Automation Engineering Technology

Overview

Automation Engineering Technicians are experts who have the ability and knowledge to design, develop, and manage systems within the manufacturing industry. The technician ensures quality, efficiency, and consistency through quality control analysis. They also provide maintenance and operational support, troubleshooting and problem resolution, install new equipment, implement control strategies and assist in commissioning and debugging complex machine applications.

The Automation Engineering Technology high-demand program combines current curriculum from both the existing and successful Automation Controls/SCADA and Machining and Manufacturing programs. Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree could return for a third year and earn an additional degree in either Machining and Manufacturing or SCADA.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

Semesters
0
First Semester
WMT201 > Quality & Productivity Improvement2 credits
WMT230 > Welding Robotic Lab3 credits
WMT231 > Manual Machining Lab3 credits
WMT240 > Manuf Programming & Installation3 credits
SSS100 > Student Success1 credit
Total Semester Hours12 credits
Second Semester
WMT250 > Laser Cutting Technology3 credits
WMT251 > CNC Machining Station Lab3 credits
WMT260 > Advanced Machining4 credits
CPR100 > First Aid, CPR AED0.5 credits
Total Semester Hours10.5 credits
Third Semester
EC105 > Data Cabling3 credits
IST230 > Data Visualization4 credits
SD225 > Intro To SCADA Software4 credits
SD229 > Networking Concepts I3 credits
SD259 > Adv Programmable Logic Controllers4 credits
Total Semester Hours18 credits
Fourth Semester
SD205 > Process Controls3 credits
SD239 > Advanced Industrial Networking3 credits
SD270 > SCADA Testing Control Lab7 credits
Total Semester Hours13 credits
In addition to the technical courses required in the program, the student seeking an AAS degree must also complete:
> Computer Elective3 credits
> Math Elective3 credits
> Communications Elective3 credits
> Behavioral Science Elective3 credits
> Social Science Elective3 credits
> OSHA Training1 credit
Total Semester Hours16 credits

Requirements

Computer Requirements

This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for a Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,150 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program. 

Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop.  And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into a Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.

Faculty

Program Director / Instructor

Instructor

Cost

Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ
$ 4000

Other Required Costs

Laptop$1,150
Books / Tools (estimated)$2,556

Scholarships

$1000

7 AVAIL.

Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy

The scholarships will be awarded in January and applied to Power Line and Electrical Utilities and Substation recipients on their second semester account, and for Automation Controls/SCADA and Natural Gas Technology recipients accounts the following Fall semester.
Automation Controls/SCADA
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicants must be first or second year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Power Line Electrical Utilities and Substation Automation Controls/SCADA Natural Gas Technology Wind Turbine Technology Applicant must complete the MTC Current student online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship.

$1000

4 AVAIL.

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills

$1000

5 AVAIL.

Northwestern Energy Scholarships

NorthWestern Energy has been an active supporter of Mitchell Tech through donations of scholarship funds and equipment since 2003. The scholarships will be awarded in January and applied to PL accounts the Spring semester and the following Fall semester for ECM, SCADA and WTT two-year program recipients.
Automation Controls/SCADA
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicants can be first or second year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Power Line Construction and Maintenance SCADA Wind Turbine Technology – 2 year Natural Gas Technology Applicant must complete the MTC online application and submit references if required during the open application periods as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above

$1000

1 AVAIL.

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.

$1000

2 AVAIL.

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

Charlene Bainbridge

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship

$1000

2 AVAIL.

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

John and Diane Weber Family and Friends

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber. Diane’s early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane’s desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
• Full-time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change. • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher • Program instructor recommendation. • Veterans pursuing new training as they enter the civilian sector are encouraged to apply. • Complete the MTC online application during open application periods.

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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