Oakland University pioneers the future of industry with new master’s program in smart manufacturing

Scheduled to launch in the fall of 2025, the Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing is Oakland University’s new program designed to address the quickly evolving needs of the manufacturing industry. As digitalization and automation become central to production systems, this new degree aims to prepare engineers for a future defined by smart technologies and data-driven decision-making. 

“Launch of this program is a direct response to both industry demands and government initiatives. Nationally, smart manufacturing is a strategic priority. The federal government has highlighted it as a core objective in its National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, and funding agencies are directing significant resources toward training and workforce development in this area,” shared Vijitashwa Pandey, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in the School of Engineering and Computer Science, where the program will be housed. 

Located in Southeast Michigan, Oakland University is in a prime position to take the lead. The university is surrounded by some of the world’s largest and most advanced manufacturing companies who have voiced strong support for the program, noting the growing need for engineers trained in smart manufacturing.

“We tend to rely on collaboration with universities in other countries to build our global talent. Having this expertise more readily available in the U.S. would enable us to be much quicker to innovate,” said Greg Collier, head of production-Americas at ZF Group, underscoring the importance of the initiative.

The program curriculum is designed to balance theoretical rigor with practical application. Students will complete 32 credit hours in total, starting with foundational theory courses and required courses that cover manufacturing foundations, system modeling and analysis and broader concepts such as supply chain dynamics and systems engineering. Students then will have an opportunity to choose one of the four depth areas: digital twins, AR/VR applications, artificial intelligence in manufacturing or collaborative robots. Each depth area includes both a core and a supplementary course.

To provide additional flexibility, students can take elective courses from across the School of Engineering and Computer Science. They may also opt for a thesis track to engage deeply in research under faculty supervision. 

The program is expected to attract a diverse range of students. These include recent graduates from OU and other institutions, professionals seeking to update their skills and international students with technical backgrounds. Although the program’s primary mode of delivery is face-to-face, about 75 percent of the courses will also be available online, making it accessible to working professionals, as well as full-time students.

The Master of Science in Smart Manufacturing graduates will be prepared for a wide range of high-paying, high-growth roles across sectors. Common job titles often include smart manufacturing engineer, digital transformation specialist, industrial engineer – smart systems, cyber-physical systems engineer, and automation and robotics engineer. According to employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast, more than 150,000 unique job postings fall within this sector, with median salaries well over $100,000 and projected growth that outpaces national averages.

The new program aligns closely with OU’s mission of using education and research to make a positive impact in Michigan and beyond. Through this initiative, Oakland University is taking a meaningful step toward shaping the future of advanced manufacturing education. 

For more information about the program and to apply, visit https://www.oakland.edu/secs/masters-of-science-programs/smart-manufacturing/.