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General Information of Manufacturing Disciplines

The University of New Mexico offers several options leading to a master degree in manufacturing disciplines. Students may earn Master of Science degrees in ME, with a manufacturing concentration, or, a student may earn the degree of Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering (MEME) - a degree that is aimed at engineering practice and covers a wider range of manufacturing topics than the MS programs.
The MEP program focuses on the equipment and technology aspects of modern manufacturing. A research study commissioned by General Electric showed that the ultimate cost savings available in typical fabricating and assembly plants can be parsed as:

• 20% of ultimate cost savings come from productivity improvement programs - this has traditionally been called efficiency increase.
• 40% of total savings can be attributed to manufacturing policy and structure changes. These are aspects of management functions.
• The remaining 40% is attributed to new equipment and process technologies which incorporate information processing into manufacturing operations.

These technologies, such as computer integrated manufacturing, flexible manufacturing systems, and robotics, permit the manufacture of a variety of products on the same equipment with shorter lead times and consistent, higher quality. This equipment is expensive and requires highly skilled and creative professionals for its design and implementation.

The 33-hour MEME program generally requires three to four semesters to complete. The MEME/MBA degree may take two or more years to complete. A 3-month internship in a manufacturing company is required for those students not currently employed in manufacturing. Industrial fellowships are available for qualified students needing financial help, in addition to the paid internship.