Contact: Katryn Conlin, Communications Director
651-385-6364, [email protected]

For Immediate Release

Southeast Technical launches new two-year degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Winona, MN (June 11, 2015) -- Bringing together coursework from several disciplines, Southeast Technical has launched a new program to prepare graduates for careers in engineering technology in support of metal fabrication, plastics processing, and consumer products manufacturing.

The new 60-credit Associate of Applied Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology combines coursework from industrial technology, CNC precision machining technology, computer aided design and electrical engineering. Drawing from the expertise of these fields, students will learn the most effective ways to use the basic factors of production -- people, machines, materials, information, and energy -- to make a product.

"Companies are struggling to find individuals who have a keen understanding of fundamental manufacturing principles," according to Ron Sellnau, Southeast Technical's Dean of Business, Information, and Trade and Technologies. "Our students will be ready to enter the workforce after two years of study with an associate of applied science degree. This program is practical and hands-on."

The program is also geared around meeting the needs of working adults. Students can work on the degree on a part-time basis while maintaining full-time employment in a manufacturing setting. Most classes are taught at Southeast Technical's Winona campus, but a number of the courses are offered online, adding more flexibility.

"The job outlook in this area is good. As firms seek to reduce costs and increase productivity, they turn increasingly to manufacturing engineers to help develop more efficient processes to reduce costs, delays, and waste," states Ron Sellnau, adding, "Because their work is similar to that done in management occupations, many manufacturing engineers are promoted to management roles."

For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one (http://www.southeastmn.one/academic_programs/_program/Default.aspx?pid=81)

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About Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical 

With a clear mission of "Education for Employment," Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical provides students a strong foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need for a lifetime of learning. Its Winona and Red Wing campuses merged in 1992, becoming Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical in 1999. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.