WELCOME
Welcome to the Western Michigan University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where you will find a nurturing environment that allows you to achieve and grow. We provide a solid classroom foundation with exceptional hands-on experiences. You will work closely with our highly accomplished faculty, who want to get to know you, support you, and see you succeed. Floyd Hall, the college’s $100 million home, is located on WMU’s Parkview Campus. Within 323,000 square feet of teaching and research space, you will apply your classroom learning in one or more of our 75 undergraduate and graduate labs. Floyd Hall and the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences share space in the Business Technology and Research Park with 44 companies specializing in advanced engineering, information technology, and life sciences. As the demand for engineers, computer scientists, and technologists continues to grow, WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences is committed to teaching skills that are transferable to multiple industries, making our students marketable worldwide. To further spark your excitement and interest in the world of engineering, we encourage you to visit and see for yourself. Our doors are open, and we’d welcome the opportunity to show you around. Call our advising office at (269) 276-3270 or schedule a visit online at wmich.edu/engineer/advising.
We look forward to meeting you!
Table of Contents Internships/Coops .......................................................................................................... 2 Career Outcomes............................................................................................................ 3 Student Success Centers................................................................................................ 4 Stem Talent Expansion Program (STEP) ....................................................................... 5 Transfer Students ........................................................................................................... 6 Undergraduate Research ............................................................................................... 7 Chemical and Paper Engineering .................................................................................. 8 Civil and Construction Engineering............................................................................... 9 Computer Science ........................................................................................................ 10 Electrical and Computer Engineering ......................................................................... 11 Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems ............................... 12 Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management ............ 13 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering ..................................................................... 14 Accelerated Degrees and Graduate Programs ............................................................ 15 Student Engagement ................................................................................................... 16 Student Organizations ................................................................................................. 17 Faculty .......................................................................................................................... 18 Pathways ...................................................................................................................... 19 Scholarships ................................................................................................................. 20 Resources ..................................................................................................................... 21
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
“I chose WMU CEAS because of the opportunity, growth, and support that the university offers. WMU gives me the resources to not only be successful in and out of school but also to be proud of my accomplishments. Students here are recognized for their victories and shown the path to finding one’s self. I will forever be thankful for being able to be a part of this community.”
~ Musaab, Computer Science “I chose to attend WMU because I want the most complete and thorough program to prepare for my future career as a software developer. The Computer Science department is my ticket to a successful and fulfilling future, and is providing me with the education I need to make a difference.”
~ Grace, Aerospace Engineering “Western is committed to helping all students succeed, from free engineering tutoring 5 nights a week to a massive career fair. I know that my school wants to see me excel in and out of the classroom just as much as I do. I’m a Bronco because I knew I could count on WMU’s support system.”
~ Luis, Engineering Design Technology “What I love about WMU are all the avenues for growth, academically and professionally. Western offers so many resources for academic success and opportunities to create a legacy. I’ll always cherish the time I invested in the organizations that invested in me.”
OUR STUDENTS
~ Gaby, Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering
~ Marie, Electrical Engineering “There are so many opportunities here at CEAS and ways to get involved. I was able to connect with faculty to do research, build a network of other students who share my passions through RSOs, and speak to potential employers. Studying here is genuinely what you make of it.”
~ Stephen, Paper Engineering “WMU has done an amazing job preparing me for industry and building friendships that will last a lifetime. Friendly peer tutoring and extremely supportive faculty have been instrumental to my success. Additionally, WMU’s unique programs, organizations, and opportunities have helped me obtain four internships and over $43,000 in scholarships by the time I graduate.”
1
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/engineer/advising/career
INTERNSHIPS and CO-OPS
Most College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ students begin preparing for their professional careers by completing at least one internship or co-op position. Some students have multiple experiences before graduation. Internships and co-ops provide students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning in the real world, gain confidence in their abilities, and build their resume to get that all-important first job after graduation. For many of our students, the road to a full-time position begins at Engineering Expo. Each September, more than 120 companies from throughout the nation come to Engineering Expo at Floyd Hall to recruit and connect with our students for co-op, internship, and full-time positions. All students – even first-year students – are encouraged to attend, build their networks, learn about employers, and interview for internships, co-ops, and full-time jobs. Practice interviews and resume review sessions are held in the days leading up to the Expo so you’ll be ready to impress.
