Manufacturing for Students

Build a competitive career advantage through education

A highly trained and educated workforce is critical to manufacturers’ capacity for innovation and business success. In response to this need, The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) and University of Phoenix have partnered together to provide an educational pathway geared to professional success. The University offers various degree and non-degree programs that teach the competencies and skills defined by the manufacturing industry as important for success in manufacturing careers, so you may attain the knowledge and skills that are most in demand in the American modern manufacturing industry.

"Manufacturing in this country continues to evolve," says Emily DeRocco, President of The Manufacturing Institute. "Jobs in manufacturing continue to require higher and higher levels of education and skills because technology is changing every facet of manufacturing operations. The person-based, low-skilled production line of the past has now become an integrated system of technology that requires a whole different set of learning and skills."

Degree Programs
Degree Programs

Higher education in manufacturing is integral to a career in today's manufacturing industry. University of Phoenix offers a multitude of degree programs that are relevant to the various lines of business within a manufacturing organization. Whether you are on the manufacturing floor, in sales and marketing, IT, or human resources, the University’s learning goals and array of programs teach the core competencies that leading U.S. manufacturers require in order to compete and prosper in a global economy.
Launched in 2011, the University’s Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in Manufacturing is an innovative degree program developed with The Manufacturing Institute.
The Bachelor of Science in Management with a Concentration in Manufacturing Sector

The Bachelor of Science in Management with a Concentration in Manufacturing Sector

The Bachelor of Science in Management with a Concentration in Manufacturing Sector (where program is available) provides students with skills that are vital to growth and innovation, which in turn will help U.S. manufacturing companies lead the renewal and future expansion of U.S. manufacturing.

The Manufacturing Sector concentration focuses on strategic performance improvement of all business planning, global sourcing and procurement, production, and logistical activities that make up an organization’s operations and supply chain. The program highlights the important role that operations and supply chain play in satisfying customer demands and expectations. The program also emphasizes a company’s need to develop and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage through the efficient and effective performance of all operations. The program provides the most current content in the manufacturing field as outlined by various specialized manufacturing and supply chain organizations and experts. In addition to courses in the BSB foundation and courses specific to manufacturing, the degree concentration has coursework that stresses key business related knowledge and skill development in the areas of computers and information processing, business law, macro-economics, financial analysis, and marketing.

Bachelor's Degree with a Concentration in Integrated Supply Chain and Operations Management

Bachelor's Degree with a Concentration in Integrated Supply Chain and Operations Management

Bachelor's Degree with a Concentration in Integrated Supply Chain and Operations Management (where program is available) provides students with skills in strategic performance improvement of all business planning, global sourcing and procurement, production and logistical activities that make up an organization’s supply chain.
Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning Assessment

If you're enrolled at University of Phoenix, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process that may save you time and money in completing your undergraduate degree program. It determines if anything you've accomplished outside of the traditional university setting qualifies for college credit.

Additionally, University of Phoenix is currently working with Institute-endorsed certification organizations and community colleges to create CRGs to help you track your professional development accomplishments. Incoming students who have taken prior Institute-endorsed certifications and trainings, as well as completed community college courses may qualify for college credit toward their degree at University of Phoenix. With PLA, students may be eligible to receive additional credits toward their associate's degree or bachelor's degree*.

Learn more about PLA by viewing a tutorial or participating in a seminar.

*Certain states limit cumulative degree program credits awarded through Prior Learning Assessment. For details, please see the University of Phoenix Catalog.
The NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System
The NAM-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System

The Manufacturing Institute created the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)-Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System to directly address manufacturers’ needs to access talented individuals with a high-quality education and advanced skills. By connecting this Skills Certification System with University of Phoenix degree programs, together the Institute and the University are providing manufacturing workers and students with the opportunity to earn a degree while developing their skills. We offer students a clear path for career development and beyond through an education in manufacturing.

The Institute and the University also partner with community colleges, as a way to help define students’ educational pathways linked to their professional attainment goals.

The following Credit Recognition Guides (CRGs) provide a list of certifications and courses already evaluated for college-level credit equivalency. Please note that not all certification or community college course is pre-evaluated or included. You may also submit other certification, community college and/or corporate training for potential credit.
Institute-Partner Certifications CRG

Institute-Partner Certifications CRG

Institute-Partner Certification Organizations
(Document includes NIMS, SME, AWS, and MSSC courses.)

Institute-Partner Community Colleges CRGs

Institute-Partner Community Colleges CRGs

Forsyth Technical Community College (North Carolina)

Lorain County Community College (Ohio)

Alamo Colleges (Texas)

Shoreline Community College (Washington)