Manufacturing Operations Management

Why Manufacturing Operations Management?

Manufacturing leaders keep production running smoothly, people working safely, and quality at its highest. In this program, you’ll learn to manage teams, improve efficiency, and apply problem-solving and leadership skills in real manufacturing environments. Designed for current manufacturing professionals or those seeking to advance into management, it provides the essential tools to lead with confidence.

At Mid-State, you’ll benefit from strong industry partnerships and flexible scheduling that fits your work and life. With a mix of online and in-person courses, you’ll gain both business management and technical knowledge to prepare for leadership roles in today’s modern manufacturing operations.

Bridge the gap between production and management through applied leadership training.
Learn to lead teams, solve problems, and coordinate operations in manufacturing settings.
Develop skills in communication, organization, and creative problem-solving.
Train in a flexible format that combines online learning with select in-person courses.
Gain insight from instructors connected to Wisconsin’s manufacturing industry.
Advance your career with the leadership skills employers value most.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

61 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

Online, Hybrid

Location

AMETA^® Center, Wisconsin Rapids

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$10,959.10

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Manufacturing Supervisor

Production Manager

Production Supervisor

Project Manager

Quality Assurance Supervisor

$103k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $102,606. Source: Lightcast Data Set

694

Average Monthly Hires

694 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

100%

Mid-State Graduate Satisfaction Rate

Students leave proud, prepared, and confident in what comes next. Source: Mid-State Graduate Survey Results

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (61 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10196189	Team Building & Problem-Solving	No	3
10623126 or 10196191	Manufacturing Supervision or Supervision	No or Yes 3
10462107	Industrial Safety	Yes	2
10623114	Intro to Inventor	Yes	1
10801136	English Composition 1	Yes	3
10804107 or 10804189	College Mathematics or Introductory Statistics	Yes	3
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10102110	Employment Law	No	3
10623124 or 10102121	Budgets & Economic Impact for Manufacturing or Finance and Budgeting	No or Yes	3
10103123	Excel-Beginning	Yes	1
10623112	Manufacturing Practices	No	2
10801198 or 10801196	Speech or Oral/Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3
10809166	Introduction to Ethics: Theory & Application	Yes	3

Term 3: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10196190	Leadership Development	Yes	3
10196193	Human Resource Management	No	3
10605117	Automation 1 - Beginning PLC	Yes	3
10623169 or 10623168	Manufacturing Operations Management Internship or Manufacturing Operations Capstone	No	3
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3

Term 4: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10196192	Managing for Quality	No	3
10196188	Project Management	No	3
10623171	Lean Six Sigma	No	3
10623177	Manufacturing Leadership	No	3
10809172	Introduction to Diversity Studies	Yes	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Alison Graf, BS
Alison earned her BS degree in paper science from UW–Stevens Point and holds Six Sigma Black Belt certification. She started teaching at Mid-State Technical College in 2021 after 18 years of experience in paper manufacturing as a process engineer and supervisor in raw materials. Her ongoing work in manufacturing includes continuous improvement projects, capital projects, safety improvements, and mentoring college intern students.

“By mentoring, coaching, and inspiring future leaders in manufacturing, I hope to have a lasting impact on safety, leadership, and process improvement in many industries.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Organize resources to achieve the goals of the organization.
Direct individuals and/or processes to meet organizational goals.
Implement safe work practices.
Design, implement, and evaluate industrial processes.
Apply leadership skills and tools to facilitate problem solving.
Develop and maintain a continuous improvement environment.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad
“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

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Mid-State Grad