In the Automation AAS program at Odessa College, future Instrumentation and Electrical (I&E) technicians engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers electronics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), process instrumentation, calibration, electrical installations, motor controls, and industrial automation. Students will be equipped with the skills to design, maintain, troubleshoot, and innovate within modern industrial environments.
The Automation Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program at Odessa College offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students as an Instrumentation and Electrical (I&E) technician for dynamic careers in industrial settings. The median annual salary of an Automation technician is $72,000. The program encompasses a wide range of technical disciplines including:
- Basic Electricity - Fundamentals of DC circuits and AC circuits
- Basic Electronics – Devices and circuits used in analog electronics (power supplies, amplifiers, timers)
- Digital Electronics - Devices and circuits used in digital electronics (microcontrollers, sensors, motors)
- Motor Controls – Wiring, connections and control strategies of motor controls
- National Electrical Code (NEC) - Interpretation of NEC for residential, commercial and industrial wiring
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) - Applications of PLCs as used in industrial environments
- Process Instrumentation - Study of the instruments and control systems used in the process industry
- Industrial Automation - Applications of automation systems including motors, controllers, and sensors
These courses are accredited by SACS (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), following WECM (Workforce Education Course Manual) course outcomes. Courses provide students with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art lab trainers with opportunities to work on real-world projects and simulations that mirror industrial scenarios. By focusing on both foundational and cutting-edge technologies, the program ensures that students are well-equipped to handle contemporary challenges in instrumentation and electrical engineering technology.
Expert instructors with industry experience guide students through courses that emphasize safety, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Graduates of the Automation AAS program are poised for success, not only by preparing students for immediate employment but also laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and advancement in the field of automation technology.