“Through internships and my co-op, I learned the importance of follow-through and communication. I learned to problem solve and how important it is to sit down to have a conversation with people.” - Trey Schmitz, Chemical Engineering
“I encourage all students to get as much experience as they can as early as possible. Not only is it a great resume builder, but it opens your eyes up to how you will be applying your degree once you graduate and it solidifies what you actually want to do... or even what you don’t want to do.” - Tayla Hall, Mechanical Engineering
“Interning has provided me with the opportunity to apply the technical skills that I am learning in the classroom while also developing a diverse resume. I have been able to do nanoparticle research in Puerto Rico, biodiesel solvent recovery, and pharmaceutical production engineering all in the span of three summers.”
“Start creating your resume early and get it critiqued. It doesn’t hurt to apply for multiple internships; you just need one to say yes.” - Austyn Loehr, Mechanical Engineering
- Austin Dosh, Chemical Engineering
2
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Career and Employment Services’ staff is ready to help you secure an internship and plan your career. From assistance with your resume and cover letters to advice on your job search and practice job interviews, our staff will guide you – all you need to do is ask. Appointments and walk-in sessions are available at the Career and Employment Services’ satellite office at E-209 Floyd Hall.
CAREER OUTCOMES
Employers seek out Western Michigan University College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ graduates. In fact, within six months of graduation, 97% of our graduates report they’ve secured a full-time position in their field. The median salary range for all graduates is from $60,000 to $65,000 with many graduates reporting starting salaries over $70,000.
Following are just some of the companies that have hired College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ students for internships, co-ops, and full-time positions: AAM-American Axle Armstrong International BASF Boeing Consumers Energy Denso Dimplex Thermal Solutions Dow Chemical Eaton FCA Fiat Chrysler
Flowserve General Motors Goodyear Graphic Packaging Honeywell Humphrey Products John Deere Kellogg’s Lockheed Martin NASA
Parker Hannifin Perrigo Pfizer Raytheon Rockwell Automation Stryker Summit Polymers Tesla Whirlpool Zoetis
wmich.edu/engineer/advising/career
CAREER SERVICES
“The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences raises up strong engineers. The engineering career fair and other career fairs allowed me to land important engineering internships early in my education which gave me the experience necessary to start my business.” - Dallas Chase, Mechanical Engineering ’16, owner of Ai Machineshop in Kalamazoo
3
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/step
STEP STEM Talent Expansion Program The first year of college can be the most challenging to college students, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. WMU has implemented the STEM Talent Expansion Program (STEP) to help students develop the attitudes, discipline, and habits needed to make a successful transition from high school to college. The main components of STEP are the cohorts, the STEP Student Success Centers, Engineering House, and programs for female students. These programs provide incoming students with the support and resources needed for success. Incoming freshmen students are placed in cohorts of 15 to 25 students based on math placement and major, and they take the same 3 to 5 courses together in fall semester and the same 2 to 4 courses together in spring semester. Moving as a cohort during the first year allows students to form study groups naturally by seeing the same familiar faces in multiple classes. Engineering House, located in Eldridge/Fox Hall, serves as the engineering and applied sciences living/learning community. Engineering House hosts special CEAS-related programming for students and employs two Learning Community Assistants, or LCAs, who are also CEAS students. Students who wish to live in Engineering House have the choice to join the engineering community or the engineering honors community. Students who join these communities will have a roommate or suite mates who are CEAS students or CEAS Honors students. Amenities of Engineering House include on-site tutoring in the SSC, a computer lab loaded with engineering software, and programs aimed at encouraging student engagement. The STEP Program supports students who are struggling academically after their first semester with an Early Intervention program. STEP identifies students who under-perform in critical STEM courses, and STEP program staff outline a personalized academic plan for each student based on the student’s academic needs. The STEP director follows up with all students who had meetings to see how the plan is working, if grades are improving, and to check if students need additional help or resources.
31% increase in graduation with the introduction of the STEP Program
4
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
STEP employs approximately 20 tutors in three STEP Student Success Centers (SSCs). The SSCs are located in two residence halls including Eldridge/Fox and French Hall. Another SSC is located at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) in Floyd Hall. STEP Student Success Centers serve all engineering students in need of academic help. The two residence hall locations offer night-time tutoring hours between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. The Parkview location in Floyd Hall offers daytime tutoring that includes support for many upper level engineering and computer science courses. The STEP director, along with appointed senior STEP SSC staff, meet bi-weekly to coordinate management of the tutors and the centers. The STEP director meets with all the tutors on a monthly basis and gains valuable insight regarding which STEP tutoring services are most needed by our students so publicity and support can be coordinated based on those immediate needs.
wmich.edu/step
SSC’s Student Success Centers
5
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/engineer/advising/transfer-students
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Understanding the requirements of your discipline is crucial for you to make the right choice.
What will transfer?
We encourage all potential transfer students to meet with a CEAS Academic Advisor and discuss the course offerings at your community college. Advisors are available to help you with the transfer process and program planning. Many resources are available online: • Program flowcharts for each major: wmich.edu/engineering/advising/flowcharts • CEAS transfer guides for Michigan and Illinois Community Colleges: wmich.edu/engineer/advising/communitytransfer Don’t see your institution on the above sites? Simply call the Office of Admissions at (269) 387-2000 and ask to speak with a credit evaluator.
Helpful Hints
Do you have AP/IB credits from high school? Request official scores to be sent to WMU (code 1902) so we can award the appropriate credit. Registration dates to consider as you apply for admission:
Semester Fall Spring Summer I Summer II
Registration Starts Mid-March Mid-October Mid-February Mid-February
Apply Early Jan. September December December
6
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Undergraduate research has been identified as a high-impact practice that maximizes student engagement and retention in college. It complements other high-impact practices in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences like Engineering House (a living-learning community), internships and co-ops (strongly encouraged for all CEAS students), and capstone courses and projects (required for all engineering, computer science, and technology students as part of our accreditation). Participation in undergraduate research is not limited to students who want to attend graduate school – participating in undergraduate research is a great way to get to know a faculty member (your research mentor), to get to know other members of the research team, to broaden your technical skills, and to show future employers that you are able to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom. CEAS faculty with research funding will often have paid positions available for undergraduate researchers. Faculty without funding may also be interested in mentoring student researchers through an independent study experience. Students should check with their academic advisor to determine if an independent research experience could be counted as an elective course for their degree. CEAS students who are interested in learning more about undergraduate research opportunities can contact the department chair of their major or the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Dr. Cavalli (matthew.cavalli@wmich.edu)
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
7
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/chemical-paper
CHEMICAL AND PAPER ENGINEERING
Chemical engineers are involved in almost every industrial process in our society. They discover, design, build, and operate processes that involve changes in the chemical composition, physical nature, and energy content of materials. Students may choose one of four areas of concentration: life science, energy management, pollution prevention and sustainability, and pulp and paper. Paper engineers create products from trees, plants, or recycled fibers and apply principles of chemical engineering to design, develop, and troubleshoot the papermaking process. New developments in the growth and harvesting of trees - along with emerging projects like biofuels, biopolymers, and enzymes - are creating opportunities to replace nonrenewable products. This major emphasizes process design, chemistry, paper properties, paper coating, and recycling. Students may focus on either pulp and paper processes or environmental engineering and sustainability, and take advantage of our stateof-the-art twin wire pilot paper machine, pilot coater, and numerous high paying co-ops and internships. Paper engineering students have a dedicated mentor to assist with academic and career readiness,have ample scholarship offerings,and boast a 100% placement rate upon graduation with starting salaries ranging from $70,000 to more than $80,000 per year. Graphic and Printing Science encompasses the entire graphic arts process. This unique program emphasizes business fundamentals, marketing, sales, advertising, web applications, print applications, graphics development, and materials use. Students have three areas of focus to choose from: business, multimedia, and packaging. Students in this program will take technical courses covering all methods of printing, and will work in industry for at least one summer.
8
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Civil engineers improve and maintain the built environment and develop
new materials to construct infrastructures that impact virtually every facet of civilization. Our lives are affected every day by the work of civil engineers, from the water we drink to the roads we ride on. At Western, our civil engineering students bring innovation and improvements to both public and private sectors. Faculty members are engaged in a number of research projects that employ state-of-the-art techniques and equipment for designing and assessing the condition of bridges and civil structures. They also are involved in transportation projects that work to improve the flow of highway traffic and the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Construction engineers dream and deliver. They plan and manage construction of structures such as highways, bridges, airports, railroads, buildings, dams, and
wmich.edu/civil-construction
CIVIL AND CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING
reservoirs. Our students learn the design of temporary structures, quality control, building and site layout, material testing, cost estimating, environmental impact, scheduling, safety, and budgeting. They evaluate buildings to be LEED-certified and manage energy consumption. Faculty members are engaged in a number of research projects that employ state-of-the-art techniques and equipment for asset management, project management, building information modeling, smart and sustainable building and safety.
9
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/cs
COMPUTER SCIENCE Computer Scientists study the design, analysis, and development of computer software that is integrated into so many aspects of our lives. Our students get practical training in software development and computing technologies, while learning theoretical foundations of computing. Students do both applications and systems programming, and take courses requiring hands-on experience with web technologies, database systems, algorithm analysis, and design. The 2-semester senior project course has students working in small teams to develop applications and computing solutions for real-world clients. Students may choose electives from several areas such as: • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Computer and Network Security • Parallel Processing • Mobile and Cloud Computing • Big Data and Data Science Graduates of the Computer Science program are prepared to continue with graduate work in computing, as well as to work in a wide variety of computing jobs and industries. Our graduates work as application developers, systems administrators, game programmers, network and security specialists, database managers, research support specialists, and more. Given the high demand for Computer Science graduates, students have choices of working anywhere in the country.
10
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Electrical engineers develop, design, analyze, support, maintain, operate, and apply electrical and electronic system components that sense, connect, control, and power our world. Students in this program study: • Control Systems • Circuits • Communications • Digital Logic • Digital Signal Processing • Electric Power Systems and Power Electronics • Electromagnetics • Energy Conversion • Smart Sensors and Instrumentation • Microcomputers • Semiconductor Materials and Devices
wmich.edu/electrical-computer
ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
Computer engineers impact our world through design and implementation of both small- and large-scale systems that link people and information together in ways that continue to evolve. Students in this program study: • Real-time Embedded Systems • Enabling Technologies for the Internet of Things • Wired and Wireless Communications • Control Systems • Signal Processing • Digital Device and System Design • Computer Architecture • Multi-core/Multi-processor Systems
11
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/edmms
ENGINEERING DESIGN, MANUFACTURING, AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Engineering design technologists work on essential aspects of product development, taking into account functionality, efficiency, manufacturability, and sustainability. Students in this program become proficient in ideation, modeling, analysis, simulation, specification, and virtual prototyping. They also learn to apply the fundamentals of materials processing, rapid prototyping, and design verification. They are able to design products on several types of CAD systems and use various analysis/simulation systems. Manufacturing engineering technologists support manufacturing activities by implementing sustainable processing to reduce material and energy consumption and product cost. They bring together people, raw materials, processes, and capital to solve manufacturing problems and create efficient systems of production. Students at Western gain hands-on experience using more than 18,000 square feet of comprehensive industrial equipment. If you enjoy working in a team-based, technical environment, and if you want to be a leader, Engineering Management Technology may be for you. Engineering managers improve the performance of systems, ensure the quality of products, and design better ways of making things. Our program, recognized as one of the best in the country, combines fundamental STEM courses and business concepts with communication, team building, operations planning, and the importance of the human dimension in the workplace.
