Tri-C's First Bachelor's Degree Supports Region's Manufacturing Economy
Community Leader Magazine highlights new program's goals
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) achieved a historic milestone this fall with the launch of the College's first bachelor's degree, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Digital Manufacturing Engineering Technology (IDMET).
The new program will equip students with the skills needed for the future of manufacturing — particularly in the field of "smart manufacturing," which emphasizes improving productivity, safety, efficiency and quality through automation and advanced technologies.
"Integrated digital manufacturing, or 'smart manufacturing,' is the future. It is designed to keep companies and the communities they are in moving forward into the 21st century," Ray Nejadfard, the dean of Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Tri-C, said in an interview with Community Leader Magazine.
The program combines expertise in automated systems, engineering, industrial information technology and cybersecurity to address the growing demand for skilled workers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0).
With over 14,000 manufacturing companies statewide and more than 6,000 in Northeast Ohio, the region faces a shortage of qualified professionals to implement modern manufacturing technologies. Tri-C aims to fill this gap by offering students a broad, interdisciplinary education that will prepare them for roles in the growing field while also addressing challenges such as cybersecurity and cloud security in manufacturing environments.
The creation of the IDMET program began in 2019 with input from more than 30 regional companies, including industry giants like Lincoln Electric, General Motors and Ford. The program was designed not only to help students secure well-paying jobs but also to support Ohio's manufacturing economy.
Currently, 11 students are enrolled, with a target of 35. Tri-C offers flexible in-person and online classes to accommodate working students and provides financial assistance to qualified individuals.
November 20, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Moujaes, 216-987-3068 or anthony.moujaes@tri-c.edu