Manufacturing Management Degree Program

Explore the Manufacturing Management degree program

Nebraska is one of the top three states with the fastest growth in technology jobs. For companies to prosper, they need employees with the ability to design, deploy, integrate, and manage emerging technologies as well as traditional resources.

From 3D printing, robotics, and CNC machining, to advanced software solutions in construction, manufacturing, and planning and design, the Manufacturing Management degree program at Wayne State College will prepare you for a career as a manufacturing manager, a production supervisor, or an applied engineer.

Combining technical content with business knowledge in the Manufacturing Management degree program, you will be well-suited for a wide variety of career opportunities solving challenging manufacturing problems.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in Industrial Technology / Manufacturing Management
Minor in Manufacturing Management

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 63

Industrial technology core (30 credit hours)
Manufacturing management concentration (33 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Business and Technology

Department: Technology and Applied Science

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Manufacturing management topics covered

Communication skills for business and industry
Supervision and project management
Database planning, management, and query application
First aid and CPR
Industrial safety and proper use of machinery and construction tools
Engineering and technology principles in production and design
Designing, estimating, planning, and scheduling processes
Reading and interpreting blueprints
Manufacturing technology materials and processing
Mechanical and engineering drafting using computer-aided design (CAD)
CNC machine programming, setup, and operations
Parametric 3D modeling and industrial design
Welding theory and fabrication techniques
Electronics and control systems in manufacturing environments
Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and robotics programming

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate effective skills in written, oral, and graphical communication
Apply current technologies and tools to identify and solve problems in industrial settings
Implement occupational and personal safety, health, and well-being principle
Apply management and leadership skills in industrial technology

Career Scholars Program

Students majoring in Manufacturing Management are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.

Career Scholars Program

Manufacturing management internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find manufacturing management internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Commercial Plastics
Michael Foods
Timpte, Inc.
Williams Form Engineering

Career services and internships

Graduates work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Note: Due to the recent addition of the Manufacturing Management program, career outcomes will be available for reporting beginning in Summer 2023 with the 2021-22 Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Possible careers:

Manufacturing manager
Production supervisor
Applied engineer
Building materials manager
Plant manager
Inventory manager
CNC programmer/estimator

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Credits: 3
Description: Selected topics of environmental concerns to be presented by the laboratory-oriented approach, and in compliance with the requirements of General Studies. Does not apply to any major, minor, or endorsement in any science area (BIO, CHE, EAS, NAT) unless specified. Four hours lecture-lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills
Credits: 3
Description: This course concentrates on the skills needed by first-line supervisors. Issues covered include the following: supervisor’s job description, organizing an effective department, acquiring employees, motivation, effective leadership, communication skills, supervising groups and work teams, labor relations and supervisory challenges in the 21st century.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the fundamentals of creating a safe and healthy work environment. Topics focus on reducing injuries, identifying common safety hazards, and safely operating specific machines and tools in the Center for Applied Technology building labs. This course also includes training in American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heartsaver First Aid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. These training sessions are designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR, and how to use an AED in a safe timely, and effective manner. Students will have the opportunity to earn certifications through a 10-hour OSHA Safety card (does not expire) and a First Aid CPR AED (valid for two years). ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $35 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introductory course of engineering and technology principles. Designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for all Industrial Technology, Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) and undeclared majors. Engineering concepts along with new technology will be utilized in the design and production of products made. Students will employ problem-solving, research and design, and interpersonal communication skills as they work through the assigned classroom and lab activities. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course covers the proper care and operation of various hand and power tools used in residential and light commercial construction, basic masonry, and carpentry practices; framing, interior and exterior finishing; reading and interpreting of building blueprints and specifications with actual application of the competencies necessary to complete various construction projects. Course also covers the processes of design, estimating, planning, and the contractor’s role in scheduling. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An exploratory course introducing students to the five areas of the manufacturing industry. Hands-on lab activities will reinforce lessons in sheet steel and aluminum, plastics, wood, and the foundry. Appropriate material selection, process selection, safety, use of manufacturing and industrial tools and equipment, and measurement will be presented. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course fosters a solid understanding of the mathematics applicable for trade and technical environments. Topics include measurement, proportions, solving equations, rational expressions, geometric measures, trigonometry, and statistics. This course is intended for Industrial Technology majors.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ITE 214 Residential Drawing (3 credits) - This course explores the fundamentals of residential drawing and the application of computer aided drafting. Students develop skills in sketching, home planning, design, layout and building material selection for residential structures, zoning, an introduction to code requirements, building permits process and energy audits. Students are required to complete a full set of construction documents to include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, kitchen and bath plans, detail drawings, specific notes, and a 3D rendering. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
- ITE 219 Mechanical and Engineering Drafting (3 credits) - A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. (Lecture and lab combined) ITE majors must pass with a C or better. $25 class fee required.

