Automation for Industrial Systems
Unique in the State
Associate Degree
64 Credits | 2 Years
Financial Aid-Eligible
New Richmond
Career Cluster: Manufacturing
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Automation uses a wide range of technologies to control systems. After just two years, a career awaits in this fast-growing and high-paying industry! In this career, you will install, troubleshoot, program and repair automated machines or processes. According to Northwood Tech's recent survey results, 100% of grads in the Automation for Industrial Systems program were employed within six months of graduating. You could also continue your education with one of Northwood Tech's university transfer options.
Program Overview
Process and manufacturing plants 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 integrates advanced manufacturing (Industry 4.0) competencies to meet the regional need for skilled employees.
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
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
Automation for Industrial Systems is unique in the state. You will obtain a unique set of skills that no other school in the state can provide.
Work with state-of-the-art equipment that is used in the industry.
A high-paying career in a growing industry.
You will spend much of your first year learning IT skills.
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 Northwood Tech, 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 International Society of Automation Club and participate in fieldtrips and regional competitions. Other clubs include Veteran’s Club and Student Senate.
100% of Grads Employed
100% of Automation for Industrial Systems students were employed in a related field within 6 months of graduation (5-Year Average).
- Northwood Tech 2019-2023 Graduate Follow-Up Surveys
Required Courses
Program-specific subjects covered include process control, instrumentation, PLC programming, and supervisory control. Other topics 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 Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
This technical diploma is embedded in the Automation for Industrial Systems program.
IT - Network Technician
Earn a technical diploma.
Continue your education to achieve an associate degree.
Upon successful completion of the Automation for Industrial Systems program, you could transfer your credits and earn a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech 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.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Automation for Industrial Systems
64 Credits | 2 Years
$10,666
Plus $700 for tools, supplies and uniforms
*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 Northwood Tech Automation for Industrial Systems Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn technical diplomas in IT-Network Technician and Industrial Systems Specialist and an associate degree in Automation for Industrial Systems.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
