Industrial Automation Technology AAS Degree

Master Modern Manufacturing Technology

Master the skills needed for a career in advanced manufacturing. You learn to install, program, repair, and troubleshoot PLCs, CNC machines, robotics, and other electronic and mechanical systems.

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Industrial Automation Technology AAS Degree at a Glance

Degree
Associate of Applied Science
Length of Study
2 years
Course Format
Face-to-Face
Classes Meet
Daytime
Program Start
Fall

Explore all Industrial Automation Technology options at Hawkeye

Your Industrial Automation Career

Graduates generally work in industrial maintenance positions and find employment in manufacturing, food processing, and business environments. Positions include:

  • CNC installation/maintenance technician
  • Industrial electricians
  • Industrial mechanics
  • Industrial programmers
  • Industrial maintenance workers
15%

Of Iowa Jobs are in Manufacturing

6,000+

Manufacturing Firms in Iowa

20%

Of Iowa GDP is from Manufacturing

$17B

Iowa-Made Goods Exported Annually

Succeed at Hawkeye

Program Overview

You gain hands-on training with:

  • Programmable logic controller (PLC) computers
  • CNC machines
  • Robotics
  • Electronic components
  • Mechanical systems
  • Fluid power

You learn through hands-on training using the same state-of-the-art technology you’ll use in the workplace, including these top brands:

  • Fanuc
  • Allen Bradley
  • Siemens
  • Okuma
  • Hardinge
  • Rockwell

This program qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Last-Dollar Scholarship and will pay up to 100% of your tuition.

You must apply for, be awarded, and meet the ongoing eligibility requirements for the Last-Dollar Scholarship.

This is a partial list of employers who have hired Industrial Automation Technology graduates:

  • Advanced Heat Treat Corporation, Waterloo, IA
  • Blackhawk Engineering, Cedar Falls, IA
  • ConAgra Foods, Inc., Waterloo, IA
  • Iowa Laser Technology, Cedar Falls, IA
  • John Deere, Waterloo, IA
  • Nestlé USA, Waverly, IA
  • Rockwell Automation, Cedar Rapids, IA
  • Target Distribution Center, Cedar Falls, IA
  • TDS Automation, Inc., Waverly, IA
  • Tyson Foods, Inc., Waterloo, IA

You can get right to work after your program. Or, if you plan to earn an associate degree and go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, consider your transfer options.

This program has a documented pathway to UNI's Automation Engineering Technology program and UNI's Technology Management program. Check out UNI's transfer guides to learn more.

If you’re interested in transferring, you must work closely with an academic advisor here and at the transfer institution. This is important to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.

Plan your transfer

" You’re going to graduate with well-rounded skills that can apply to whatever your job needs. "
  • Michael Abbott
  • Industrial Automation Technology ‘19

How to Get Started

It’s simple! Complete these steps:

  1. Apply for admission at Hawkeye.
  2. Send official transcripts to Admissions.
  3. Demonstrate college readiness.

Check the status of your application at any time by logging into your admissions account.

Program Admission Requirements

To enroll this program, you’ll need to meet the minimum score requirements.

  ALEKS ACCUPLACER Next Generation ACCUPLACER Classic COMPASS ACT GPA
Math 6 240 Arithmetic
241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics (QAS)
40 Arithmetic 24 Pre-Algebra 14 2.00
Literacy   239 Reading or
240 Writing
58 Reading or
64 Sentence Skills
69 Reading or
41 Writing
16 Reading or
16 English
2.25

You can take the ALEKS Placement Assessment online. If you prefer, you can take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation or ACT at Hawkeye. While ACCUPLACER Classic and COMPASS aren’t offered anymore, you can still use your scores from those tests if you took them before for program admission.

If you don’t meet the minimum score requirements, you can take success courses instead. Talk to your academic advisor to help you find the right courses to get started.

If you meet the assessment score requirements, you can be accepted into the program.

If you don't meet these requirements, you’ll be accepted into a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you’ll start by taking general education and prerequisite classes. Your academic advisor will help you make a plan to meet the program requirements. After finishing your pre-program courses, contact Admissions to let them know.

Program Contacts

Admissions

Main Campus
Hawkeye Center 134
319-296-4000
Email Admissions

Regular Hours — Spring 2025

Monday – Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM

Academic Advisor

Natasha Ceaser
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 136C
319-296-4014 ext.1062
Email Natasha Ceaser

Faculty Advisor

Last Names A–M

Seth Seda
Main Campus
Butler Hall 123B
319-296-2329 ext.1730
Email Seth Seda

Last Names N—Z

Mitchell Heldt
Main Campus
Bremer Hall 153A
319-296-2329 ext.1303
Email Mitchell Heldt