Mechanical design and manufacturing undergraduate certificate

The mechanical design and manufacturing undergraduate certificate is a 12-credit program to help you build specialized expertise, complement your degree and develop skills in emerging fields to enhance your career opportunities.

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

Once you complete the certificate, you will be able to apply engineering skills in mechanical design, manufacturing and related fields. You will design manufacturable products and components using modern manufacturing principles while considering performance, cost and real-world constraints. You will also develop the ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with clients, engineers and the public on topics related to product design, development, manufacturing processes and engineering applications. 

Program format 

The undergraduate certificate in mechanical design and manufacturing provides specialized knowledge and skills in product development, design and manufacturing engineering. The 12-credit program prepares you to apply engineering principles, modern manufacturing practices and design tools in industry settings or pursue future graduate study. Coursework focuses on topics such as machining, lean manufacturing, materials selection, computer-aided design, simulation and advanced design methods. All certificate courses must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Faculty expertise 

Work alongside faculty with expertise in:

• Mechanical design, product development and engineering design processes
• Advanced manufacturing methods, machining and production technologies
• Materials selection and performance for mechanical applications
• Modeling, simulation and optimization of components, systems and structures
• Computer-aided design (CAD) and digital engineering tools
• Design for manufacturability and real-world engineering applications

Connect with program faculty

As a student in the College of Engineering, you'll have access to more than 20 student clubs and organizations connected to national and international engineering societies — including opportunities to join competitive project teams. These groups offer hands-on experience, networking, and leadership development to help you grow personally and professionally.

If you're interested in aerospace or mechanical engineering, consider joining:

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Design, Build Fly Competition Club
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Robotics Club
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Vandal Motorsports (SAE-Baja Competition)

U of I’s certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships on their own. However, students enrolled in a bachelor's or associate degree program may apply their financial aid and scholarships toward a certificate if they are pursuing both simultaneously.

For more information or to explore funding options, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-6312.

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

Admission criteria for undergraduate certificates are the same as those for U of I undergraduate degree programs. View our admission requirements to learn more. 

Undergraduate certificate application process  

Students interested in adding a certificate to their bachelor’s or associate degree program should speak with their academic advisor.  

Students interested in earning an undergraduate certificate as a standalone program should contact the Admissions Office at 208-885-6326 for information on how to apply.