Manufacturing is a diverse subject that is directly linked with the field of Business and Engineering. People who are interested in advancing their careers or want to gain technical skills in the business industry may opt for a Manufacturing Program. Numerous universities in the US like the University of Wisconsin-Maddison, Ferris State University, Northwestern University and Brigham Young University, Clemson University, etc. offer this program.
What Is Manufacturing?
Manufacturing is typically defined as the production of goods at a large-scale. The process of manufacturing utilizes raw materials, machinery, manpower, and components, etc. into finished products or goods. These products or goods are later sold by the companies to consumers, other manufacturers, or wholesalers.
What Can You Do with a Manufacturing Program?
After graduating from a Manufacturing program, you can get employed in any of the following careers. The salary data of these careers has been reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
General and Operations Managers
A bachelor’s degree in manufacturing with more than 5 years of field experience makes you eligible to work in this position. General and Operations Managers are responsible for managing the operations of public or private sector organizations. Their duties include making policies, overseeing routine operations, and making arrangements for the use of materials and human resources, etc.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $100,780 | 7% | $123,030 | California | 259,550 |
| New Jersey | $164,090 |
Industrial Production Managers
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $105,480 | 1% | $115,110 | New York | 20,770 |
| New Hampshire | $137,300 |
Industrial Engineers
A bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing or, Industrial Engineering makes you eligible to work in this position. Industrial Engineers are required to develop efficient systems that are capable of integrating information, materials, machines, workers, and energy to manufacture a product or provide a service.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $88,020 | 8% | $92,660 | Michigan | 29,470 |
| Washington | $109,200 |
What to Expect from a Manufacturing Program?
The courses offered in the curriculum of a Manufacturing program would show you what type of a career you can expect to get into if you choose to complete that degree. For instance, the curriculum of the Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems Engineering offered by University of Wisconsin-Maddison includes courses like;
- Smart Manufacturing
- Engineering Economic Analysis and Management
- Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems
- Production Systems Analysis
- Technical Project Management
- Supply Chain & Logistics Management, and so on
For details on the curriculum of a particular manufacturing program, please visit the official website of the university.
How to Choose a Manufacturing Program?
Several important factors must be taken into consideration while choosing a Manufacturing program. Some of these factors include;
- University’s ranking/reputation
- Faculty’s diversity and accomplishments
- Curriculum’s relevance
- Program duration
- Accreditations
- Admission and graduation criteria, etc.
The graduation criteria are different for every degree and university. For example, the Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems Engineering offered by the University of Wisconsin-Maddison can be completed in 2-3 years and requires its students to complete 30 credit hours to graduate.
Manufacturing Program Admission Requirements
The admission requirements of each degree and institution also vary just like the graduation criteria and the curriculum. For instance, if you want to apply for the Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems Engineering offered by University of Wisconsin-Maddison, you must fulfill the following requirements;
- Submit official transcripts of BS degree from a program accredited by the ABET or equivalent
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or have a master’s degree with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
- International candidates must submit scores of TOEFL/IELTS
- Complete an online application with
- CV/resume
- Transcripts
- An essay
- Contact information for 3 references
For specific details on a degree, please see the official website of your desired university.