Build Your Future Engineering Technology at Columbus State
Powerful microchips. Electric cars. Life-saving medicines. Central Ohio is a hub for companies making cutting-edge products.
Intel, Honda, AMGEN, Andelyn Biosciences, Forge Biologics and others need to fill thousands of new jobs over the coming years. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity with a degree or certificate in engineering technology from Columbus State. You'll learn practical, hands-on engineering skills to keep operations running smoothly.
If you enjoy solving problems, being part of a team, and working with technology, a career in high-tech manufacturing could be a great fit for you. Let us help you find your next career!
1,700+
Manufacturing Companies in Central Ohio
90,000
Central Ohio employed workers
$50-70k
Average pay for manufacturing techs
Information Sessions
High-growth Manufacturing Industries in Ohio
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Intel is bringing semiconductor or “chip” manufacturing to Ohio with the construction of a $20 billion factory complex in central Ohio. With it comes the promise of thousands of good-paying jobs with benefits, career growth, and work-life balance.
Biomanufacturing
Biomanufacturing uses biotechnology to manufacture consumer and industrial products on a large scale. In Central Ohio, cutting-edge companies like Andelyn Bioscience, AMGEN, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and Forge Biologics make and package life-saving medicines and gene therapies. These employers are partnering with Columbus State to prepare and hire new talent.
Food and Beverage Processing
Did you know that transforming raw ingredients into ready-to-eat foods is also manufacturing? Food manufacturing spans everything from cereals and frozen foods to nutrition supplements and pet food. In Central Ohio, major food and beverage manufacturers include Kahiki Foods, Abbott Nutrition, Brew Dog and Anheuser-Busch.
Chemical and Plastics Manufacturing
Chemical and plastics manufacturing supplies us with consumer goods like soaps, cosmetics, fertilizers, paints, product packaging and more. In our region, major employers include Bath & Body Works, Sherwin-Williams, Plaskolite, and Greif.
Auto Manufacturing
Car and auto parts manufacturing remains one of the top manufacturing industries in the state, with major players like Honda, LG Energy Solutions, TS Tech Americas, and Kenworth located in Central Ohio. Innovation in electric vehicles and battery technology will become increasingly important.
Infrastructure and Building Materials
Companies such as Worthington Industries, Ariel Corporation, and Vertiv make supplies and products vital to our infrastructure. They supply the building blocks for building construction, data centers, natural gas extraction and much more.
Why Build a Career in Manufacturing?
Work Environment
Modern factories are masters of innovation. They use the latest technology to continuously improve quality, safety and sustainability. Employees work in clean, high-tech environments to manufacture everything from microchips to auto parts to medicine and medical devices.
Skills and Interests
If you like understanding how things are made, how they work, troubleshooting, working with others to solve problems, and learning about new technology, you’ll find a rewarding career path in manufacturing. Manufacturing careers also require the ability to follow specific directions and maintain high standards of quality control.
Good Pay and Benefits
A degree in engineering technology prepares you to work as a manufacturing technician in a wide range of fields. Technicians can make $50,000-$70,000 per year, with benefits. Salaries vary depending on the industry and job, so research your area of interest to learn more.
Career Growth
Technician roles are often accessible with a short-term certificate or two-year degree, and many employers reimburse workers for continued education to progress to supervisory or engineering positions.
Find the Right Education and Training
Associate Degrees
Our two-year associate degrees provide a well-rounded skillset that qualifies you for immediate employment and advancement in your manufacturing career. You can use them to get a promotion or apply them toward a bachelor's degree. Need help choosing the right program? Request Information.
Electro-Mechanical Engineering AAS
The skills Electro-Mechanical Engineering technicians possess are used in virtually every industry, from manufacturing, to environmental control, to food and pharmaceutical production, to power plants. Semiconductor giant Intel has approved this degree as a prime education and training program for Intel careers. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Electronic Engineering AAS
Electronic engineering technologists are in demand in a variety of fields ranging from biomedicine to automated manufacturing. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Logistics Engineering Technology AAS
This degree teaches students to create efficient systems using new technology. It combines coursework from Supply Chain Management, Engineering, and Information Systems Technology. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Mechanical Engineering AAS
This program presents an inside look at the manufacturing process. Coursework includes an introduction to manufacturing technology, hydraulics, robotics, materials science, and computer aided drafting. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Systems Engineering AS
The Associate of Science degree in Systems Engineering is designed to satisfy the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in majors that require advanced math or science. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Modern Manufacturing Work Study
The MMWS program combines classroom and lab learning with the opportunity for a paid work-study position at a local industry partner. (Students enrolled in the above AAS programs are eligible to participate.) Learn More
For College Credit | Earn and Learn Program
Short-Term Training Programs
These programs train you for a well-paying job quickly – typically in just a few weeks – to help you upskill or get started in a new career. Some are offered for college credit, which means you can apply them toward an associate degree. Need help choosing a program? Request Information.
Semiconductor Fundamentals Certificate
Intel is bringing thousands of good jobs to the Columbus region. Columbus State, in partnership with community colleges across Ohio, developed a one-year certificate to prepare workers interested in Intel and other high-tech manufacturing careers. Participants will finish job-ready and gain transferable skills to work in a wide spectrum of manufacturing settings. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-semester Certificate
IST Training
The Integrated Systems Technology Lab offers competency-based technical training for manufacturing companies seeking to upskill their current employees. Learn More
Short-Term Training Program | 10 - 50 Hours
Manufacturing Engineering Technician Certificate
The Manufacturing Engineering Technician certificate prepares students to work in manufacturing settings in only two semesters. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Manufacturing Equipment Technician Certificate
The Manufacturing Engineering Technician certificate prepares students to work in manufacturing settings in only two semesters. Learn More
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Biotech Boot Camp
Prepare to work as biomanufacturing production technician and develop cleanroom skills that ensure drug safety. Learn More
Short-Term Training Program | 12 Weeks
Pharma Manufacturing Boot Camp
Learn about Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), a highly transferable skill set. Learn More
Short-Term Training Program | 3 Weeks