COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Product Design and Manufacturing Engineering (BSPDME) at Wichita State University is a 128-credit-hour engineering degree designed to prepare students for careers in product development, advanced manufacturing, automation, aerospace, robotics and industrial engineering. The program combines engineering design, manufacturing technologies, materials science, quality control and production systems to develop graduates who can design, analyze and manufacture innovative products. Students complete 34–35 credit hours of General Education along with extensive coursework in mathematics and science, including Calculus I and II, Differential Equations, MATLAB-based computational mathematics, chemistry, engineering statistics and two semesters of calculus-based physics with laboratory work. The product design component focuses on engineering graphics, statics, mechanics of materials, circuits, engineering economy, kinematic and dynamic design, computer-aided engineering (CAE), materials engineering and statistical quality control. The manufacturing curriculum provides hands-on knowledge of manufacturing methods, production systems, applied control systems, advanced manufacturing processes, aircraft manufacturing and assembly, robot programming, rapid prototyping and 3D printing technologies. Students also complete a two-semester engineering design sequence that integrates technical knowledge into real-world engineering projects. A unique feature of the program is the flexibility to select 9 credit hours of technical electives, allowing students to specialize in areas such as robotics, aerospace, mechanical systems, computer science, electronics or business-related engineering applications. The curriculum emphasizes practical problem-solving, product innovation, automation and modern manufacturing systems, while Wichita State’s applied learning approach provides opportunities for internships, research projects and industry collaboration. Graduates are prepared for positions such as product design engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, process engineer, automation engineer, robotics engineer and production manager. The program is especially valuable for students interested in advanced manufacturing technologies, Industry 4.0, 3D printing and aerospace production. With strong technical training, extensive laboratory experience and direct exposure to industry, the BSPDME degree offers excellent career prospects, competitive salaries and a solid foundation for graduate study or professional engineering advancement.