BS in Manufacturing Systems Engineering - The University of Alabama Online

Program Overview

Learn to make an impact in manufacturing with an online bachelor’s in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from The University of Alabama’s premier Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Primarily Online Program Format

129 Credit Hours

$399 Tuition Per Hour

Build Your Future in Manufacturing

The primarily online Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering prepares students with the skills and knowledge for successful careers in manufacturing systems with practical applications ranging from cyber-physical systems to manufacturing processes. Manufacturing jobs have become a major staple in our economy, and The University of Alabama Department of Mechanical Engineering is positioned to be a pipeline for skilled graduates and innovators. In an effort to expand in this growing field, UA created the Alabama Initiative on Manufacturing Development and Education (Alabama IMaDE) and has launched a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary research and education center in intelligent and advanced manufacturing systems and processes. Graduates of this degree program will have the skills to make substantial contributions in areas including design, productivity and quality control across a wide range of industrial entities.

Note: Several courses in the MFE program require multiple trips to the UA main campus in order to complete laboratory exercises. Applicants are strongly recommended to contact the MFE Program Coordinator before applying in order to determine the specific number of visits to UA that will be required in order to complete the degree.

Application Deadline	Applications accepted year round. Preferred deadlines are July 1 for fall admission and Nov. 1 for spring admission. Newly admitted students must begin in Fall or Spring semesters
Practicum and Skills Lab	Four courses have an in-person lab requirement totaling up to 17 visits to Tuscaloosa, AL: AEM 251 (3 visits), MFE 385 (3 visits), MFE 483 (9 visits) and MFE 485 (2 visits)
Other Program Specifics	Live, in-person proctoring is required to complete exams
Are test scores required?	ACT and SAT scores are not required through the Fall 2026 entry term
Scholarships and Grants Available	Discover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Systems requires the completion of 129 credit hours. The program’s unique, blended format allows students to experience the same lectures and discussions as traditional campus students through online and video courses.

Coursework is completed primarily online with the exception of some course and lab activities that may require occasional face-to-face interaction with instructors. Students are expected to complete these activities during programmed weekend visits to the main campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Please note that courses are subject to change.

Program Requirements

Freshman Year Fall Semester (16 Hours)

Courses

CH 101 General Chemistry I (N)**
MATH 125 Calculus I (M)
ENGR 101 The World of Engineering
ENGR 104 Fundamentals Engineering
EN 103 English Composition
UA 101 Legends 101

Freshman Year Spring Semester (15 Hours)

Courses

PH 105 General Physics with Calculus I (N)**
MATH 126 Calculus II (M)
MTE 271 Engineering Materials I
ENGR 161 Small-Scale Engineering Graphics
Literature (L) Elective

Sophomore Year Fall Semester (17 Hours)

Courses

PH 106 General Physics with Calculus II (N)**
MATH 227 Calculus III (M)
AEM 201 Statics
ME 215 Thermodynamics I
MFE 200-Level Elective

Sophomore Year Spring Semester (16 Hours)

Courses

MATH 238 Applied Differential Equations I
AEM 250 Mechanics of Materials I
AEM 251 Mechanics of Materials I Lab*
GES 400 Engineering Statistics
MFE 290 Capstone Experience: Foundations of Programming
History (HI) or Social Behavioral Sciences (SB) Elective

Junior Year Fall Semester (18 Hours)

Courses

ME 383 Modern Manufacturing Processes
ECE 320 Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
MFE 320 Plan Engineering
MFE 200/300-Level Elective
History (HI) or Social Behavioral Sciences (SB) Elective
Humanities (HU), Fine Arts, or World Language (WL) Elective

Junior Year Spring Semester (17 Hours)

Courses

MFE 385 Metrology*
AEM 264 Dynamics or AEM 311 Fluid Mechanics
MFE 342 Fundamentals of Materials Processing
MFE 332 Quality Control
Approved Natural Science (N) Elective

Senior Year Fall Semester (15 Hours)

