CSU launches three industry-based micro-credentials in Smart Manufacturing

CLEVELAND (March 24, 2022) – Cleveland State University is set to launch three industry-based micro-credentials in smart manufacturing, meeting the needs of industries throughout the Northeast Ohio region and beyond. The micro-credentials program in smart manufacturing provides greater educational opportunities for a transitioning industry that drives Ohio’s economy.

“Northeast Ohio has a distinguished history of leadership in manufacturing the goods and materials that help drive our economy,” said Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D., CSU provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “CSU is proud to advance this important work through our new series of Smart Manufacturing micro-credentials.”

Students taking these micro-credential courses will understand the foundations of smart manufacturing, changing technologies, new operations processes, and leading the business with new technologies and data for better decision-making and stronger bottom-lines.

“I firmly believe that micro-credentials are the future of higher education, and their value to students and adult learners of all types will continue to increase as industry needs grow and evolve,” said Richard T. Schoephoerster, Ph.D., professor and dean of CSU’s Washkewicz College of Engineering. “These will provide individuals with the skills they need to drive the region’s manufacturing renewal.”

The micro-credentials are designed for multiple industry positions, including those in production, engineering and leadership. This milestone is a part of a larger plan by CSU to offer professional education that addresses the needs of an industry that has not been historically well served through higher education and is focused on addressing the workforce development needs of Ohio.

CSU will offer the following Smart Manufacturing micro-credentials as professional development to those working in manufacturing during the Industry 4.0 transition:

Smart Manufacturing- Building Professional Expertise in Industry 4.0: With this credential, learners will establish a foundational understanding of Smart Manufacturing. Intended for anyone in a manufacturing company seeking to understand how modern technologies are being applied to drive value for the business. This credential will define Smart Manufacturing, translated into operational business value.

Advanced Proficiency in Operational Process Improvement through Industry 4.0—Technology and Strategy: This credential illustrates the advances of Smart Manufacturing versus the old way of doing business; leveraging modern technologies, methodologies, and mindset to drive value in operations.

Advanced Leadership in Smart Manufacturing – Driving the Business with Industry 4.0 Solutions: This credential is made for the Smart Manufacturing leader who is responsible for business development, driving the bottom line, and ensuring a strong culture that can be adaptive and withstand the changes necessary to bring them into the future of Industry 4.0 in manufacturing.

Pre-enrollment is now open for Smart Manufacturing-Building Professional Expertise in Industry 4.0. The program is online; a hybrid between self-paced and expert-led discussion.

For more information, visit Focused EduSolutions' CSU partnership portal.

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About Cleveland State University

Founded in 1964, Cleveland State University is a public research institution that provides a dynamic setting for Engaged Learning. With nearly 16,000 students, ten colleges and schools and more than 175 academic programs, CSU was again chosen for 2021 as one of America’s best universities by U.S. News & World Report, including the #1 public university in Ohio for social mobility. Find more information at www.csuohio.edu.