Manufacturing management courses (33 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to networking concepts and technologies. Students will be introduced to
the theory and practice of networking computers and various other devices.
Credits: 3
Description: A study of database theory, design and management through application development and implementation. Topics include: database planning and organization, common database models, normalization, the total DBMS concept, logical and physical model design, program database strategies control and recovery, security and integrity, query application, and advanced database topics. Emphasis is placed on application assignments that encompass topics/concepts presented in the course.
Prerequisites: CIS 130 Introduction to Computer/Information Technology, CIS 132 Principles of Computing and Information Systems, or CSC 150 Programming Fundamentals I
Credits: 3
Description: An introduction to manufacturing via lectures, lab activities, and field trips. Lecture topics will cover manufacturing from product demand to fulfillment, while the lab element will focus on metal machining. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will focus on safety issues directly related to the industrial environment.
Students will look at state and federal regulations associated with the industrial/manufacturing environment.
Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: The use of a parametric 3D CAD package, in conjunction with either add-on or third-party software application, to create virtual part and assembly models, and to analyze their physical performance using computer simulation techniques. Topics include shape optimization, stress, fatigue, kinematic analysis, dimensioning, tolerancing, ANSI standards, sheet-metal developments, fasteners, and documentation of manufacturing practices. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Prerequisite: ITE 219 Mechanical and Engineering Drafting
Credits: 3
Description: The goal of this course is to teach the student to produce a product on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes. Topics include reading a detailed blueprint, tooling selection, work holding strategies (including jigs and fixtures), CNC programming, machine setup, and CNC operations. Students will use various specialized measurement tools to meet established quality standards. Multi-axis programming will be used to program parts. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: Tools, equipment, safety practices, materials and basic metallurgy used in electric arc, oxy-acetylene, metal, inert gas, and tungsten arc inert gas welding will be covered in this course. Fabrication techniques with sheet metal and other ferrous materials will also be covered along with parametric modeling software. Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $40 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course will cover electricity, electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics as each relate to controlling
machines in manufacturing environments. Students will further explore the areas of Alternating
Current, Direct Current, analog and digital circuitry, solid state devices, AC and DC motors, sensors,
programmable logic controllers, and selected information input systems. Class fee of $30 required. Lecture/lab combined. Industrial technology majors must pass with a C or better.
Credits: 3
Description: Introduction to the concepts and procedures of CIM production as well as the main components and devices in a CIM cell. Using a fully simulated industrial CIM, students learn about the CIM production cycle, from customer order and inventory control, through automated manufacturing of materials into finished parts, to quality inspection and final delivery. Additional topics include programming industrial robots and the opportunity to earn an industrial Robot Certification. Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $10 required.
Credits: 3
Description: Students design, set up, and operate CIM cells, and learn more advanced robotic programming, are introduced to Quality Control video device with software, part feeding, and ERP. Activities will migrate from basic operations to identifying cost savings opportunities and increasing throughout, if not earned in ITE 421, the opportunity to earn an Industrial Robot Certification is possible. Lecture and lab combined.
Prerequisites: ITE 421 Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Robotics, or department chair approval
Credits: 3
Description: Students taking an internship for their major are required to secure placement in an internship of a professional capacity and related to their major concentration. Internships must be approved by the advisors. Internships are supervised and must show at least 50 clock hours at work for each credit hour earned. A signed internship agreement is required.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Manufacturing Management at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Construction Management (major or minor)
Drafting and Design (major or minor)
Safety Management (major or minor)
Spanish (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Manufacturing Management program may also be interested in:

Construction Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Engineering Technology (B.A. or B.S.)
Safety Management (B.A. or B.S.)

Wayne State has helped prepare me for the future by offering classes where I’m able to use industrial machines and the software programs that go along with them. We get to use software that is used in the professional world, which is something employers are looking for and want to see on your resume. I really enjoy the learning opportunities here. There are so many new and interesting things that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to learn or understand so quickly if not for Wayne State.

Lane Barton

Alexandria, Nebraska

Major: Manufacturing Management