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CSU engineering seniors can earn free certificate in Connected and Automated Transportation
By Alissa Paolella, Communications Manager
Posted Jun 18 2025
Central State University senior engineering students have access to a powerful credential: the Connected and Automated Transportation (CAT) Certificate. Offered through the Center for Connected and Automated Transportation (CCAT) at the University of Michigan, this no-cost, self-paced program gives students a competitive edge in the growing fields of automated mobility and smart infrastructure.
As one of just nine CCAT partner institutions nationwide, Central State offers this opportunity exclusively to senior-level students in manufacturing and environmental engineering.
The program includes five modules covering cutting-edge topics like:
The CAT Certificate includes five modules, each requiring approximately 20 hours to complete. Students must finish at least four modules within one year to earn the credential. The modules cover:
- Fundamentals for CAV Modeling — Dive into the core technologies: sensing, trajectory planning, and vehicular control.
- Automated Vehicles & the Law — Learn how U.S. legal frameworks shape and drag along with AV deployment.
- Cybersecurity for CAVs — Tacket real-world CAV threats (like software‑defined vehicles, hardware boot exploits, V2X spoofing) led by UM experts.
- Dynamics & Control of Connected Vehicles — Ideal for those interested in your MFE capstone — study ODEs and DDEs modeling traffic with CAVs.
- Machine Learning Methods for CAT – Apply ML to perception, prediction, and control strategies — supervised and unsupervised.
"This certificate empowers our engineering students to excel in rapidly evolving transportation technologies."
Dr. Krishna Kumar V. NedunuriProfessor of Environmental Engineering
Led by top faculty from the University of Michigan and University of Wisconsin, the program is designed to fit around busy academic schedules and support senior capstone projects. It also aligns with CSU’s commitment to innovation — with faculty already leading Department of Transportation-funded research in air-quality sensing and smart mobility.
“This certificate empowers our engineering students to excel in rapidly evolving transportation technologies,” said Dr. Krishna Kumar V. Nedunuri, Professor of Environmental Engineering in the Department of Engineering and Technology and the principal investigator for the project.
Why enroll?
- Completely free and open to CSU engineering seniors
- Flexible, self-paced format
- Valuable credential in a high-demand field
- Prepares you for jobs, grad school, or capstone success
Next steps
The next program starts January 2026. Enrollment closes June 30. Interested students should contact their advisor or visit the CAT Certificate website.
