Automation for Industrial Systems
Associate Degree
64 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
New Richmond
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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Graduates install, troubleshoot, program and repair electrical, light mechanical and computer systems used in industry to control and automate machines or processes.
The equipment you will use controls machines used in manufacturing and equipment used to control continuous processes. Examples include power utilities, petrochemical and chemical, paper, plastics, municipal water and wastewater, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, renewable energy, and control equipment support by vendors and engineering firms.
As a graduate, you can secure employment as Field Service Engineers, Automation Engineers, Instrumentation Technicians, Control Systems Programmers, Control Systems Designers, Process Operators, and Maintenance Technicians.
Program Overview
Process and manufacturing plants need to employ technicians to keep their machines and processing running, and install and maintain equipment. In this two-year associate degree program, you will be prepared to be employed at the technician level or higher on computers, industrial computer networks, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and process instruments. You will have both classroom and hands-on laboratory instruction with several systems to gain an understanding of computer and PLC interfacing, control systems, network installation and network administration.
Program Outcomes
Employers will expect Automation for Industrial Systems graduates to be able to:
- Support basic computer networks
- Support client systems
- Utilize network operating systems
- Apply basic IT security principles
- Demonstrate safe practices and techniques
- Perform installations of controls hardware/software/cabling
- Perform installations and supportive functions for LAN/communication busses
- Perform programming and configuration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Distributed Control Systems (DCSs)
- Integrate control systems
- Troubleshoot hardware/software of PLCs, instrumentation and control systems
- Develop system documentation
This program is unique in the state, so you'll obtain a unique set of skills that no other school in the state can provide.
Employers need graduates to replace retiring baby boomers and to grow their business.
Information is presented in a classroom setting and then applied in the lab. Equipment used in the lab is kept current to match what is being used in industry.
You will spend much of your first year learning IT skills so you can hit the ground running.
Academics
Automation for Industrial Systems program classes are offered at the New Richmond campus in a traditional classroom and lab format.
Career Pathways
As an Automation for Industrial Systems student at WITC, you can earn credentials every step of the way! Graduates of the program earn an IT Network Technician technical diploma, an Industrial Systems Specialist technical diploma and an associate degree in Automation for Industrial Systems.
Club Activities
You can join the ISA Club and participate in fieldtrips and regional competitions. Other clubs include Veteran’s Club and Student Senate.
100% of Grads Employed
According to the recent Graduate Survey Responses, 100 percent of Automation for Industrial Systems graduates were employed within six months of graduating.
Curriculum
Program specific subjects covered include process control, instrumentation, PLC programming and supervisory control. Other classes include Industrial networking, power electronics, and supervisory and distributed control concepts.
Featured Automation for Industrial Systems Courses
Automation for Industrial Systems is Part of a Career Pathway
As an Automation for Industrial Systems student at WITC, you can earn credentials each step of the way.
You could take this first and get a credential.
IT - Network Technician
This is the program you’re looking at.
Automation for Industrial Systems Bachelor's Degree
Admissions and Tuition
WITC has a simple three-step admissions process that can be completed in one visit. Fill out the application form either online or at a campus, complete an assessment and meet with a WITC counselor. In the meeting, you'll discuss your goals and the counselor will make sure you're getting the most out of your education and the best bang for your buck.
Tuition and Fees
WITC breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits and scholarships.
Estimated Total Program Costs*
Automation for Industrial Systems
64 Credits | 2 Years
$9,486
$3,067 for books (including tax)
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the WITC Automation for Industrial Systems Program
Upon completion of the program, you will obtain technical diplomas in IT-Network Technician and Industrial Systems Specialist and an associate degree in Automation for Industrial Systems.
Transfer Options
Transfer your WITC credits to a four-year college in Wisconsin to obtain your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
WITC's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Interface Project Funding
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This is an equal opportunity program. The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has funded 55% of this project equaling $680,028. This is an equal opportunity employer/program which provides auxiliary aids and services upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling 711 or 800.243.9482 Voice/TTY. WITC is an Equal Opportunity/Access Employer and Educator.
Set up a program tour
Meet instructors, talk to current students and explore the campus.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about WITC's programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
