Ivy Tech School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science
Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration
Where people and machine meet.
What You'll Learn
Ever wonder how manufacturers build so much product in a day? While companies used to rely solely on people and manpower to produce items, today's factories and manufacturing facilities also include the use of technology. From digital assembly lines with robots and automated systems to computers that can sense an issue in a product before it goes to a customer, the use of electronics and machinery has completely changed the way companies build and send products.
In the Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration program, students will learn how to:
Design, program and troubleshoot computers, PLC's, robots and other industrial software
Utilize electrical and mechanical troubleshooting and communication skills to diagnose, repair, test and return to service failed components
Describe the hazards associated with automated machines and determine appropriate safety methods for working around computer-controlled machinery
Career Options
Upon graduation, students from the Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration program go on to have careers as
Automation Integrators
Controls Technicians
Engineering Technologists
Automation Technicians
Robot Technicians
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
Long-Term Certificate
– known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Short-Term Certificate
– known as a Certificate (CT)
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
The Associate of Applied Science in Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration takes you from the classroom to the production floor in just five semesters. Students in this program have hands-on experience with automated systems including software and IT making them hirable the moment they receive their degree.
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration Technical Certificate (TC) is for students who are ready for an apprenticeship in manufacturing and automation.
Time to Complete
The Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration TC can be achieved in 3 semesters, or about one and a half years.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 31 credit hours:
Short-Term Certificate
known as a Certificate (CT)
The Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration Certificate (CT) is a stepping stone to long-term manufacturing education. With this certificate, you can build upon your current knowledge of manufacturing and use it to earn further credentials like a technical certificate or associate degree.
Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration is offered at 10 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
Is Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration Right for Me?
You enjoy working with computers and machines.
You like making things.
You work with your hands.
You are fascinated by robots and making things better.
Sound like You?
If you relate to any of these traits, smart manufacturing and digital integration may be just for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Prerequisite Courses for Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration
The Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration program does not require any prerequisites to apply to the program. Some courses students take early on in their time at Ivy Tech count as prerequisites to courses later in their journey, but your advisor will work with you to ensure all of your courses are taken in an order that satisfies all requirements as you pursue your credential.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least 4 weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration Courses
Descriptions of courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Class Formats
Due to the nature of the manufacturing profession and how much hands-on learning we incorporate into the curriculum, all Ivy Tech smart manufacturing and digital integration courses are taught in a traditional, in-person format.
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
The Manufacturing Production and Operations Program is a complete online degree designed to develop skills and knowledge of modern manufacturing processes. Manufacturing companies require skilled machine operators to produce high quality products. This program prepares students to become skilled production operators that can succeed in manufacturing environments. Students will be trained to understand the needs, processes, and activities used in today’s manufacturing environment.
Our Graduates
Students that complete the Manufacturing Production and Operations program will receive a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. It offers a great way to gain employment or advance in one of the most desirable industry sectors. Possible employers include Indiana Precision Technology, Mitchel and Scott, and Hostess. Career paths for graduates may include Assembler, Parts Inspector or Machine Setters.
Next Level Jobs
You may be eligible for a free certificate offered through this degree program. Learn more.
Transfer Partners
If you would like to continue your education after completing your Ivy Tech degree, we have several four-year transfer partnerships in place. Talk to your transfer advocate for more information about transfer opportunities!
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00am-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00pm-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5:00pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12:00pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
