| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
Industrial Automation - Comprehensive
Program Overview
The Industrial Automation Comprehensive certificate offers in-depth training in programming and troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems. Targeted at professionals in manufacturing, automation, or industrial settings, and recent engineering graduates without hands-on experience, this certificate provides essential skills to program, maintain, and optimize automated control systems. Gain experience with real-world applications of PLCs, the backbone of automated manufacturing, and develop the critical skills needed to increase efficiency and minimize downtime in production environments. This certificate will make you an asset in industries like food processing, appliance, and industrial equipment manufacturing.
Program Details
- Program Number: CERT
- Degree: Certificate
- Area of Study: Architecture and Engineering
- Delivery Method: 100% In Person
- Estimated Time to Complete: 16 Credits | Finish in 2 years
- Estimated Program Cost: $3,491.28
Curriculum and Experience
- First Semester:
- Controls 1 (2 credits)
- Robotics 1 - Basic Operations for Industry (1 credit)
- Second Semester:
- Controls 2 (2 credits)
- Robotics 2 - Programming for Industry (2 credits)
- Third Semester:
- Programmable Logic Controllers 1 (3 credits)
- Sensors, Vision, and Safety Systems (3 credits)
- Fourth Semester:
- Programmable Logic Controllers 2 (3 credits)
Admission
- To Apply: Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities.
- Application Dates:
- Fall 2025: Application open, Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025
- Spring 2026: Application available on September 15, 2025, Application completion deadline is March 15, 2026
- Admission Requirements:
- 1. Admission Application: The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
- 2. Educational Background and/or Industry Experience: Submit official transcripts to Enrollment Services from previous technical schools, colleges, or universities attended. Transcripts must show the completion of relevant technical coursework in manufacturing, robotics, controls, or electrical systems.
- Industry Certifications (if applicable): Submit copies of any industry-recognized certifications related to automation, robotics, controls, engineering, physical sciences, or electrical systems.
- Apprenticeship Completion Certificates (if applicable): Submit documentation proving the successful completion of a registered apprenticeship program in a relevant trade.
Career Outcomes
Madison College Industrial Automation - Comprehensive Certificate graduates are prepared to:
- Life Long Learning: Assume responsibility for continuing education in order to maintain skills and enhance professional growth.
- Technical Skills: Assemble, install, troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical equipment, electrical, electronic controlled production machines and hydraulic pneumatic systems. Diagnose complex problems using interdisciplinary technical skills.
- Employability: Demonstrate work ethics and reliable behavior, including but not limited to assuming responsibility for decisions and actions, utilizing time and stress management skills, displaying initiative, creativity and logical thinking.
Related Programs
- Electro-Mechanical Technology
- Industrial Mechanic - Advanced Manufacturing
- Industrial Automation - Robotics
- Industrial Automation - PLC and Controls
- Industrial Automation - System Integration
- Electrical Maintenance (Industrial Maintenance)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Industrial Automation - Post Baccalaureate Certificate program is designed for individuals who already possess a bachelor's degree and seek to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of industrial automation. The program equips students with specialized expertise in automation and process control industries, enabling them to advance their careers in this rapidly growing sector.
Objectives:
- Expand skills and knowledge in automation and process control.
- Receive hands-on training in programmable logic controllers (PLC).
Program Description:
- Offers a combination of online and in-person learning modalities.
- Can be completed in approximately 1 year with 16 credits.
- Prepares students for various roles in the industrial automation industry.
Outline:
Program Content:
- Automation and process control concepts
- Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
- Robotics
- Sensors, vision, and safety systems
Course Schedule:
First Semester
- Controls 1 (2 credits)
- Robotics 1 - Basic Operations for Industry (1 credit)
Second Semester
- Controls 2 (2 credits)
- Robotics 2 - Programming for Industry (2 credits)
Third Semester
- Programmable Logic Controllers 1 (3 credits)
- Sensors, Vision, and Safety Systems (3 credits)
Fourth Semester
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
- Automation Engineer
- Maintenance Supervisor
- Systems Integrator
- Industrial Controls Technician
- Automation Support Engineer
- Controls Engineer
- SCADA Engineer
- Energy Infrastructure Engineering
- Biofuels Processing
- Plant Engineering
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are prepared to:
- Assume responsibility for continuing education to maintain skills and professional growth.
- Assemble, install, troubleshoot, and diagnose mechanical equipment, electrical, electronic controlled production machines, and hydraulic pneumatic systems.
- Diagnose complex problems using interdisciplinary technical skills.
- Demonstrate work ethics and reliable behavior, including responsibility for decisions and actions, time and stress management skills, initiative, creativity, and logical thinking.
