Department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences

Environmental Sciences and Technology Bldg.
Office 204, Phone: (270) 745-3251, Fax: (270) 745-5946
Website: www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/Ogden/AMS

Dr. Terry Leeper, Head

Professors: B. Askins, T. Leeper, G. Mills
Associate Professors: N. Downing, D. Jackson , B. Reaka
Assistant Professors:  G. Arbuckle, A. Doggett, D. Gravitt, L. Leach, S. Lightner, D. McDaniel

Baccalaureate Degree Programs
The Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences (AMS) Department offers five distinct degree programs.  Four of these programs provide students with both a technical background and fundamental managerial skills to enable the graduate to move into a leadership position in their chosen profession.  The four managerial programs follow: Advanced Manufacturing, Architectural Sciences, Construction Management, and Technology Management. The fifth degree program is Industrial (Vocational, Career, and Technical) Education.  This program is designed to prepare educators for vocational education programs or for technology education in the middle and high school grades.  Refer to the department web site www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/Ogden/AMS for additional information regarding the curricula for each program of study.

Mission Statement:
A&M Sciences:  the best at preparing graduates for positions of leadership in industry, business, and education since 1920.

AMS Website:
See the departmental web site http://www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/Ogden/AMS  for exciting career opportunities in the department of Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences.  A semester-by-semester outline of studies is listed for all programs of study on the departmental web site.

Major in Advanced Manufacturing
The major in Advanced Manufacturing (reference number 506) requires 78 hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.  Students must choose one of the following concentrations:  Food Automation and Manufacturing (Owensboro Campus), Manufacturing and Industrial Distribution, or Quality Systems.  This program prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and advanced manufacturing technical skills in support of industrial operations.  The major includes instruction in optimization theory, human factors, organizational behavior, industrial processes, industrial planning procedures, systems integration, quality, and project management.  Graduates achieve positions of leadership in business and industry while practicing innovation in the global marketplace. 

Career Opportunities
Graduates obtain employment in a wide variety of positions.  Some job titles of graduates include:  systems integrator, industrial engineer, production manager/specialist, new product development engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality manager, quality engineer, production engineer, general manager, plant manager, industrial trainer, project manager, and technology educator.

The major in Advanced Manufacturing (reference number 506) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.  A minor or second major is not required.  Course requirements for the major are shown below.  Students should consult with an advisor in planning their course schedules and career goals.  The program is accredited by ATMAE (the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering).

Technical Core (19 hours) :   ACCT 200, AMS 120, 163, 271, 328, 398, and 490

Management Core (24 hours):  AMS 310, 356, 371, 390, 430, COMM 354, MGT 301, ENG 306 or 307

In addition to the coursework in the technical core and managerial core, students will pick one of the following concentrations.

Food Automation and Manufacturing Concentration (35 hours):   AMS 301, 303, 342, 343, 352, 381, 392, 443, 462, and 8 hours of advisor approved electives.  The following courses are required in addition to the courses required for the major:  ECON 202, MATH 118, CHEM 115, BIOL 207/208, SFTY 171; these courses may fulfill general education requirements.

Manufacturing and Industrial Distribution Concentration (35 hours):  AMS 317, 327, 342, 343, 370, 394, 396, and 12 hours of advisor approved electives.  The following courses are required in addition to the courses required for the major:  ECON 202, MATH 118, CHEM 116, 106, PHYS 201, SFTY 171; these courses may fulfill general education requirements.

Quality Systems Concentration (35 hours): AMS 317, 342, 370, 391, 392, 394, 471, and 13 hours of advisor approved electives.  The following courses are required in addition to the courses required for the major:  ECON 202, MATH 118, SFTY 171; these courses may fulfill general education requirements.

Major in Architectural Science
The major in Architectural Science (reference number 518) requires 83 semester hours.  Architectural Science is a bridge between design theory and construction practice.  Architectural Technologists perform a variety of important functions in many areas of the architectural and building construction fields and are widely recognized by professionals in the construction industry.  Graduates find employment as drafters, designers, construction planners, estimators, inspectors, technical sales representatives, and many other exciting areas.

Career Opportunities
Graduates obtain employment in a wide variety of organizations: architectural firms, engineering firms, interior design firms, contractors, design-build construction firms, surveying firms, government agencies, construction product manufacturers, construction material suppliers, inspection and testing firms, specialty consultants, and computer applications consultants.

