Arizona’s advanced manufacturing sector is growing rapidly, creating demand for a workforce that can keep pace.
Industry leaders consistently rank employee shortages among their top concerns. Manufacturers are estimated to need up to 3.8 million additional workers between 2024 and 2033, yet attracting and retaining qualified talent remains a challenge. Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte projections suggest that as many as 1.9 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2033 if workforce and skills gaps are not addressed.
To help meet these needs and create new pathways for talent, Arizona State University is launching a Bachelor of Applied Science in manufacturing systems. The degree, offered through the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU, will be based at ASU’s Polytechnic campus and welcome its first cohort in fall 2026.
Unlike traditional engineering degree programs, the Bachelor of Applied Science in manufacturing systems is designed specifically for students with applied training who want to continue their education while building on workforce-focused experience.
“Arizona’s advanced manufacturing sector is creating opportunities for technical talent,” says Binil Starly, school director and professor in the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks. “This degree was designed to help community college graduates build on their hands-on expertise and advance into factory leadership roles that support the semiconductor, aerospace and defense manufacturing sectors.”
Creating opportunities for transfer students
The new degree creates a pathway for students who have developed technical expertise through community college programs and are ready to build on that foundation.
Through a 2+2 pathway, students can transfer up to 60 credits from eligible Arizona community colleges, including the Maricopa County and Pima County systems, and complete their degree at ASU.
“Community colleges play a vital role in developing Arizona’s manufacturing workforce,” Starly says. “Our goal is to create a seamless structure that recognizes the value of career-focused education while creating opportunities for students to continue their studies.”
The program serves learners at every stage of their professional journey, from recent community college graduates preparing to enter the workforce to experienced manufacturing professionals seeking to expand their expertise and advance within industrial settings.
“Many talented technicians and technologists reach a point in their careers where they want to take on greater responsibility but need a bachelor’s degree to advance,” says Farhad Ameri, an associate professor in the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks.
The program allows workers to leverage their applied experience while gaining the knowledge and skills needed for operations, systems integration and manufacturing leadership roles.
Supporting career mobility
For many manufacturing professionals, career growth means moving beyond a single machine, process or production area and developing a broader understanding of how an operation functions as a whole.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in manufacturing systems is designed to support that progression. Graduates will be prepared for roles like manufacturing specialist, production supervisor, industrial automation specialist and facilities manager, as well as positions focused on operations, quality and process improvement.
To prepare students for those responsibilities, coursework examines how manufacturing technologies, factory systems, maintenance operations and production management intersect across a facility. Students develop an understanding of how decisions in one area can influence performance, efficiency and outcomes throughout an operation.
They also explore automation, robotics, smart manufacturing and industrial data analytics, applying those concepts to challenges commonly encountered in manufacturing settings. Coursework may involve examining the causes of recurring quality issues, evaluating the effects of equipment downtime or identifying opportunities to improve operational performance.
The resulting skill set is applicable across industries ranging from microelectronics and medical device manufacturing to aerospace.
Strengthening Arizona’s manufacturing future
Arizona’s growth in advanced manufacturing is reshaping the skills employers need from their technical workforce.
“Modern manufacturing facilities need professionals who can bridge the gap between hands-on technical work and systems-level decision-making,” Ameri says. “These graduates will be prepared to lead operations, improve processes and support the advanced technologies that drive today’s factories.”
As Arizona continues to attract investment in microelectronics, aerospace and defense manufacturing, demand for highly skilled talent is expected to grow. Employers increasingly need professionals who can manage complex production environments while supporting advanced technologies and equipment.
The Bachelor of Applied Science in manufacturing systems is an important addition to Arizona’s higher education landscape, helping expand pathways for working professionals and strengthen the state’s talent pipeline.
