SOUTHFIELD-Lawrence Technological University will begin offering a new doctoral degree, the Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing, with the first students enrolling in the Spring 2026 semester / January 2026.
The new degree will combine coursework from all five departments in the LTU College of Engineering as well as intensive, groundbreaking research to prepare students for a world in which digital manufacturing, automation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping industry.
"To keep factories and supply chains running smoothly while maintaining high quality standards, digital manufacturing solutions are essential for manufacturers and manufacturing service providers," said Ahad Ali, Ph.D., associate professor in LTU's A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Industrial Engineering, who will supervise the program. "By leveraging digital tools, enhancing performance, and optimizing systems, Industry 4.0 enables the scalable deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies for global competitiveness."
Ali also directs LTU's Bachelor and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering programs.
The Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing will be an interdisciplinary degree, drawing content from Ali's department, as well as LTU's Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Engineering Technology.
The all-online program is intended for working professionals around the world. Its students will have two advisors-one, an LTU faculty member who will provide expertise in advanced manufacturing engineering principles, and an industry advisor, who will offer practical insights and real-world experience.
The program, hosted within the College of Engineering at LTU, will consist of 15 credit hours of coursework and 15 credit hours dedicated to an intensive doctoral research thesis. Coursework will include classes in research methodology, AI in manufacturing, manufacturing simulation and digital twin, advanced statistical methods of quality control, and optimization of manufacturing systems. Courses will be delivered through LTU's online learning platform, providing great flexibility for working professionals to engage in the program without putting their careers on hold.
Meanwhile, the topic of the research thesis must be approved by two College of Engineering faculty and an industry advisor.
To be considered for admission, students should have completed a master's degree or higher in engineering, engineering technology, or a related discipline. Degrees in artificial intelligence, automotive engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, construction engineering management, electrical and computer engineering, industrial engineering, engineering management, mechanical engineering, and mechatronics and robotics engineering will be considered. Letters of recommendation from academic professors are also strongly encouraged. Non-native English speakers must also demonstrate English fluency. Some of these requirements may be waived by LTU.
For more information on this new program, visit https://ltu.edu/programs/advanced-manufacturing/.
Lawrence Technological University, www.ltu.edu, is one of only 13 private, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932, and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation's top 11 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation's top 10 percent. U.S. News and World Report lists it in the top tier of best in the Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, "theory and practice" education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech's 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.