Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
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Follow Your Path
Some credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
906641, Automation Fundamentals
906643, Controls Systems
906206, Motors and Drives
906208, Robotics
906642, Advanced PLC
906644, Cybersecurity Considerations for Industrial Controls
Ask your advisor about 2+2 transfer opportunities.
Delivery
Complete lab activities for this program at the Engineering Technology Center – whenever it’s convenient for you. The lab is open days, evenings, and Saturdays. View center hours and take a virtual tour!
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Automation Engineering Technology associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Second Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Third Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Fourth Semester
8 Week 1
8 Week 2
Full Semester
Suggested Electives
Social Science Course Options (the Recommended Program Course is Identified with an *):
- Curriculum Note: Students must earn a “C” or higher in 10-890-101, College 101.
- It is acceptable for students to take 10-804-113, College Tech Math 1A and 10-804-114, College Tech Math 1B as alternatives to: 10-804-117, College Mathematics and 10-804-118, Intermediate Algebra w/Apps.
- Students must pass 10-801-136, English Composition 1 with a "C" or better to take 10-801-197, Technical Reporting.
- DC 1: Introduction is offered through our high school program partnership. Students who have completed DC 1: Introduction in high school may enroll in Introduction to AC/DC 2. All other students must take 10-660-116, Introduction to AC/DC and do not need to take Introduction to AC/DC 2.
Program Outcomes
- Understand and apply knowledge of electricity, electronics and motors to industrial applications.
- Read and interpret technical specifications, detail and assembly drawings, schematics, and diagrams for machine control.
- Document technical information through descriptive writing, sketches/diagrams, mathematical expression, computation, and graphs.
- Analyze electrical, mechanical, fluid control functions for proper machine programming and operation.
- Apply a variety programming languages to the control of single manufacturing cells, programmable controllers, computer networks, industrial networks and information systems using a dynamic data exchange.
- Construct ladder diagrams, flow charts, timing diagrams, and basic computer control algorithms for machine control.
- Understand and apply computer hardware/software applications to industrial systems.
- Apply diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and resolve system problems.
- Apply critical thinking skills to solving problems.
- Effectively communicate and perform in a team environment.
Graduate Employment
with 83% in field
Median Starting Salary
Source: NWTC Graduate Outcome Survey
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the potential for employment in the following areas:
- Controls Designer
- Automation Technician
- Controls Technician
- Engineering Technician
- Controls Engineer in Training
- Automation Engineer in Training
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.