics, and product performance. Environmental issues, safety, liability, ethics, and health issues during the design and manufacturing will be addressed. Special considerations associated with foreign markets and cultural constraints will be integrated into learning activities. The major will allow the designer to balance function, aesthetics, legal issues, ethical issues, manufacturing parameters, market forces, cultural variables and engineering economics to develop marketable projects and systems.

Career Opportunities

Graduates will find jobs in the design of products in industry and for service providers, agriculture and food processors and government agencies. Opportunities exist in sales and marketing of new products that require original design. Graduates work as design technicians, design drafters, product designers, and project leaders.

Additional opportunities exist in patent development, product research and development, and a variety of jobs associated with market development. Specialty career paths may lie with loss management, safety and health issues, and environmental responses. The need for reverse engineering and adaptive redesign in foreign markets will result in a demand for design personnel.

Recommended High School Subjects

Algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, art and science (physics) courses are recommended but not required. Drafting and CAD skills are helpful. Computer experience is desirable.

Remediation Strategies

All entering students will be tested for English, math, and reading deficiencies. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in this online catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/PlacementTesting.htm ). They should do so prior to enrollment and in the following order of priority: mathematics, English, reading.

Transfer Procedures

This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits.htm ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.

Students who have completed a drafting, design, CAD or other closely related associate-degree major from another institution might be eligible for admission.

Program Goals

A graduate of this major should be able to:

• design products that meet industrial standards.
• recommend materials, processes and equipment to solve manufacturing problems.
• integrate provisions for safety, health and the environment into products and systems.
• solve design problems using computer assisted design software.
• develop design solutions that reflect issues of economics, manufacturability, aesthetics, usability and quality.
• use engineering applications software to analyze designs and propose solutions.
• demonstrate math, science and writing competence in the solution of design problems and during communication to others.
• contribute to management and design teams in the solution of problems.
• use library, technical literature and database resources to solve design problems.
• organize and carry out engineering design projects under supervision.
• demonstrate knowledge of the organization and function of a manufacturing concern.
• demonstrate research and data collection skills necessary to obtain technical information.

Curriculum