The Industrial Automation Technology program provides you the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge required in the manufacturing industry to install, program, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot high-tech, computerized machinery. You will gain hands-on training with:
With in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process and state-of-the-art equipment, you will be a problem solver working to keep production running. You will learn through hands-on training using the state-of-the-art technology used in the workplace. Technology brands include but is not limited to:
The University of Northern Iowa's Department of Applied Engineering and Technical Management has a variety of documented pathways between Hawkeye's Industrial Automation Technology AAS degree program and a bachelor degree at UNI. Check out UNI's transfer guides at chas.uni.edu/aetm/prospective-students/transfer-students/transfer-guides-hawkeye-community-college for the following programs to learn more:
If you plan to transfer, work closely with a program advisor to ensure courses transfer and you meet program requirements.
The Industrial Automation Technology program is part of the Enhance Iowa project, a grant from the US Department of Labor for equipment, training, and simulation to help prepare individuals in the high demand field of industrial maintenance and automation.
Graduates generally work in industrial maintenance positions and find employment in manufacturing, food processing, and business environments. Positions include but are not limited to:
| Entry | Average | Experienced | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | $47,200 | $62,000 | $69,500 |
| General Maintenance and Repair Workers | $30,300 | $43,400 | $49,900 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $43,000 | $55,900 | $62,300 |
| Machinery Maintenance Workers | $42,900 | $55,200 | $61,400 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $41,700 | $59,100 | $67,700 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians (Robotics Technicians) | $47,100 | $62,300 | $69,900 |
Source: 2022 Iowa Wage Report, Iowa Workforce Development
The following is a partial list of employers who have hired graduates from this program:
| Business | Location |
|---|---|
| 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 |
In order to be eligible for the Industrial Automation Technology program, all students must meet minimum score requirements and/or successfully complete the required college success courses in English, reading, and math with a C- grade or higher at Hawkeye Community College or comparable courses at another accredited college. For appropriate college success course placement, work with your program advisor.
| ALEKS | ACCUPLACER | COMPASS | ACT | ACCUPLACER Next Generation | GPA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 6 | 40 Arithmetic | 24 Pre-Algebra | 14 | 240 Arithmetic 241 Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra, and Statistics | 2.00 |
| Reading | --- | 76 | 82 | 19 | 251 | 2.80 |
| Writing | --- | 64 Sentence Skills | 41 | 16 | 240 | 2.50 |
Applicants successfully demonstrating college readiness criteria are eligible for acceptance.
Applicants falling short of successful demonstration of college readiness criteria will be accepted to a Pre-Program. As a pre-program student, you will begin with general education and prerequisite classes. An advisor will help you create an academic plan to meet your program admission requirements. Once you have completed your pre-program coursework contact Admissions.