Program Overview

Introduction to the Polymer Materials Engineering Program

The Polymer Materials Engineering (PME) program at Western Washington University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between molecular structure, processing, and properties of polymers and composites. The program's curriculum is built upon a firm base of materials science, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, with a focus on practical experience in design, materials, processing, economics, testing, characterization, and analysis.

Program Overview

• The PME program prepares graduates to understand and apply established scientific and engineering knowledge to support engineering activities in manufacturing environments.
• The program's extensive and well-equipped laboratory facilities provide students with hands-on experience in the field.
• Graduates of the PME program can be involved in the development, design, analysis, planning, supervision, or construction of materials, methods, processes, and equipment for the production of industrial or consumer goods in the plastics, composites, or other materials-related industries.

Why Consider a Polymer Materials Engineering Major?

• A polymer materials engineer can help solve complex problems associated with plastics, composites, or materials manufacturing operations.
• PME graduates work in teams with engineers, scientists, and technicians to solve materials and manufacturing-related problems.
• Sample careers for PME graduates include:
  • Materials & Process Engineer
  • Composite Design Engineer
  • Plastics Engineer
  • Tooling Engineer

Admission and Declaration Process

• Admission to the PME major is a two-phase process.
• Students initially declare as pre-majors and must complete specific courses to apply to the major.
• Admission to full major status is determined by academic performance as a pre-major and other factors.
• The application process includes:
  • Completion of prerequisite courses (CHEM 161, CHEM 162, MATH 124, MATH 125, PHYS 161, ENGR 101, ENGR 115, ENGR 170, and ENGR 214)
  • A series of short-answer questions explaining prior experience, academic challenges, and achievements
  • A transcript and grade point average

Program Requirements

• The PME program requires 151 credits, including:
  • Polymer Materials Engineering (81 credits)
    • Courses include:
      • MFGE 231: Introduction to Metal Manufacturing Processes
      • MFGE 250: Introduction to Manufacturing Automation
      • MFGE 261: Introduction to Computer-Aided Design
      • PME 331: Injection Molding
      • PME 342: Data Analysis and Design of Experiments
      • PME 371: Introduction to Plastics Materials and Processes
      • PME 372: Introduction to Composite Materials and Processes
  • Engineering and Applied Science (23 credits)
    • Courses include:
      • ENGR 101: Engineering, Design, & Society
      • ENGR 115: Innovation in Design
      • ENGR 170: Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
      • ENGR 214: Statics
  • Math and General Science (47 credits)
    • Courses include:
      • CHEM 161: General Chemistry I
      • CHEM 162: General Chemistry II
      • MATH 124: Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
      • MATH 125: Calculus and Analytic Geometry II
      • PHYS 161: Physics with Calculus I
      • PHYS 162: Physics with Calculus II
      • PHYS 163: Physics with Calculus III

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement