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A Smart Systems Technologies student working on a laptop, programming a nearby robotic device.

Smart Systems Technologies

Certificate

Industrial and manufacturing systems change rapidly. Acquire the technical skills and knowledge required to work in high-tech careers in as little as one year. If you are interested in automation, nanotechnology, or the latest electronics, this field is for you.

Certificate
25 Credit Hours
In-Person
100% Online

Program Overview

Both regional and national demand remains high for positions within the smart systems industries. Our paid co-op work experience requirement helps you gain technical skills in advanced manufacturing that give you a competitive edge when seeking employment in this quickly evolving field.

FLCC's Smart Systems Technologies certificate provides practical experience and an in-demand education to increase your career options and generate new opportunities. Our faculty prepare you for job openings across a wide range of high-tech industries, including automation control, electronics manufacturing, food processing, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.

  • Career Outlook

    Rochester and the greater Finger Lakes region are home to a growing high-tech business ecosystem. Small-to-medium enterprises need skilled workers to manage and operate their cutting-edge facilities. Our co-op model offers work experience to kickstart careers in optics, automation, medical tech, communications, robotics, and manufacturing.

    As part of the standard Smart Systems Technologies curriculum, all first-year students visit at least ten businesses to explore potential career options.

    Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

    Where Our Graduates Work

    Our extensive business network helps you secure regional employment upon graduation. For the past five years, every Smart Systems Technologies graduate seeking employment found a career in the field. In many cases, these careers emerge directly from the co-op work experience completed during the program. Some of these positions include:

    • Advanced Interconnect Manufacturing, Victor (Electrical Wire Assembly)
    • Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Williamson (Bottling and Packaging)
    • Gallo Winery, Canandaigua (Process Automation Control)
    • Kodak, Rochester (Instrumentation and Control)
    • L3Harris, Rochester (Remote Sensing and Intelligence)
    • Micropen Technologies, Honeoye Falls (Medical Technology)

    Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

    If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

    • Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
    • Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

    VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

  • Earn While You Learn

    Our Smart Systems Technologies programs include 270 hours of paid co-op work experience. Faculty members match you with one of over 50 high-tech business partners in the region, depending on your personal interests and professional skills.

    Prepare for Employment

    After completing a co-op placement, many Smart Systems Technologies students continue their employment and launch careers as part-time or full-time employees.

    When you complete your co-op, you will share the knowledge and skills you gained with faculty, staff, students, industry mentors, workforce and economic developers, and the community.

    Smart Systems Technologies graduates have started careers at regional high-tech businesses, including:

    • Advanced Interconnect Manufacturing
    • Akoustis
    • Applied Image Inc.
    • Bausch + Lomb
    • Bristol Instruments
    • Construction-Robotics
    • G. W. Lisk
    • Han-tek
    • ITT Goulds Pump
    • L3Harris
    • New Scale Technologies
    • Novomer
    • Optimax Systems
    • Optipro Systems
    • PEKO Precision
    • Redcom Laboratories
    • RITEC Industrial
    • Surmotec
  • Sample Courses

    Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

    View Full Curriculum

    Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost per credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. Our financial aid counselors will guide you through the process and help you understand college costs.

Program Page Cost Statistics

$5,376

per year for in-state tuition ($224 per credit hour).
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76%

of students are eligible for financial aid or scholarships.
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$18M

in financial aid was disbursed to our students last year.
Learn About Financial Aid