12
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Industrial and entrepreneurial engineers are educated for the new economy— an economy where entrepreneurs with technical skills have tremendous opportunities and career options. They design, improve, and implement systems that bring together people, materials, and equipment in order to make businesses function in the most efficient way possible. Industrial and
wmich.edu/ieeem
INDUSTRIAL AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGINEERING
entrepreneurial engineers combine industrial engineering knowledge with an entrepreneurial focus on design and innovation. They are well prepared for traditional industrial engineering positions and entrepreneurial careers, either through the start of their own companies or through projects in existing companies. AMP Lab @ WMU, an Advanced Manufacturing Partnership Laboratory, is a state-of-the-art manufacturing lab built in collaboration with West Michigan manufacturers, such as Autocam Medical, and Grand Rapids Community College. The AMP Lab @ WMU showcases Michigan’s manufacturing job opportunities and inspires the next generation of makers. WMU is placing manufacturing and design at the forefront of solving key challenges for industry by combining prototyping, professional workshops, training, K-12 outreach, small-scale manufacturing and advanced education opportunities in one space. By partnering with a range of companies and higher education institutions, such as Aquinas College, AMP Lab @ WMU is producing talent to meet the high demand for engineers, designers and other skilled employees in West Michigan.
13
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/mechanical-aerospace
MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
Mechanical engineers are found in almost every industry. Mechanical engineers plan and design machines, tools, engines, and other equipment or systems that produce or use power. They design products such as instruments, controls, engines, and machines as well as mechanical, thermal, hydraulic and heat transfer systems. They plan and direct fabrication of test control equipment in addition to developing methods and procedures for testing products and services. Mechanical engineers direct and coordinate construction and installation activities to ensure conformance with engineering design and customer specifications. They coordinate operation, maintenance and repair activities to get the best use of machines and systems. Mechanical engineers may also evaluate field installations and recommend design changes to eliminate malfunctions. Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and help produce aircraft, surface vehicles, spacecraft, missiles, and other systems for inside and outside the atmosphere. They also design and develop hydrofoil ships, deep diving vessels for oceanographic research and high-speed rail-type machines. Boasting one of only two programs in the state, we provide unique experiences for our students. Included in their studies are aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight mechanics, stability and control, space propulsion, and orbital mechanics. Students in both programs can take advantage of our state-of-the-art laboratories in advanced thermal systems and heat transfer, thermo-electrics, biomechanics, experimental and computational fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, control systems, fatigue and fracture, advanced composite structures, material science, noise and vibration, motion and control, space flight dynamics and control, space plasmas, advanced vehicle design and simulation, micro and nanotechnology, battery testing, and alternative energy and fuel cells.
14
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
You can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as one additional year at Western Michigan University by taking advantage of our Accelerated Degree Programs. If eligible, you have the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in less time because you may begin taking graduate courses while still an undergraduate. Once you enter graduate school, you are able to quickly move through the master’s degree requirements because you have already taken several graduate classes. The following programs offer accelerated degree options:
• Aerospace Engineering • Chemical Engineering • Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering • Computer Science • Electrical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Paper and Printing Science
GRADUATE AND DOCTORAL PROGRAMS
wmich.edu/engineer/academics
ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAMS
WMU offers graduate and doctoral programs in the following disciplines:
• Aerospace Engineering, MS • Chemical Engineering, MSE • Civil Engineering, MSE and PhD • Computer Engineering, MSE • Computer Science, MS and PhD • Electrical and Computer Engineering, PhD • Electrical Engineering, MSE MS = Master of Science
• Engineering Management, MS • Industrial Engineering, MSE and PhD • Manufacturing Engineering, MS • Mechanical Engineering, MSE and PhD • Paper and Printing Science, MS and PhD • Engineering and Applied Sciences, PhD MSE = Master of Science in Engineering
For more information you can contact the department directly, or contact the Graduate College at (269) 387-8212 or grad-info@wmich.edu.
15
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/signature • wmich.edu/studentengagement
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND SUCCESS
Success may mean different things to different people, but one common element of student success is engagement.
Engagement with fellow students. Engagement with faculty. Engagement with community. The WMU Office of Student Engagement helps you develop meaningful connections, develop leadership potential, and foster a culture of excellence. Research has shown that students who get involved perform better academically and graduate more frequently. WMU provides an array of activities that engage, empower, and develop students. WMU Fraternity and Sorority members engage in more than 30,000 service hours each year. WMU has over 400 registered student organizations, ranging from fun and games to political and religious groups.
WMU SIGNATURE PROGRAM WMU Signature is a student engagement program for student to reflect on out-of-class learning experiences to explore and identify a passion that will be reflected on their WMU diploma. Discover pathways that focus on Civic Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion, Entrepreneurship, Global Engagement, Health & Wellness, Leadership, Social Justice, and Sustainability! • Become more engaged on campus • Identify your passion and meet others who share that passion • Have a unique experience that you can talk about • Stand out from peers in job and graduate school applications and interviews
16
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Foundry Society (AFS)
Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE)
American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA)
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Design-Build-Fly UAV team (DBF)
Out in STEM (oSTEM)
• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Paramotoring Association of Western Michigan (PAWM)
• Aerospace Rocketry Committee (ARC)
Pi Tau Sigma
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM)
• Baja Racing Team
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• Formula Racing Team
• Associated General Contractors
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Concrete Canoe Team
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
• Institute of Transportation Engineers
Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
• Steel Bridge Team
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Sunseeker Solar Car Team
Bronco Robotics Club
Tau Alpha Pi
Chi Epsilon
Tau Beta Pi
Computer Club
Technical Association of Graphic Arts (TAGA)
Engineers Without Borders (EWB)
Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)
Epsilon Mu Eta
Theta Tau
Eta Kappa Nu
Ts’ai Lun
Graphic Arts Society (GAS)
Upsilon Pi Epsilon
Innovation Club
Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI)
wmich.edu/engineer
Alpha Pi Mu
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIETIES
17
wmich.edu/engineer
OUR FACULTY
ENGAGED EXPERTS
As a WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ student, you will work closely with our highly accomplished faculty to advance research and discovery. You will have opportunities to collaborate on research projects in labs sponsored by industry leaders. Our faculty, like those shown here, want to get to know you, support you, and see you succeed. Dr. Damon Miller Associate Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering While exploring neuron stimulation techniques and chaotic circuits is the basis of Dr. Damon Miller’s research, it’s working with students that truly energizes him. Professor Miller’s students experience his energy first-hand while gaining hands-on experience in his electrical circuits’ class. Professor Miller’s teaching philosophy is that learning is the student’s responsibility – his duty is to help them in any way he can. “My job is to guide students, to show them why the material matters.” He suggests students connect with faculty by taking advantage of office hours, exploring all available opportunities, and asking faculty if there are research projects where help is needed. “Get experience early but be sure to focus on getting good grades” is his advice to incoming students.
Dr. Sam Ramrattan Professor Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems Dr. Sam Ramrattan is on a quest to create better metal castings for industry, including automotive and aerospace, and his undergraduate students get to come along on the journey. If you’re a student of Dr. Ramrattan, you learn theory in the classroom and gain first-hand experience in his foundry located in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences’ Floyd Hall. “I believe engineering and technological knowledge should be gained through a blend of both theory and practice.” Professor Ramrattan is well-known in the metal casting field. He was a recipient of the AFS Scientific Merit Award, the British Foundry Medal, and several outstanding teaching awards. He has published more than two hundred technical papers, presented in 18 different countries and has been awarded several patents. His current research projects involve casting issues at the mold/metal interface, aeration sand systems, new tests for foundry sands, and rapid casting technologies.
Dr. Claudia FajardoHansford Associate Professor Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Upul Attanayake, P.E. Associate Professor Civil and Construction Engineering
Dr. Claudia FajardoHansford believes combining classroom lectures with hands-on experience provides WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates with an edge in securing their first jobs. To that end, Dr. Fajardo-Hansford integrates laboratory activities and research into her courses, allowing students to apply theory learned in the classroom to practical situations. “Teaching and research complement each other. Research opens the door to new knowledge, which enriches the classroom experience and the fundamentals taught in the classroom form the foundation of research.” Dr. Fajardo-Hansford encourages engineering students to get involved in activities outside the classroom, such as the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers. “Students further their technical skills, learn to problem solve, and work effectively in teams. This strengthens their competitiveness in the job market because employers are looking for new hires with these skills.”
Teaching, Dr. Upul Attanayake says, is a service and a way to build community. Part of this service is his open-door policy and commitment to meet with students whenever the need arises, not just during office hours. He finds himself meeting with students late at night and on weekends, and he’s ok with it. Dr. Attanayake wants students to talk with him about their challenges – in and out of the classroom – so he can get to know and understand them. “Faculty need to know what students are going through so we can help.” Students learn the fundamentals of engineering in Dr. Attanayake’s classes and learn how to apply them in real-world situations. He weaves his research and professional experience into lesson plans and welcomes student involvement. “Student employees work on projects I do for the Michigan Department of Transportation. It’s a help to me, and students get needed experience.”
