Industrial Automation

This program delves into diverse areas, including instrumentation and control, industrial robotics, computer-aided drafting, machine communications and connectivity, and human-machine interfaces.

The program prepares students for careers in the design, operation, and management of industrial automation systems focusing on our local industries:

• Petroleum 
• Energy 
• Warehousing & Logistics 
• Agriculture & Food Processing
• Manufacturing 

Significant emphasis is placed on project-based learning facilitated by laboratory work using industry hardware (Allen Bradley PLCs).

You may earn a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate's Degree in on the path to earning the Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Automation.

What is Industrial Automation?

The integration of equipment, technology, and systems with the aim of optimizing production, ensuring safety, efficient resource utilization, and maintaining product quality defines Industrial Automation. This field entails the use of physical machines and control systems to automate tasks in an industrial process, with a fully autonomous factory being an extreme illustration of this.

Wondering if Industrial Automation is the right fit for you?

This degree program is ideal for those who possess a strong inclination towards math and science, enjoy tackling problems, and have a penchant for working with technology. Students aspiring to pursue a career in manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, or other related industries can reap significant advantages from this program. Moreover, professionals looking to upskill or advance their careers in the domain of industrial automation can also find this program highly beneficial.

Here are some key traits and skills that would make someone a good fit for studying Industrial Automation:

• Technical aptitude
• Attention to detail
• Math and science skills
• Mechanical skills
• Attention to safety

Degrees/Certificates

Industrial Automation Bachelor of Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Automation equips students with the skill set those technologists require in a wide range or roles in a wide range of industries. Lower division required competencies include courses from Electronics, Engineering, Computer Science, CompTIA, Food Science & Technology, HVAC, and Mechanized Agriculture. Upper division technical courses cover a broad range of technical topics including industrial networks, process control, and robotics, courses in project management, quality management, facilities planning, and safety management.

Industrial Automation Associate of Science Degree

The Associate of Science (AS) in Industrial Automation includes hands-on coursework in basic electronics (DC and AC), programmable logic controllers (PLC's), instrumentation and process control, electric motors, telecommunication systems, AutoCAD, and chemistry. This degree teaches essential skills that can be put to use as an industrial technician, electronics technician, field service representative, or a technical salesperson.

Industrial Automation Certificate of Achievement

The Certificate of Achievement in Industrial Automation is designed to prepare students for optimal success in higher education and technical careers in an environment that will encourage a lifelong pursuit of learning. This certificate encompasses the essential skills that can be put to use as an industrial technician, automation specialist, maintenance mechanic, or field service representative.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

I Can Afford College

Careers

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation at Bakersfield College equips students with the necessary skill set to meet the demands of a range of local employers, including major companies in the agriculture, distribution, and manufacturing sectors. The program emphasizes the practical application of electronics and computer technology to industrial automation systems, which may be relevant to several job titles across diverse industries.

Kern County Employment Projections

The need for Industrial Automation Bachelor Degree graduates continues to rise. Between 2014 and 2023, labor market projections show a 21% increase in Bakersfield College service area of the occupations for which the degree prepares students. This far exceeds California’s or the United States average.

During that time frame, there is predicted to be an increase (growth) of 906 positions, not including replacements. It is estimated the annual need will be over 200 workers. The median hourly earnings for the Industrial Automation occupational titles is approximately $41 per hour.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Automation have had nearly 100% employment rate with an average salary of $80,000.

Examples of Local Employers

• Aera Energy LLC
• Amazon
• Berry Corporation
• Bolthouse Farms
• Chevron
• Dryer's
• Frito Lay
• GAF
• Grimmway Farms
• IKEA
• KSI
• LINN Energy
• Oxy
• Phillips 66
• Setton Farms
• Sun World
• Target
• Tasteful Selections
• The Wonderful Company
• Witron

Introducing Spot the Robot

Meet our newest robot, Spot the robotic dog. Spot comes from Boston Dynamics and has found a permanent home in BC's Industrial Automation program. Spot joins a full lineup in the Industrial Automation robotics Lab, where students learn to use these tools to advance industrial process efficiencies.

You can see more about Spot in the KBAK News piece BC Industrial Automotive welcomes new robot "Spot"