Discussing higher education in manufacturing often brings up careers in engineering or business. However, it tends to leave out manufacturing professionals themselves furthering their educations. Still, the industry increasingly requires laborers with enhanced skills and a workforce more educated than ever before. As company needs evolve, the value of knowledgeable manufacturers will likely continue to increase as well. In today’s landscape, how can manufacturing professionals grow their educations with the changing industry?
Advanced degrees
Many universities offer a variety of advanced educational opportunities in manufacturing. These programs help manufacturers meet the growing demand for employees with higher levels of education. Working toward a master’s degree in manufacturing can also allow students to expand their industry knowledge and professional networks as well.
Even for manufacturers with the necessary prerequisites, however, finding the right master’s program can be difficult. It can be tough to know where to begin and what the programs will require. However, once they learn about the available educational opportunities and learning tracks, the possibilities are nearly endless. Manufacturers interested in advancing their educations can use online tools to research institutions and programs to meet their objectives. Many graduate departments also staff directors. These professionals can offer prospective students help in selecting and applying to programs.
Available opportunities
Universities offer master’s degrees in disciplines such as manufacturing leadership and lean manufacturing. These programs often offer varied learning structures. For example, the Master of Manufacturing Management (MMM) at Penn State Erie requires 32 credit hours of coursework over a flexible one- or two-year timeline. In another example, the University of Connecticut and Georgia Institute of Technology partnered up to offer manufacturing master’s degrees. These include science and engineering opportunities for students looking to enhance their energy-related manufacturing knowledge. Students select their tracks in “advanced materials, processing, or sensing and controls” and complete internships with manufacturers.
Manufacturing programs also tend to allow students to choose from a variety of ways to complete degree requirements. The traditional classroom setting is a possibility for those who choose it. Many also offer online classes, which enable working students to continue their educations on their own time. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) now offers an online curriculum. It prepares students for the Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing and Design program. In addition, the University of Michigan allows students to achieve both a Master of Engineering in Manufacturing (MEM) and Master of Business Administration through a dual-degree program.
With master’s degrees like these, graduates can achieve higher-paying positions within the manufacturing industry. Senior opportunities include those in management, administration, and advanced technology. Having a master’s degree in manufacturing can also enable higher-level industry involvement. This can give grads new ways to approach the problems many manufacturers face. Through education, manufacturers gain more opportunities to become even more integral parts of this ever-changing industry.