"We have hired graduates from the program and they come to us very prepared ." Robert Neyenhaus, Quality Manager, DSSA

"The program has accelerated the knowledge base and prepared these graduates for broader career paths." Brian Hedges, Manager, MDP Components, Inc.

Q: What sort of subjects should I take before entering WKU and
the department?
A: Math and science related classes along with a technical course in
computer aided drafting if available at your school. Some schools offer
a class in Agricultural Mechanics that would be excellent for the students
interested in the manufacturing or the construction majors.

Q: Are there special admission requirements to be admitted
to the program?
A: No. You need only be admitted to WKU.

Q: Will I be assigned to an advisor, or will I be on my own for
making class decisions?
A: A full-time faculty member in the AMS Department will be assigned
as your advisor to assist you with course registration and meeting
degree requirements.

Q: What is the Foreign Language requirement?
A: See Modern Language Dept. for answers to this question
and related questions.

Q: I am thinking about completing my General Education
studies at a community college, then starting my major on
WKU’s campus. Is this approach a good idea?
A: Some students find this a good way to begin their course work.
However, you should contact an AMS advisor to ensure that the
courses you take will transfer to WKU and meet your chosen
degree requirements.

Q: Can I transfer courses that I completed at another college
or university?
A: Yes. However, please be aware that classes may be accepted
for college credit towards rank (sophomore, junior, etc.), but not be
accepted for classes in individual majors if they are not a close match
in content. The Transfer Equivalency Tables are a good start to see
what courses taken at other institutions may transfer to WKU.

Q: I am transferring in from another school. What credits will
apply toward the 2+2 program in Technology Management?
A: Up to 24 semester hours  of advisor approved courses transferred
from a technical school, college or university can be applied toward
the major. Up to 21 semester hours of advisor-approved courses transferred from a technical school, college or university level courses can be applied toward general electives. Up to 36 semester hours of advisor-approved general education courses can be transferred for a technical school, college or university.

Q: Are there any specific entrance exams that I must take?
A: In addition to the ACT (or SAT) Exam, you will need to complete the
Math Placement Exam (MPE), which can be taken online at the WKU
Department of Mathematics web site. If you are seeking a master's degree you must complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Q: What kinds of scholarships are available, and how do I
apply for them?
A: WKU offers and awards many scholarships to incoming freshman
both merit and income based. For transfer students there are industry-
based scholarships and WKU departmental scholarships that can be
applied for by students. See program advisors for information about
career/industry specific scholarships, and the departmental office for
AMS scholarships. WKU Scholarship and Financial Aid Information

Q: Is the Architectural Sciences program of study a
licensing program?
A: No it is not, but graduates of the program can enroll in a Master’s
of Architecture degree program of study to become licensed.

Q: Are there work-related opportunities in the department?
A: Yes, students need to complete the federal FAFSA form for any
university related work experience. The form just needs to be completed
and does not prohibit opportunities for employment. The department
usually employs 6 students each semester and others are employed in
the department’s AMSI Institute. The institute engages students and
faculty in projects for business, industry and individual clients. At the master's level, Graduate Assistantships are available to selected students.

Q: How is an engineering program different than the programs
offered by Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences?
A: Engineering programs are heavily focused on math and science
because of their design emphasis. Graduates from A&M Sciences are more applied in their focus and they are responsible for taking the engineering design and making it a reality. In other words, our graduates are the managers or supervisors of engineers or other technical professional who put the teams or processes together to manufacture or build the product. The architectural emphasis is different in approach. Our graduates actually design structures. Electrical, Mechanical and Civil engineers are used to design building systems that requires engineer for liability purposes. Residential design typically
relies heavily on meeting building codes without the need for
engineering review.

Q: What is the difference between the Associate Degree programs
and the baccalaureate degree programs?
A: The associate degree programs requires approximately 60 hours
for graduation while the baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of
120 hours for completion. The depth of general education, technical and management related content is minimized. However the associate
degree programs are designed to enable students to move into a four
year degree without loss of credit. You need to work closely with your
advisor in planning your program of study.

Q: How does the Technology Management program work?
A: This program is for students who have completed a technical
degree program from a community college or technical school
(certificate or associates degree). With planning, we are able to
award students up to two years credit for their current course and
add the remaining two years of supervisory / management classes
and general education to graduate students with a baccalaureate
degree. Students who plan to participate in this 2+2 program need
to work closely with an advisor at their technical school or community
college. An advisor is available at WKU if needed.

Q: Are there learning opportunities for place bound
non-traditional students?
A: Yes, the department offers an extensive listing of web-based
classes for students at all levels – both undergraduate and graduate.
The Technology Management programs (undergraduate and graduate)
are both offered completely online, face to face on campus, or by
interactive television. The master's program is offered 100% online.

Q: What are the strengths of the A&M Sciences department?
A: Student placement, family atmosphere, innovative programming,
personal attention to advisement, and student success
and advancement.

Q: Why should I consider a position in manufacturing?
A: There are many positions in industry requiring specialized
advanced manufacturing skills related to automation, data collection
and analysis and advanced processes. Remember, you are entering
the career as a supervisor/manager to provide leadership in support
of the organization.

Q: What are the most common positions held by graduates?
A: Manufacturing / production or quality engineer. Other titles
include: industrial engineer, architect, facilities manager, project manager, operations manager, production supervisor, automation specialist, coordinator for workforce development, industrial sales, small business owner, and plant manager. A new area the department is food manufacturing and automation. This field of study is one where there is tremendous job security and expansion of operations in worst
of economic times.

Q: Will I be a machine operator?
A: No, while you will take technical operations classes at WKU,
you are being prepared to become a member of the management
team. The technical background is to provide graduates with the
basics of material and processes used in industry to effectively
manage individuals working in manufacturing.

Q: What are the working conditions in a manufacturing facility?
A: Nearly all manufacturing facilities today are very clean environments
with automated operations. They have to be clean and efficient in order
to be competitive in the global market place. The media and movie
industries have not accurately portrayed the industrial environment today.

Q: What about job security in the manufacturing sector?
A: The department has a long standing history of placing graduates
in their discipline (an approximate 95% placement rate). Graduates
report that they easily advance in their position and they follow the
national norms related to changing positions. Very few graduates
have ever lost a position, in fact most graduates stay in their first position for 2 or 3 years and then move on to another to advance their personal career goals.

Q: What kind of salary can I expect to make after graduating?
A: AMS graduates earn competitive salaries. Entry-level salary will
depend on many factors, including prior work experience, geographic
location, and state of the economy. More importantly, salaries depend
on how hard you work to take advantage of opportunities during college
to learn as much as you can. Salaries can range from $40-60K for baccalaureate degrees and up to $80-100K for master's degrees.