18
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
to WMU Engineering and Applied Sciences
PATHWAYS
PATHWAYS
Mathematics is the language of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and serves as the basis for where students begin their academic careers.
Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) programs
• Nearly all first year students begin in a pre-engineering, pre-engineering technology, computer science, or CEAS Preparatory program. You can find curriculum flowcharts at wmich.edu/engineer/advising. • Engineering programs require four (4) Calculus courses. • Engineering Technology programs require a minimum of Calculus I. • Computer Science requires at least 15 credits of Math and Statistics, including Calculus I. • Graphic and Printing Science students are required to take math courses through Pre-Calculus.
Your SAT- or ACT-Math score determines your starting point: Other factors, such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment credits may also be used.
SAT- or ACT-Math Score
WMU Mathematics Placement
SAT-Math 640 and higher OR ACT-Math 27 or higher
Calculus I or higher
SAT-Math 600-639 OR ACT-Math 25-26 SAT-Math 520-599 OR ACT-Math 20-24 SAT-Math below 520 OR ACT-Math below 20
Student will begin pre-engineering, pre-engineering technology, or computer science curriculum.
Pre-Calculus Student will begin pre-engineering, pre-engineering technology, or computer science curriculum.
Algebra II Student begins CEAS Preparatory program.
Algebra I or Computational Math Skills Student is placed in Exploratory Advising through the Center for Academic Success Programs at WMU. wmich.edu/exploratoryadvising
* Fall 2019 requirements listed. Subject to change. *
19
wmich.edu/engineer
wmich.edu/engineer/scholarships
WMU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCES
SCHOLARSHIPS
CEAS awards more than $500,000 annually to new and continuing students CEAS Multicultural Scholarship Recipients will receive $2,000/year for up to four years.
CEAS Leadership Scholarship Awards range from $1,000 - $4,000 per year for up to four years.
• Available to selected first-year students entering WMU in the fall with a high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale • Recipients must live in WMU-affiliated housing in the first year • Essay must be submitted for review for each award • Academic profile and financial need will be considered *Students must have completed FAFSA on file to be considered for awards All scholarships require that recipients maintain a minimum grade point (dependent upon which scholarship is awarded) and be enrolled full time in a major in CEAS.
Several other scholarships are available!
More information can be found at wmich.edu/engineer/scholarships
20
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Tools for your success Engineering and Applied Sciences Advising 269-276-3270 wmich.edu/engineer/advising
Residence Life and Housing 269-387-4735 wmich.edu/housing
CEAS Scholarships 269-276-3270 wmich.edu/engineer/scholarships
Study Abroad 269-387-5890 wmich.edu/studyabroad
CEAS Tours 269-276-3270 wmich.edu/engineer/ceastours
Family Engagement 269-387-4820 wmich.edu/families
STEP Program 269-276-3316 wmich.edu/step
Office of Student Engagement 269-387-2115 wmich.edu/studentengagement
WMU Admissions 269-387-2000 wmich.edu/admissions
Military and Veterans Affairs 269-387-4444 wmich.edu/military
Main Campus Tours 269-387-2289 wmich.edu/visit
Transfer Student Services 269-387-2167 wmich.edu/transfer
Financial Aid 269-387-6000 wmich.edu/finaid
Disability Services for Students 269-387-2116 wmich.edu/disabilityservices
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
21
wmich.edu/engineer
Commit to a future of innovation, exploration, and marketable skills
at WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
Aerospace Engineering
Engineering Design Technology
Chemical Engineering
Engineering Management Technology
Civil Engineering
Graphic and Printing Science
Computer Engineering
Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering
Computer Science
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Construction Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Paper Engineering
Western Michigan University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution consistent with applicable state and federal laws. WMU’s Carnegie classification is Doctoral University, Higher Research Activity. All CEAS Majors are accredited by one of the following Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Commissions: • Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) • Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) • Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC) Information about ABET accreditation can be found at www.abet.org Information about ACCGC accreditation can be found at www.accgc.org
wmich.edu/engineer
