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New Automation & Controls Engineering Technology Degree Launching this Fall

Bachelor of Science degree prepares students for a successful career as a Controls Engineer, Automation Engineer or Mechatronics Engineer

Dunwoody College of Technology, a private, non-profit institution and the pioneer in technical education, today announced the addition of an Automation & Controls Engineering Technology (AENT) bachelor’s completion program, set to begin Fall 2020. 

Automated control systems rely upon state-of-the-art computer controls, sensors and machine learning algorithms. These systems are used to control modern manufacturing facilities, power generating plants, building automation systems, and even automobile traffic patterns. With a degree in Automation & Controls Engineering Technology, graduates will excel at engineering and managerial positions that focus on designing, implementing, testing and trouble-shooting even the most complex automated systems. 

“Now more than ever, knowledge of automation technology has become pivotal to manufacturing companies who are looking for workers with the technical and business skills to help them stay ahead of the pack,” said E.J. Daigle, Dean of Robotics & Manufacturing at Dunwoody. “We’re excited to bring this program to Dunwoody students who have the curiosity and willingness to experiment, giving them a competitive advantage in today’s workforce.”

Dunwoody’s lab spaces feature state-of-the-art equipment, much of it donated by industry partners like Rockwell Automation, Cognex, FANUC, and Zeiss.  Instructors have industry experience and professional certifications and work closely with industry leaders to make sure curriculum and equipment aligns with the current and future state of manufacturing. Students gain real, hands-on experience and graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to be leaders in their field.

Automation & Controls Engineering Technology is the latest addition to the College’s existing Robotics & Manufacturing programs, which continue to prepare students for a wide variety of design, technology, and engineering positions, creating high-precision, high-quality products across a range of industries.

The four-semester program consists of all-evening courses taught in a lecture and lab format, designed for working professionals who have a two-year degree in electrical maintenance, electronics, mechatronics, industrial controls or robotics. Students without a two-year degree who are interested in the most direct path to this program should apply to Dunwoody’s Automated Systems & Robotics or Industrial Controls & Robotics programs.

The curriculum will focus on advanced topics that range across the various disciplines, including electrical design, PLC (programmable logic controller) applications, robotics, motors, machine vision, auto-guided vehicles and factory automation. Hands-on projects, including an industry-specific capstone, will give students direct experience applying what they learn. Additional coursework will include mathematics, physics, project management, and engineering, to develop the critical thinking, communication, and managerial skills required of the modern engineer.

With a 99 percent placement rate and (on average) 15.7 job inquiries per graduate, Dunwoody students are prepared to meet the needs of the present and future workforce upon graduation.

Fall classes are currently set to begin August 17, with a first graduating class in May 2022. For more information about Dunwoody’s latest offerings or to enroll, visit www.dunwoody.edu or call (612) 374-5800.

ABOUT DUNWOODY

Founded in 1914, Dunwoody College of Technology is the only private, not-for-profit technical college in the Upper Midwest. Having provided hands-on, applied technical education to more than 250,000 men and women, Dunwoody is the college for experimenters and makers, a place where the curious and the confident learn by doing. Located in Minneapolis, Dunwoody offers a unique campus experience in dedicated labs, studios, and shops that treats students like future professionals from day one. With certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degrees in more than 45 majors – including engineering, robotics, design and other STEM-related fields – Dunwoody challenges students to come determined and graduate destined. More information on Dunwoody can be found at www.dunwoody.edu or by following Dunwoody on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.