Courses

MFE 489 Manufacturing Engineering Design I
MFE 483 Computer-Aided Manufacturing*
MFE 442 Advanced Materials Science and Additive Processes
MFE 485 Modern Manufacturing Practices II*
ME 410 Engineering in a Social and Global Context (W)

Senior Year Spring Semester (15 Hours)

Courses

MFE 490 Capstone Experience: Manufacturing Engineering Design II
MFE 473 Discrete Simulation of Manufacturing Systems
MFE 300/400-level elective
Humanities (HU), Literature (L), Fine Arts (FA), or World Language (WL) Elective
History (HI) Elective

MFE 200-Level Electives

CS 200 Software Design and Engineering
CS 201 Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 202 Web Foundations
CS 285 Spreadsheet Applications
MTE 275 Engineering Materials Lab
ST 260 Statistical Data Analysis

Other electives may be substituted for any of the above courses but require permission and approval of the program advisor and coordinator.

MFE 200/300-Level Electives

MFE 222 Robotic Welding
MFE 224 Industrial Auto with Robotics
MFE 226 Instrumentation for Automation
MFE 232 Flexible Manufacturing Systems
MFE 262 Introduction to the Industrial Internet of Things
CS 302 Database Applications
CS 385 Advanced Spreadsheet Applications
ME 360 Control Instrument Components
ME 380 Engineering Leadership I
MTE 380 Synthesis, Processing and Manufacturing of Materials

Other electives may be substituted for any of the above courses but require permission and approval of the program advisor and coordinator.

MFE 300/400-Level Electives

MFE 302 Advanced PLC
MFE 303 Advanced Automation and Materials Handling
MFE 304 Advanced Manufacturing & Automation
MFE 326 Process Monitoring and Control
MFE 338 Introduction to Industry 4.0
CE 414 Information Systems Design
CE 418 Engineering Management
CS 305 Advanced Database Applications and Design
ECE 438 Intgr Circuit Fabr Prin
ME 421 Reliability and Maintainability Engineering
ME 424 Automotive Manufacturing
ME 430 Fuzzy Set Theory and Application
ME 440 Failure of Engineering Materials
ME 456 Mechatronics
MTE 455 Mechanical Behavior of Mtls

Approved Science Electives

Select from the following (offered through UA Online):

AY 101/AY 102 Intro to Astronomy and Lab
BSC 108 Introduction to Biology Non-Majors I
BSC 109 Introduction to Biology Non-Majors II

*Lab requires visits to Tuscaloosa
** Not offered by UA Distance. Must be completed at another institution and transferred to UA.

Admission

The Manufacturing Systems Engineering program is open to U.S. students as well as international students residing in the U.S. with appropriate visas. To apply for formal admission to any of the undergraduate degree programs offered through UA Online, you must complete an admissions application and submit transcripts from all colleges previously attended (and a high school transcript if you have less than 24 credit hours of college coursework). Transfer students considering admission should review UA’s transfer information and policies and the Styslinger College of Engineering’s residency requirements.

Applicants must meet one of the following admission requirements:

If you have earned more than 24 college-level credit hours at the time of your application to the University, you will need to meet the transfer student admission requirement of a minimum 2.0 overall college GPA.

If you have earned less than 24 college-level credit hours at the time of your application to the University, you will need to meet both the 2.0 overall college GPA required for transfer students as well as Admission Requirements for Freshmen Students. If high school graduation was more than four years ago, ACT/SAT scores are not required.

Applications are accepted year-round, but we recommend applying before the dates below to ensure you receive advising and transfer credit evaluation prior to enrolling in your required courses. This evaluation is separate from University Admissions, and the Styslinger College of Engineering cannot guarantee you will be evaluated for your desired start term if you apply after these dates.

July 1 for fall enrollment
Nov. 1 for spring enrollment

*Newly admitted students must begin in Fall or Spring semesters.

Find more information and learn about restrictions related to this degree program that may exist regarding licensure in the state in which you reside.

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