Is This Program for You?

Students entering the Automation Systems Technology program should:

• Be interested in technology and enjoy learning how systems and machines work.
• Have a strong attention to detail and be able to follow instructions carefully.
• Enjoy solving problems and thinking about how to make processes more efficient.
• Be comfortable with hands-on work and enjoy building or fixing things.
• Have good troubleshooting skills and be patient when things don’t go as planned.
• Be comfortable using technology and working with equipment to control and automate systems.
• Have strong communication skills to work effectively with others on a team.
• Be able to think logically and analyze situations to find the best solution.

Program Basics

• Associate degree, requiring a minimum of two years to complete.
• High school articulation courses accepted.
• Financial aid available.
• Classes start in August and January.

Cost of Attendance (COA) 25-26

Cost of Attendance (COA) is a total of all the usual expenses of being a student. The COA sets the maximum amount of financial aid a student can receive.

Based on Wisconsin Residents.

Approximate school costs are for a full-time (12 credit) student over a semester span of 17 weeks.

Fees are legislated by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.

These costs are estimates and are subject to change without notice.

Admission and Program Requirements

• Submit Application
• To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
• Admissions Meeting: After applying and submitting transcripts, work with your advisor to begin or continue your student success plan to talk about your career interests and goals, develop a plan for paying for college, learn about various funding options, create an academic map, and discuss supports and services. Schedule an admissions meeting by clicking "Make an appointment" with your program advisor.

Helpful Academic Background

• Oral and written communication skills
• Keyboarding
• Computer applications and concepts

Program Fees

• This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
• Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
• Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

Student Learning Outcomes

What should a graduate of this program be able to do?

Graduates of the Automation Systems Technology program will be able to design, program, and maintain advanced automated systems that integrate robotics, motion control, PLCs, smart sensors, and industrial networking. They will apply problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking skills to improve system performance, efficiency, and safety.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities will they gain?

• Technical Knowledge - A deep understanding of automation systems, including PLC programming, robotics integration, motion control, data acquisition, smart sensors, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Practical Skills - The ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain automated equipment and networks in real-world manufacturing and industrial environments
• Analytical Abilities - Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking skills to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and optimize production processes
• Professional Competencies - Clear communication, teamwork, and project management abilities necessary to work effectively in cross-functional engineering and operations teams.
• Adaptability - The capacity to learn and apply emerging technologies in automation, robotics, and data-driven manufacturing as industries evolve.

Graduates of the Automation Systems Technology program are in high demand across industries that rely on precision, speed, and integration. From advanced manufacturing to food production, logistics, and pharmaceuticals, employers are seeking skilled professionals who can keep automated systems running at peak performance.

Common job titles include:

• Automation Technician
• Controls Technician
• Robotics Technician
• Mechatronics Specialist
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Systems Integrator

As automation continues to grow, so do the opportunities. With experience, graduates can advance into roles such as automation engineer, controls designer, or maintenance manager. Many also choose to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or industrial automation, expanding their career and leadership options.

Industry certifications matter.Students in this program will have the opportunity to earn NC³ certifications, giving them nationally recognized credentials that set them apart in the job market.

Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

Credit for Prior Learning

Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

Automation Systems Technology Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

Course #	Course Title	Challenge Exam (Demonstration)	Challenge Exam (Standard)	CLEP	Credential	Portfolio
10-801-136	English Composition 1
	CLEP Test - College Composition
10-809-195	Economics
	CLEP Test - Principles of Macroeconomics
10-809-198	Introduction to Psychology
	CLEP Test - Introduction to Psychology