Program

Industry 4.0 Certificate in Industrial Automation

Starts May 11, 2026

Spots remaining: 15

$1,600 Enroll

Full program description

Program Overview:
Technological advances in industrial automation are essential to the success of modern manufacturing and central to the ongoing transformation of the industry.

The Industry 4.0 Certificate in Industrial Automation is earned by completing four micro‑courses:

  • Automation Electronics,
  • Introduction to PLC Programming (Studio 5000),
  • Intermediate PLC Programming & Integration (Studio 5000), and
  • Introduction to Robotics (FANUC & Universal Robots Cobot).
Please see micro-course pages for specific details, including what participants can expect to learn and gain from each course.
 
Participants may take any micro‑course as a stand‑alone training for a certificate of completion or complete all four micro‑credentials to earn the Industry 4.0 Certificate in Industrial Automation.
 
Use this program page to enroll in the discounted four‑course bundle.
 
Included Courses:
Automation Electronics
Automation Electronics provides a practical introduction to the electronic principles that power modern automated systems. The course culminates in applying these concepts to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), connecting theory to real-world automation environments.
 
Introduction to PLC Programming (Studio 5000)
Introduction to PLC Programming (Studio 5000) offers a practical foundation in programming Allen Bradley programmable logic controllers. Participants learn essential PLC hardware concepts, addressing, wiring, and ladder logic programming techniques.
 
Intermediate PLC Programming & Integration (Studio 5000)
Intermediate PLC Programming expands on foundational PLC skills with a focus on advanced programming techniques using Allen Bradley controllers. Participants work with complex ladder logic instructions, timers, counters, data handling, and program control structures while learning strategies for troubleshooting, organizing programs, and integrating basic networking concepts.
 
Introduction to Robotics (Fanuc & Universal Robotics Cobot)
Introduction to Industrial Robotic Programming provides a hands on foundation in operating and programming industrial robots, including FANUC systems and Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots). Participants learn core concepts such as robot motion, coordinate systems, end of arm tooling, and safe work practices.
 
Program Duration:
Access to online course materials begins May 11. Each micro‑course includes three hours of self‑paced online coursework.
 
The eight‑hour in‑person lab days will take place on the following dates:
May 19 – Automation Electronics
May 21 – Introduction to PLC Programming
May 26 – Intermediate PLC Programming & Integration
May 28 – Introduction to Robotics
 
Program Instructor:
Mike Klote, associate teaching professor for both Engineering and Information Technology and Industrial and Systems Engineering at MU College of Engineering. 
 
Program Contact:
Sarah Rielley, program contact for MU Career Accelerator, careeraccelerator@missouri.edu
 
Program Completion:
Participants will receive 12 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for each completed micro-course. Upon successful completion of all four micro-courses, participants will earn the Industry 4.0 Certificate in Industrial Automation.
 
Department: 
MU College of Engineering Industrial and Systems Engineering Department
 
 
Audience:
Individuals who want to build foundational knowledge and practical skills in automation electronics, PLC Programming, and operating and programming industrial robots and cobots—such as technicians or maintenance professionals, controls or automation specialists‑in‑training, skilled trades apprentices, production operators or team leads, and supervisors.