Undergraduate Certificate in Principles of Manufacturing
The Undergraduate Certificate in Principles of Manufacturing empowers you with the basic competencies, skills, and experience needed to advance your career in the manufacturing industry. Ideal for working professionals with limited college experience, the program is 100% online with flexible coursework.
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Overview
Northeastern’s Certificate in Principles of Manufacturing provides students with a fundamental understanding of manufacturing systems that prepares them for success in entry-level positions in the manufacturing industry.
Through targeted coursework, this undergraduate certificate program will introduce you to various aspects of the manufacturing processes, including the basic engineering drafting and design skills to understand the computer-aided drafting (CAD) workspace.
With courses completely online, you can maximize engagement and virtual networking opportunities across the globe, while being exposed to career paths in real time and gain first-hand knowledge of the potential job opportunities available.
This certificate is designed for those currently working in the manufacturing industry who have little or no college-level coursework or credentials and who are seeking to advance their career.
The credits from this certificate can easily be stacked into the Bachelor of Science in Advanced Manufacturing program and will fulfill most of the foundational course requirements for the bachelor’s degree program.
Program objectives
- Gain a broad understanding of manufacturing support systems including product design, manufacturing planning, manufacturing control, and business functions.
- Select and apply the appropriate manufacturing processes for a product given its design specifications and material properties.
- Obtain the basic engineering drafting and introductory design skills needed to function in a computer-aided drafting (CAD) environment.
- Understand the scientific and technical foundations of manufacturing principles, including policy decisions and safety regulations.
Unique Features
- Courses are 100% online and offered on a regular schedule allowing full-time students to complete the certificate in as little as two terms
- Designed to meet the needs of people currently working in the manufacturing industry who have little or no college-level coursework or credentials completed
- Learn from faculty experts who have extensive real-world manufacturing experience.
Check out your career prospects
Popular Jobs
| Job Title | Growth Rate | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Logistics and Supply Chain Manager | 0% | $109,669K |
| Maintenance Engineer | 0% | $72,820K |
| Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) Machinist Programmer | 0% | $53,820K |
| Electromechanical Technician | 0% | $59,500K |
- Electrical & Mechanical Maintenance Technicians
Engineering / R&D
Logistics & Supply Chain
Production & Assembly
Quality Assurance / Control
Sales
Program Curriculum
For details on required courses, concentrations, and electives, please consult the current academic catalog.
Follow Our Leaders
“Our program focuses on the development of essential skill sets related to new technologies and manufacturing operations.” - Prof. Krassi Marchev, Northeastern University College of Professional Studies
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Darin Detwiler
Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., brings many years of military, writing, policy, and instructional experienceFull bio -
Kristen Lee
Behavioral Science educator, clinician, author, comedian, and activist devoted to leveraging human potential, particularly for marginalized and underserved populations.Full bio -
Corliss Thompson
Corliss Thompson, Ph.D., teaching professor, has taught research methods, research design, and social justice courses in the Graduate School of Education since 2013.Full bio -
Xiaomu Zhou
Xiaomu Zhou is a lead faculty member in the Master of Professional Studies in Informatics program, College of Professional Studies, Northeastern University.Full bio
Cost and Tuition
Cost Per Credit
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
The deadlines below are recommended; however, admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and applications submitted after these deadlines will still be considered for the upcoming term.
The domestic deadlines below allow time for those transferring credits. More details.
Domestic Application Deadlines
International Application Deadlines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Did you know?
Graduates of the Certificate in Principles of Manufacturing program can take advantage of the high demand within manufacturing by gaining the competencies they need to begin entry-level careers, including:
- Electrical & Mechanical Maintenance Technicians
- Engineering / R&D
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Production & Assembly
- Quality Assurance / Control
- Sales
Related Programs
Admissions
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727
