Comprehensive Guide to Getting an Automated Manufacturing Technology Degree

Are you fascinated by the intersection of technology and manufacturing? Do you want to be at the forefront of industrial innovation? If so, a degree in Automated Manufacturing Technology might be your ticket to an exciting and rewarding career. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pursuing this cutting-edge field of study.

Why Consider Automated Manufacturing Technology?

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a technological revolution, and skilled professionals are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of industrial engineers, including those specializing in automated manufacturing, is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030. That’s faster than the average for all occupations!

What Is Automated Manufacturing Technology?

Automated Manufacturing Technology combines engineering principles with advanced computer systems to optimize manufacturing processes. It’s all about making production faster, more efficient, and of higher quality. If you’ve ever been fascinated by robots on assembly lines or wondered how complex products are made with such precision, you’re already thinking like an automated manufacturing technologist!

Degree Options: Which Path Is Right for You?

Bachelor’s Degree: The Comprehensive Choice

A B.S. in Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology is your ticket to a wide-ranging education in this field. This four-year degree covers:

• Management techniques
• Work measurement
• Safety procedures
• Plant layout
• Quality control
• Robotics

You’ll dive deep into computer-aided technologies like CAD, CNC, and CAM, as well as hydraulics, pneumatics, and even additive manufacturing (3D printing). Many programs offer co-op and internship opportunities, giving you real-world experience before you graduate.

Associate’s Degree: Fast Track to the Workforce

Looking for a quicker entry into the field? An A.A.S. in Automated Manufacturing Engineering Technology might be your best bet. This two-year degree focuses on practical, hands-on skills you’ll use right away on the job. You’ll learn:

• Basic management techniques
• Work measurement
• Safety procedures
• Plant layout
• Quality control
• Robotics fundamentals

It’s a great way to start your career quickly or build a foundation for further education.

Certificates: Specialized Knowledge for Specific Goals

Certificate programs offer focused learning in specific areas of automated manufacturing:

1. Automation Technician Certificate:

   • Perfect for those wanting an introduction to industrial automation
   • Covers digital electronics, process control, PLC programming, and robotics
   • Includes hands-on lab experiments and projects

2. Manufacturing Technology Certificates:

   • Specialized options like Automated Manufacturing Systems, CNC Operations, Computer-Aided Design, and Drafting/Design
   • Ideal for upskilling or gaining expertise in a particular area

What Will You Learn?

Automated Manufacturing Technology programs are designed to give you a well-rounded education in the field. Here’s a taste of what you can expect to study:

1. Computer-Aided Technologies: Get hands-on with CAD, CNC, and CAM systems.
2. Management Techniques: Learn how to measure work, implement safety procedures, design plant layouts, and control quality.
3. Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Understand the “muscle” behind many manufacturing processes.
4. Robotics and Automation: Program and work with industrial robots and automated systems.
5. Industrial Control Systems: Master PLCs, SCADA systems, and distributed control systems.

How to Get Started: Admission Requirements

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• High School Records: Your academic history will help determine your first-semester classes.
• Minimum Requirements: Meet the university’s and program’s specific admission criteria.

Always check with your chosen institution for their exact requirements.

Boost Your Credentials: Certifications and Licensing

Want to stand out in the job market? Consider these certifications:

1. Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) Certification:

   • Available through programs like the Manufacturing Skills Standard certificate at College of DuPage
   • Recognized industry standard for manufacturing skills

2. Industry-Specific Certifications:

   • Options in CNC operations, computer-aided design, and automation technician roles

Flexible Learning: Online Certifications

Can’t make it to campus? No problem! Check out these online options:

1. Automation Technician Certificate Program:

   • Offered by the University of Houston-Downtown
   • 18 modules with virtual lab experiments
   • Cost: $560 for the first module, $1,780 for the full program

2. Manufacturing Automation Graduate Certificate:

   • Offered by Missouri S&T
   • Perfect for working professionals looking to enhance their skills

Career Opportunities: Where Can This Degree Take You?

With an Automated Manufacturing Technology degree, you could find yourself working as a:

• Manufacturing Automation Specialist
• Advanced Quality Control Specialist
• Manufacturing Engineering Technologist
• CNC Machine Tool Programmer
• Robotics Engineer/Technologist
• Industrial Engineering Technologist
• Maintenance and Repair Technologist

The future looks bright for these roles. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $88,950 for industrial engineers as of May 2020, with job growth outpacing the average for all occupations.

Top Schools for Automated Manufacturing Technology

Ready to start your journey? Consider these accredited programs:

1. Purdue University

   • Location: West Lafayette, IN
   • Program: B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
   • What’s great: Hands-on experience combined with theoretical knowledge
   • Format: Full-time, on-campus
   • Duration: 4 years

2. Rochester Institute of Technology

   • Location: Rochester, NY
   • Program: B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
   • What’s great: State-of-the-art equipment and software training
   • Format: Full-time, on-campus with co-op opportunities
   • Duration: 5 years (including co-op experiences)

3. Dunwoody College of Technology

   • Location: Minneapolis, MN
   • Program: A.A.S. in Automated Systems & Robotics
   • What’s great: Focused curriculum on industrial automation and robotics
   • Format: Full-time, on-campus
   • Duration: 2 years

Ready to Shape the Future of Manufacturing?

Automated Manufacturing Technology is more than just a degree—it’s your gateway to shaping the future of industry. With the skills you’ll gain, you’ll be ready to tackle the challenges of modern manufacturing and drive innovation in factories around the world. Whether you choose a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree, or certificate program, you’re taking the first step towards an exciting career in a field that’s always evolving.

So, are you ready to program the future of manufacturing? Your journey starts here!