Program Description
The program in Architectural Science is designed to provide graduates with a practical architectural education combining an understanding of the philosophy of building design with an applied technical knowledge of construction systems and materials.  Graduates are prepared with the knowledge and skills to assist in developing drawings and related documentation, constructing architectural models, developing architectural renderings, creating digital images and visualizations, preparing cost estimates and construction planning documentation, and making professional presentations.

Program instruction includes architectural drafting, construction methods and materials, design principles, environmental systems, building systems, building codes, structural principles, project management, sustainability, and professional presentations.

The major in Architectural Science (reference number 518) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.  A minor or second major is not required.  Course requirements for the major are shown below.  Students should consult with an advisor in planning their course schedules and career goals.  The program is accredited by ATMAE (the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering). 

The following courses are required for the major:  AMS 151, 120, 140, 163, 175, 251, 261, 262, 263, 273, 282, 305, 325, 363, 369, 371, 390, 398, 430, 463, 469, 488, 490, CE 303, 304, ENG 306 or 307, 9 hours of advisor-approved architectural science electives, and 3 hours of advisor-approved management electives.  Students are also required to take the following additional courses outside of the major:  AMS 180, ECON 202, MATH 117, PHYS 201, and SFTY 171; these courses may fulfill general education requirements.

Major in Construction Management
The major in Construction Management (reference number 533) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. A minor or second major is not required. The curriculum requires a total of 128 hours: (71 technical specialty hours, 46 hours of general education, plus 11 hours of other requirements). Course requirements for the major are shown below.

Students should consult with an advisor in planning their four-year degree program.   A four - year plan of study (semester - by - semester) is outlined below and on the departmental web site www.wku.edu/Dept/Academic/Ogden/AMS.  The program layout is also available in the Departmental Office ( ESTB 204).

The following courses are required for the major:  AMS 140, 163, 261, 262, 271, 325, 398, 430, 490, CM 227, 250, 337, 346, 363, 400, 426, 462, 463, CE 160, 161, 303, 304, 316, ACCT 200, 201, MGT 301, 311, and 6 hours of advisor-approved construction management electives.  Students are also required to take the following additional courses outside of the major:  AMS 175, CIS 141, ENG 100, 200, 300, COMM 161, PHIL 321, HIST 119(120), ECON 150, MATH 122, CHEM 106 and 116, PHYS 201, and SFTY 171; these courses may fulfill general education requirements.

Career Opportunities
Graduates from the construction management program have many career options available to them.  They may choose to work for construction management firms, general contractors, and specialty contractors serving the commercial, industrial, heavy civil, and residential construction markets.  They may choose to become specialists in estimating, scheduling, safety, quality, or field supervision.  Typical job titles include project manager, project engineer, office engineer, field engineer, and superintendent along with many others.

Major in Technology Management
Technology is defined as any tool or operating system designed to improve the efficiency, quality, and competitiveness of an organization.  Technology Management (reference number 575) at Western Kentucky University is a 2+2 program designed specifically for students who currently hold a certificate or associates degree from a technical school, two-year college or four-year institution.  The Technology Management program is a capstone program that provides a two-year management emphasis for those working toward a supervisory position in industry.  Graduates are empowered to obtain a position of leadership in business, industry or workforce development in support of innovation and global competitiveness.  The program is available completely on-line or by face-to-face instruction on campus. 

Career Opportunities
Graduates obtain employment in a wide variety of positions, some job titles of graduates include: systems integrator, industrial engineer, production manager/specialist, manufacturing engineer, maintenance specialist, quality manager, quality engineer, production engineer, general manager, plant manager, industrial trainer, project manager, systems analyst, shift supervisor, and technology educator.

Western Kentucky University provides upper-division hours both in the major and in general education toward the completion of the degree.  Students take 30 hours of major courses through the Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences Department that includes a 3-hour upper-division elective approved by the advisor.  Majors then take AMS, general education or elective courses to fulfill university requirements regarding the following:

• 36 hours minimum in WKU courses
• 42 hours minimum upper-division courses
• 120 hours minimum for graduation
• General education categorical requirements
• MATH 116 or equivalent

Degree Requirements for Technology Management Major (54 hours)

• 24 semester hours  of advisor approved courses transferred from a technical school, college or
  university – 100/200 level and
• 30 semester hours – Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences Department for a total of 54 hours in the major.  Major courses include:  AMS 271, 310, 356, 371, 390, 394, 430, 490, ENG 307, and an advisor - approved technical upper-division elective.

