Miami University Regionals is taking a major step forward in its Miami University Polytechnic transformation with the launch of the Department of Applied Computing and Engineering Technology, bringing together Computer and Information Technology and Engineering Technology into a single department designed to meet the evolving needs of students, employers, and Ohio's workforce.

The merger represents a strategic investment in applied, interdisciplinary education that mirrors the convergence of computing and engineering technologies in today's industries.

"Modern technology no longer exists in silos," said Mohammad Mayyas, associate dean for strategic initiatives and department chair. “Artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, industrial automation, smart manufacturing, and the Internet of Things all require professionals who understand both digital and physical technologies. By bringing these disciplines together, we're preparing students for the careers employers are creating today and tomorrow."

A stronger, more connected academic experience

The new department combines expertise in computing, engineering technology, and advanced manufacturing, creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and student collaboration.

Faculty will work across traditional academic boundaries on shared coursework, research initiatives, and industry-sponsored capstone projects, while students will benefit from expanded access to modern laboratories and the university's Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub (AM Hub).

The integrated department also strengthens partnerships with industry by providing comprehensive solutions that combine information technology with engineering applications.

"Our goal is to educate graduates who can design, connect, secure, automate, and improve the complex systems that power today's industries," Mayyas said.

Expanding career pathways

The department is also expanding educational opportunities through two new associate degree programs — Mechatronics and Engineering Technology — recently approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and to be offered in fall 2027. 

These programs create seamless pathways into Miami's new Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology while providing students with multiple entry and exit points based on their career goals.

Students may enter the workforce after completing an associate degree or continue directly into the bachelor's program with minimal barriers.

The additions further strengthen Miami's polytechnic vision by emphasizing applied learning, hands-on experiences, and close collaboration with employers, career technical centers, and community colleges throughout the region.

A Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology

The department has revamped its Bachelor of Applied Science program, which is now offered as the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree with three specialized concentrations:

• Computer and Robotics Engineering Technology
• Electromechanical and Automation Engineering Technology
• Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology

According to Mayyas, the updated degree title more accurately reflects the applied engineering education students receive while aligning with employer expectations and national accreditation standards.

The new structure also provides greater flexibility to incorporate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing into the curriculum.

Building Ohio's workforce pipeline

As one of the first Miami Polytechnic departments at Miami University Regionals, the Department of Applied Computing and Engineering Technology is focused on creating a seamless educational pipeline that begins in high school and continues through workforce development and lifelong learning.

The department is expanding College Credit Plus, dual-credit opportunities, and articulation agreements with career technical centers to help students earn college credit sooner, reduce time to graduation, and transition more quickly into high-demand technical careers.

Students gain hands-on experience using the same technologies found in today's workplaces while developing the multidisciplinary skills employers increasingly seek.

Supporting lifelong learning and employer workforce needs

In addition to degree programs, the department is expanding Microcredentials, certificates, and non-credit workforce training to help employers rapidly upskill and reskill employees as technology continues to evolve.

That work is receiving additional support through the JobsOhio Technician Path, an earn-and-learn initiative designed to help Ohio employers develop skilled technicians. Miami's Engineering Technology associate degree programs and Manufacturing Foundations Certificate are approved training programs, creating new opportunities for employers to use Miami programs to develop their workforce.

Through the initiative, eligible Ohio employers can receive incentives of up to $10,000 per eligible employee who progresses through an approved technician training pathway. Funding is tied to enrollment, progress, and completion milestones. Employers apply directly for the incentive rather than Miami seeking the funding on their behalf.

"This gives us another powerful way to meet employers where they are," Mayyas said. "We can help companies develop the technical talent they need today while giving employees an educational pathway that can continue well beyond their initial training."

The JobsOhio partnership complements the department’s broader emphasis on flexible learning. Short-term credentials and workforce training allow Miami to respond quickly to emerging industry needs, while stackable academic options can provide pathways into certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor's programs.

Together, these opportunities position the department to serve not only traditional college students but also working professionals and employers seeking an education partner as technology and workforce needs change.

"Learning doesn't end with a degree," Mayyas said. "Our goal is to create opportunities for individuals to continue building new technical skills throughout their careers while helping Ohio employers remain competitive."

Significant growth expected

Mayyas believe the greatest opportunities over the next five years will emerge where computing and engineering intersect, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, industrial networking, robotics, smart manufacturing, data analytics, and connected infrastructure.

Through interdisciplinary coursework, experiential learning, industry-sponsored projects, and applied research, students will graduate prepared to solve complex problems across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, defense, infrastructure, and other technology-driven industries.

The department expects significant growth over the next three to five years through expanded enrollment, stronger industry partnerships, additional experiential learning opportunities, and continued development of the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce and Innovation Hub as a regional center for innovation, workforce training, and applied research.

"Our vision is to become the region's leader in applied technology education," Mayyas said. "Success means graduating highly skilled professionals who are immediately valuable to employers while helping shape the future workforce that drives innovation throughout Ohio and beyond."