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Master of Engineering in Smart Manufacturing and Systems
Overview
The leading-edge professional graduate degree program in Smart Manufacturing and Systems offers unique hands-on learning and training in new Industry 4.0 technologies (artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and digital twins combined with industrial automation and robotic systems), which are driving digital transformation in the manufacturing industry. The program is paired with real-world experience from an industrial internship program of at least four months; this way, it prepares graduates for working in the new digital manufacturing sector related to Industry 4.0 and expedites their absorption into the job market and their impact on the future of manufacturing.
A Glimpse into the Industry 4.0 Future
In the Industry 4.0 future, smart factories using additive manufacturing such as 3D printing and other computer-aided manufacturing systems are able to adaptively manufacture parts on demand, direct from digital designs. Sensors keep track of needed components and order them based on patterns of demand, taking "just-in-time" manufacturing to a new level of optimization. Entire supply chains can pivot with the introduction of new products, changes in consumption, and economic fluctuation. Advanced sensors and machine learning-driven systems monitor the quality of components with more consistency and accuracy. Algorithms can predict when machines need to be fixed before they even break or dynamically reorganize production lines to enhance efficiencies because of artificial intelligence processing the massive amounts of data generated by IoT technology deeply integrated into the manufacturing process.
school
work Professional Master's Program
description Master of Engineering (MEng)
calendar_month 16-20 Months
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Smart Manufacturing at SFU
The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, will emerge from artificial intelligence (AI), automation, robotics, cyber-physical systems, the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), and other transformative technologies like digital twins. This digital transformation of manufacturing and production processes will provide exciting career opportunities for professionals in industries such as agriculture, automotive, food processing, pharmaceuticals, supply chain logistics, warehouse distribution, and more.
The future will require engineers to have an interdisciplinary skillset to develop advanced manufacturing technologies. SFU’s MEng in Smart Manufacturing and Systems (SMS) is Western Canada’s first program that will prepare professionals to become a global leader in developing engineering solutions for a smart manufacturing future. As a graduate from this professional master’s program, you will be industry-ready to join top manufacturing employers.
Is this program for you?
Are you a student in your final year of an engineering bachelor’s degree program in a Canadian university or college?
As you approach graduation from your undergraduate degree, you may be considering a graduate degree and career path that is industry-focused. This professional MEng degree provides the skills and knowledge to prepare you for a rewarding career as an industry professional.
Are you an international student/professional with at least a bachelor’s degree looking to join the Canadian workforce?
You may be considering options for upgrading your education and experience to support your immigration goals. This 16-20 month professional MEng degree puts you on a fast track to join the professional industry in North America by equipping you with the in-demand technical and English language skills, providing you opportunities to gain hands-on Canadian experience, and awarding you a degree from a university program that is recognized and supported by engineering associations.
Are you a practicing engineer with industry experience looking to prepare for the Industry 4.0 future?
You may be considering upgrading your skills and education to specialize in advanced manufacturing and digitization. This professional MEng degree provides you hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies that will put you ahead of your peers to support the demands of the smart manufacturing future.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulation 1.3 in the SFU calendar, and hold a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent in mechatronic engineering, computer science, or a related field.
The School’s Graduate Admissions Committee may recommend, at its discretion, admission to the Professional Master’s program to exceptional students without an undergraduate degree in mechatronic engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering or a related field. Students who do not meet the minimum university requirements may be recommended as conditional or qualifying students as per Graduate General Regulation (GGR) 1.3.8 or 1.3.9. For further information on conditional or qualifying admission requirements, please contact the Program Coordinator.
Digital Twin Engineers:
Create virtual representations of products and manufacturing processes; integrate these with the necessary digital elements (including software, data, and chips) into a single design to produce the highest-quality product; help to optimize its design, monitor its performance, predict its maintenance and improve the overall consumer experience.
Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Engineers:
Coordinate and manage smart manufacturing processes; maintain broad knowledge of product design, manufacturing and assembly techniques; develop and implement product quality standards; evaluate and improve manufacturing methods for maximum efficiency.
Industry IoT Solution Architects and System Developers:
Map the manufacturer's needs to system and technical requirements; produce the technical specifications, integrate different digital technologies and platforms such as remote operation centers, predictive maintenance, or assisted operations through augmented reality.
What is the anticipated completion time of the program?
Students will complete the program in four to five semesters (16 or 20 months). The duration depends on whether a student takes a four or eight-month internship during their study.
Where will this program be located?
The SMS program will be hosted at the SFU Surrey campus. Its close proximity to Surrey City Hall and the developing Industry 4.0 industry clusters within the South Fraser region will allow for enhanced collaboration in building a sector-specific graduate engineering program that leads the change in manufacturing and operations in British Columbia.
What is a Professional Master’s Program, and what are the benefits?
A professional graduate degree provides advanced training that prepares students for industry employment immediately after graduation. The industry internships in this program will provide our students with real world experience that will position them as an ideal candidate for top employers.
What industry challenge does this program address? What is the career outlook after graduation?
The SMS program will support the high-demand occupations in the technology sector. There is a growing demand for advanced manufacturing professionals in Canada and around the world. This leading-edge professional graduate degree program will help address the critical skill gaps and labour shortages that Canada is facing in the manufacturing sector. Graduates from the SMS program will be predestined to become leaders (engineering managers and entrepreneurs) in technology innovation shaping our future.
What is the program delivery method? Is this a course-based or thesis-based program?
This is a course-based program, that includes hands-on industry internships. Students will complete at least 30 units of graduate work divided into four sections:
- 12 units of specialized hands-on lab courses (Smart Factory I and II)
- 12 units of required core courses (Industry 4.0, Industrial Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, 3D Manufacturing, etc.)
- 3 units of electives (Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, etc.)
- 3 or 6 units for internship, typically working for at least four months with an industry partner in the advanced manufacturing sector anywhere in Canada
Does the SMS (MEng) program require supervision? Will I have to chose a Supervisor, like MSE's MASc and PhD programs?
Supervision is not required for the SMS program. This means students will not be working with a supervisor.
How does the SMS program compare to similar programs in B.C. or Canada?
SMS will be uniquely positioned as the only master’s level professional degree program for training in Industry 4.0 in Western Canada. In B.C., there are no MEng degrees offered in this area but several course-based MEng programs in other areas of specialization. While other advanced manufacturing and digital manufacturing programs are available in a few other Canadian universities, SMS is the first in Canada to focus specifically on Industry 4.0 topics such as smart factories, big data analytics, industrial IoT and digital twin technology as a complete package. The lab experiences in the SMS program are also unique and will provide hands-on experiences that qualify students to work in industry immediately after graduation. Likewise, SMS involves compulsory industry internships, which are valuable experiences that further prepare our students for their professional career after graduation.
What areas/sectors of employment will graduates be prepared for? What opportunities are there for further studies?
Graduates from the SMS program will be prepared for careers in areas related to Industry 4.0 such as digital manufacturing, IoT, robotics and automation, cyber-physical systems, predictive maintenance and big data analytics. Graduates can also pursue further studies (e.g., PhD, MBA) across a wide variety of interest areas including mechatronics, information technology, data science, manufacturing, and business administration and management.
What are some examples of new career opportunities that are specific to this degree?
Please see the Careers section above.