Ferris Course Catalog

Locate a Course
Find a Degree
Learn about a Program
Follow a Career Path

Rubber Technology RUBT

Degree Type: Associate in Applied Science

Career Path: Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology

Required Courses		Credit Hours
General Education
COMM 121	Fundamentals of Public Speaking	3
ENGL 150	English 1	3
ENGL 250	English 2	3
MATH 116	Intermediate Algebra & Num Trig	4
MATH 126	Algebra & Analytic Trigonometry	4
Electives:	Cultural Enrichment	3
	Social Awareness	3
Major
CHEM 121	General Chemistry 1 *Z	5
CHEM 211	Fund Organic/Polymer Chemistry *Z	4
EEET 201	Electrical Fundamentals	3
ETEC 140	Engineering Graphics, Comprehensive	3
MECH 250	Fluid Power With Controls	2
MFGT 150	Manufacturing Processes	2
MGMT 305	Supervision & Leadership	3
PHYS 211	Introductory Physics	4
RUBR 110	Intro to Rubber Technology	3
RUBR 121	Rubber Processing I	3
RUBR 193	Rubber Tech Internship*W	4
RUBR 211	Rubber Processing 2	4
RUBR 212	Rubber Tool Design & Const	2
RUBR 223	Rubber Measure & Testing	4
Minimum credit hours required for A.A.S. degree:		68

Why Choose Rubber Technology?

The Rubber Technology program at Ferris was started in 1998 based on an urgent need in the rubber industry for technically trained personnel. It is the only Rubber Technology associate degree program in the United States, so many companies are competing for graduates of the program. Approximately one million people across the country work in the rubber industry, making it one of our largest employers.

This innovative program provides students with a background that includes topics such as the mixing and testing of rubber compounds, the processing of rubber compounds into finished products that meet customer requirements, product and mold design, and materials selection and properties. Classes emphasize hands-on learning, using the same type of equipment that is currently used in industry.

Many A.A.S. graduates continue their education at Ferris and receive their B.S. degree in Rubber Engineering Technology in two additional years.

Partnership with Industry

The rubber industry, working with the State of Michigan, generated more than $7,000,000 to create the National Elastomer Center, a building on campus with state-of-the-art laboratories and classrooms. Many companies actively support us by donating equipment and materials, making on-campus presentations and sponsoring field trips to their facilities.

Students also serve a paid internship in industry for a minimum of ten weeks, gaining valuable firsthand experience before graduation. Some out-of-state companies even pay room and board in addition to salary to attract our interns. The internship helps students decide what type of position they would most enjoy after graduation.

Prepare for a Great Career

After completing the program, students are immediately employable by the rubber industry. One hundred percent placement is expected in the foreseeable future. A.A.S. graduates usually start in first-level salaried positions such as manufacturing technician, laboratory technician, foreman or supervisor, at salaries of approximately $35,000 per year. B.S. graduates with ten years of experience can make $70,000 per year or more.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the College of Technology is open to high school graduates who demonstrate academic preparedness, maturity and seriousness of purpose with backgrounds appropriate to their chosen program of studies. Among first-time students in our technical programs, the average high school GPA is 2.8, and the average ACT composite score is 20.

Students entering the Rubber Technology program must have a high school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a minimum ACT score of 17 and a minimum ACT math subscore of 19 or equivalent.

Graduation Requirements

The Rubber Technology program at Ferris leads to an associate in applied science degree. Graduation requires minimum 2.0 GPA in core classes, in the major and overall. Students must complete all general education requirements as outlined on the General Education website.

More Information

National Elastomer Center
Ferris State University
919 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2277
Phone: 231-591-2640