TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT

Technology is defined as any tool or operating system designed to improve the efficiency, quality and competitiveness of an organization. Technology Management 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 4 year institution. The TM 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.

Career Opportunities

• 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

Work Tasks and Settings

• Supervise the production of goods in manufacturing plants

• Hire and supervise workers who make the products

• Check to make sure all products are of high quality and that customers are happy with them

• Make sure products are made within budget and on time

• Work on the shop floor and in offices in plants that make machinery and transportation equipment, instruments, electronic and electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, and food products

• Work with company products, machinery, equipment, statistics, reports, computers, specifications, and testing and analyzing equipment

Abilities needed:

• get along well with other people

• lead others

• solve problems

• use good judgment and make decisions

• do work accurately

• speak and write well

• keep up with developments in their field

Average Salary: $45-50,000/year in Kentucky

Coursework:

  WKU COURSES                                                                 

AMS 271 Industrial Statistics

AMS 310 Work Design/Ergonomics

AMS 356 Systems Design & Operations

AMS 371 Quality Assurance

AMS 390 Project Management

AMS 394 Lean Manufacturing

AMS 430 Tech Mgmt/Supervision/Team Building

AMS 490 Senior Research

ENG 307 Technical Writing

24 hours of Technical Courses transferred from KCTCS school

Sequencing:

Because of transferring credits and WKU-O course offerings, the length of time to finish this program differs for each student. It is important to meet with a WKU-O advisor as soon as possible. Bring an unofficial copy of transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities. It is also important to determine your availability to take courses: part-time, full-time, summer term.

WKU-O Academic Requirements:

• 120 college-level undergraduate semester hours including the following:

- 44 semester hours of General Education

- 42 semester hours of upper-division credit (300-400 level courses)

- 30 hours must be earned in residence (at WKU), at least 16 of which must be completed after the semester in which the student earned a cumulative total of at least 90 hours.

• Students must earn a minimum of 54 semester hours with WKU to graduate with honors.
• Students must apply for graduation upon the completion of 90 semester hours.
• Students are to meet with an advisor each semester.