General Education

• 30/31 semester hours transferred from a community college or university – 100/200 level courses and/or KCTCS (Kentucky Community and Technical College System)
• 15 semester hours from WKU, extended campus, KCVU or by correspondence – includes 15 hours of upper-division credit – 300/400

Students should consult with an advisor in planning their four-year degree program in Technology Management. 

Industrial (Vocational, Career, and Technical) Education
The major in Industrial (Vocational, Career, and Technical) Education (reference number 599) leads to a Bachelor of Science degree.  Students have the option to follow one of the two concentrations:   (1) technology education and (2) vocational education.  The program is designed to meet the increasing need for more and better - qualified teachers in the nation’s expanding programs of vocational-industrial and technology education.

Requirements for both concentrations (15 hours):   PSY 310, AMS 331, 332, 333, and EXED 330

Technology Education Concentration Requirements: AMS 330, LTCY 421, EDU 489, SEC 490, and 48 hours of technical electives

Vocational Education Concentration Requirements: AMS 330, 334, 435, and 48 hours of technical electives

Curriculum Requirements
Industrial Education Components
Credits are selected from the specialization components of the curriculum standards for the High School Certificate Degree Program with an area of concentration in Industrial Education-Preparation and Orientation Levels (Technology Education).

Eighteen hours of credit may be earned by passing the written and performance components of the competency exam administered by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute.   The competency exam must be in the teaching field (preparation only).

Work Experience:  four years of successful and appropriate occupational experience in the teaching area (two of the four years must have been within the last five years).  Total 48 hours.

The following courses are required to complete the professional education component (preparation):  PSY 310, AMS 329, 330, 331, 333, 334, 435, and EXED 330. The following courses are required to complete the professional education component:  PSY 310, AMS 329, 330, 331, 333, 334, 435, and EXED 330. (AMS 435 must be completed for 8 hours of credit.   Four years of teaching experience may substitute for 4 hours of student teaching).

Minor in Industrial Sciences
The minor in industrial sciences (reference number 395) requires a minimum of 18 semester hours (half of which must be upper division 300 or 400 level).   The purpose of the minor in industrial sciences is to provide students with technical preparation that will support their career goals in their current major.  Each program of study will include a balance of basic and advanced courses.   Programs must be planned in advance with the department head.

Minor in Construction Management
The minor in construction management (reference number 343) requires a minimum of 21 hours, only 9 of which can be duplicated in the student’s major program of study.  The student who elects a minor in construction management must complete the following courses:  AMS 261, 262, CE 303/304, CM 363 or CE 360/361, and CM 462.  Remaining hours shall be selected in consultation with the minor advisor.

Associate Degree Programs
Architectural and Manufacturing Sciences offers three associate degree programs.   Two of the associate degrees are linked to the four-year degree programs in Architectural Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing.  The third is linked to the teacher education program of study.   The associate of science degrees in Architectural Drafting Technology (reference number 207) and the associate of Manufacturing Technology (reference number 257) are designed to be 2+2 programs with the four-year degrees in Architectural Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing.   This gives students the ability to complete the two - year degree with the option of completing a four-year degree with little or no loss of credit.  For more information regarding the associate degree programs in Architectural Drafting Technology and Manufacturing Technology, visit the departmental web site or obtain advisement sheets in the main office of the department (ESTB 204).

Associate Degree in Vocational/Industrial and Technical Teacher Education
The Vocational/Industrial and Technical Teacher Education (reference number 296) associate degree is designed to meet the increasing need for more qualified teachers in the nation’s expanding programs of vocational-industrial technical education.

Curriculum Requirements
Technical Education Components
Specialization credits are selected from the specialization components of the curriculum standards for the Provisional High School Certificate Degree Program with an area of concentration in Industrial Education-Preparation Level (advisor’s approval required).

Eighteen hours of credit may be earned by passing the written and performance components of the competency exam administered by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute.   The competency exam must be in the teaching field.

Work Experience:  four years of successful and appropriate occupational experience in the teaching area (two of the four years must have been within the last five years).   Total 24 semester hours.

The following courses are required to fulfill the professional education component:  PSY 310, AMS 329, 330, 331, 333, 334, and 435.