Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Engineering

Graduate Certificate
manufacturing engineering wpi student observes a machine

Engineer the Future of Smart Manufacturing

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way modern manufacturing operates, from smart factories to real-time process optimization. WPI’s Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Engineering helps you build the skills to apply AI and digital technologies directly to manufacturing systems, whether you choose to study on campus or online. 

Through our project-based approach, you’ll learn to integrate intelligent systems, analyze complex data, and improve production processes. Whether you’re looking to expand your technical knowledge or lead digital transformation initiatives, this certificate prepares you to use AI in practical, high-impact ways across manufacturing environments.

Preview manufacturing engineering student at wpi making machine parts
Program Highlights
  • Build skills at the intersection of AI and manufacturing 
  • Apply AI to real-world challenges like process monitoring, robotics, and production systems 
  • Use data to make smarter decisions in modern manufacturing environments 
  • Learn through WPI’s hands-on, project-based approach 
  • Work with renowned faculty advancing manufacturing and intelligent systems 
  • Get a head start on a master’s degree in manufacturing engineering or related field by applying certificate credits
#5

Best Colleges in Massachusetts for Salary Potential

PayScale (2024)
#18

Best Graduate Online Engineering Program

U.S. News & World Report (2026)
#18

For 40-Year Long-Term Return on Investment (ROI)

U.S. News & World Report (2025)

Admissions Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in AI in Manufacturing

Admission requirements follow standard WPI graduate certificate admission policies. Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of a four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a closely related field. Relevant professional experience may be considered. 

Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Engineering requires completion of four graduate-level courses totaling a minimum of 9 credits. 

Required Core Courses (4 credits): 

  • Computer-Integrated Manufacturing 
  • Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing 

Electives (minimum 5 credits, choose two): 

  • Control and Monitoring of Manufacturing Processes 
  • Applications of Industrial Robotics 
  • Axiomatic Design of Manufacturing Processes 
  • Surface Metrology 
  • Independent Study (with approval) 
  • Other AI-related graduate courses (with approval) 

Students gain practical experience applying AI tools and methods to manufacturing systems, preparing them to evaluate processes, improve efficiency, and implement intelligent solutions in real-world settings. 

Jianyu Liang
Jianyu Liang
Professor Liang’s research explores the physics of interfaces between the nanometer and micron scales. Her team responds to the challenging interdisciplinary nature of their research endeavor through successful collaboration with colleagues with expertise in metrology, physics, b [...]
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Christopher Brown
Christopher Brown
Professor Brown teaches grad courses on axiomatic design and on surface metrology, and undergraduate courses on manufacturing and on the technology of alpine skiing. He also consults and teaches courses for industry on axiomatic design and on surface metrology. A WPI faculty memb [...]
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Thomas Christiansen
Thomas Christiansen
Professor Christiansen works with microstructure optimization and surface engineering of metallic materials for improving materials properties and performance. He is the director of the Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE), which is a member-driven industrial center anchore [...]
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Robert Hyers
Robert Hyers
George I. Alden Professor and Head, Mechanical & Materials Engineering
Professor Hyers works at the interface between computers and the physical world. His most recent applications are in high-temperature materials and high-temperature materials processing systems. His recent projects include model-based experiments on the Space Station including ma [...]
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Sharon Johnson
Sharon Johnson
I enjoy teaching at WPI because students bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to their learning; I am also inspired by their optimism. My teaching also reflects topics that motivate me:  detailed process design in our Industrial Engineering program, exploring the implications of [...]
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Makhlouf Makhlouf
Makhlouf Makhlouf
Makhlouf M. Makhlouf is professor of Mechanical & Materials Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He was Director of the Advanced Casting Research Center (ACRC) between 1992 and 2015. ACRC is a collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors focusing [...]
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Brajendra Mishra
Brajendra Mishra
Kenneth G. Merriam Distinguished Professor & Director, MPI, Mechanical & Materials Engineering
  Brajendra Mishra’s research focuses on sustainable stewardship of earth’s resources by developing technologies to advance commercially viable metals/materials processing. He is involved in the design and development of industry-oriented methods for energy and materials sustaina [...]
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Diane Strong
Diane Strong
Professor & Department Head, The Business School
WPI provides an environment that values both teaching and research, which is ideal for me. I enjoy teaching at WPI because students are interested in learning and willing to work hard. My teaching focuses on how business, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations can best use compu [...]
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Walter Towner
Walter Towner
Teaching Professor, The Business School
I am interested in manufacturing and industrial engineering. My main interests lie at the intersection of manufacturing processes and the financial aspect of the business that relates to these processes. I see my mission as enabling students to become leaders in a business enviro [...]
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Bengisu Tulu
Bengisu Tulu
I enjoy teaching because it allows me to interact with students who have the potential to make the world a better place using technology. I continually innovate in my courses to ensure students enjoy the learning experience, learn the key concepts and skills related to informatio [...]
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Yan Wang
Yan Wang
I am William Smith Foundation Dean’s Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Since joining WPI, I have been very active in research. Currently, my lab focuses on the study of new electrodes and materials for energy storage, including lithium ion ba [...]
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