UC Clermont offers summer computer-aided manufacturing certificate

Both current manufacturing engineering students and professionals employed in the field are eligible for the certificate, which can be earned through completion of four courses. UC’s summer semester begins May 9.

While certificate coursework is primarily online, it does include hands-on experience with machines in the college’s state-of-the-art computer numerical control lab, located at Grant Career Center in Bethel, Ohio.

Computer aided manufacturing (CAM) is the technology used to prepare programs to be executed on computer numerical control (CNC) equipment. CNC machines are the industrial equipment used to produce components used in manufacturing. CAM is the bridge between computer-aided design and CNC machines. CAM operators import 3D models, establish machining parameters, generate tool paths and produce final CNC programs used to machine components in industrial settings.

“CAM operators, CNC programmers and CNC operators are highly sought after within the manufacturing industry in our area and nationwide,” said Chris Goodman, associate professor of manufacturing engineering technology at UC Clermont. The average starting salary in the field is $49,600.

The UC Clermont CAM certificate program is designed to provide students with prerequisite knowledge required for entering a career in computer aided manufacturing, CNC programming, and machining. Students will utilize CAM software and full-size CNC industrial equipment to gain this knowledge. The program includes two courses from the existing Manufacturing Engineering Technology associate degree offered by UC Clermont, and two new courses developed for the certificate program.

The certificate can be completed as a standalone training for a career in CAM or as a stackable credential for entry into the associate and bachelor’s degree programs in manufacturing engineering at UC Clermont. Total certificate cost of tuition and course materials for Ohio residents is approximately $3,500.  

The certificate is offered through the college’s Manufacturing Engineering Technology program, which prepares students for a variety of positions within the manufacturing sector. Students gain specialized education in manufacturing processes — lean manufacturing, project management, production management, computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) and robotics, computer-aided design (CAD) and problem solving.

For more information about the CAM certificate at UC Clermont, visit ucclermont.edu/cam or contact Chris Goodman at christopher.goodman@uc.edu or 513-558-5344. To enroll, contact UC Clermont admissions at clermont.admissions@uc.edu or 513-558-8316.  

Photo featured above: Student Hailey Sampson operates machinery in the UC Clermont manufacturing engineering lab, located at Grant Career Center in Bethel, Ohio. Photo/Danny Kidd.