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 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, manufacturing parameters, market forces, cultural variables and engineering economics to develop projects and systems which are marketable. Graduates will find jobs in the design of products and systems in industry and for service providers, agriculture and food processors and government agencies.
Additional opportunities exist in research and development.
Sales and marketing of new products and systems that require original design offer opportunity. Graduates will work as design technicians, design drafters, product designers, system 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. Reverse engineering and adaptive redesign to meet the needs of foreign markets and cultures will demand a supply of design personnel.