Automation Controls / SCADA

Overview

careers

  • Automation Technician

  • Electronic Controls Programmer

  • Bench Technician

  • Controls Technician

  • Electronics Technician

 
 
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Job Placement Rate ⓘ
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Average Salary ⓘ

Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition, known in the industry as SCADA, is emerging as one of the fastest expanding areas of industry today. This Mitchell Technical College program teaches students to use computers to collect management data and to design, build and repair automated systems. Industries are placing greater emphasis on remotely controlling switching devices, gathering accurate inventory data, managing the operation of electrical devices, measuring and metering electrical systems and automating routine tasks.

The successful student in this program will demonstrate a variety of skills and abilities including reasoning, both inductive and deductive; researching; visual color discrimination; communicating through various means like telephone, written documents, email, in person; repairing and maintaining electronic equipment; and keeping up to date with new knowledge.

SCADA technicians will find employment in electric power utilities, gas companies, water systems, security systems and in industrial applications. Graduates will install and maintain remote switches and communication devices, or operate computer networks to control remote switches.

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Curriculum

Award: AAS Degree

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Semesters
First Semester
CIS107Spreadsheet Concepts3 credits
EC105Data Cabling3 credits
EC121AC/DC Analysis4 credits
IST156Information Security I2 credits
MATH162Digital Math3 credits
SD100Introduction to Programming2 credits
SSS100Student Success1 credit
Total Semester Hours18 credits
Second Semester
EC113Electronic Theory3 credits
SD135Introduction to Ethernet Networks3 credits
SD136Programming for SCADA3 credits
SD142Control Circuit Analysis 4 credits
SD157SCADA Electronics Lab3 credits
OSHA100OSHA 10 Training1 credit
Total Semester Hours17 credits
Third Semester
SD120Introduction to Motor Control3 credits
SD159Programmable Logic Controllers3 credits
SD160Industrial Wiring3 credits
Communications Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours12 credits
Fourth Semester
IST230Data Visualization4 credits
SD225Intro To SCADA Software4 credits
SD229Networking Concepts I3 credits
SD259Adv Programmable Logic Controllers4 credits
Social Science Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours18 credits
Fifth Semester
SD205Process Controls3 credits
SD239Advanced Industrial Networking3 credits
SD270SCADA Testing Control Lab7 credits
Behavioral Science Elective3 credits
Total Semester Hours16 credits
Sixth Semester (Optional Third-Year Automation Engineering AAS)
WMT201Quality & Productivity Improvement2 credits
WMT230Welding Robotic Lab3 credits
WMT231Manual Machining Lab3 credits
WMT240Manuf Programming & Installation3 credits
SSS100Student Success1 credit
Total Semester Hours12 credits
Seventh Semester (Optional Third-Year Automation Engineering AAS)
WMT250Laser Cutting Technology3 credits
WMT251CNC Machining Station Lab3 credits
WMT260Advanced Machining4 credits
CPR100First Aid, CPR AED0.5 credits
Total Semester Hours10.5 credits

Requirements

Computer Requirements

This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for an Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,000 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program.

Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop. And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into an Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.

Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
  • Conduct simple mechanical repairs on typical electromechanical systems,  install new system modifications, and return the system to operational specifications.
  • Diagnose electronic system problems using appropriate test instrumentation, schematics, technical reference manuals, and determine if fault is electrical, electronic, software, or mechanical in nature. Recommend appropriate repair process and initiate repair.
  • Properly and safely operate digital multimeter test equipment.
  • Repair electrical and electronic systems, from devices, subsystems, wiring/cabling to circuit board level and return equipment to correct operation.
  • Integrate electro/mechanical equipment into electronic and computer controlled systems.
  • Design, construct, program, implement, and troubleshoot a proper operating SCADA network system utilizing appropriate security practices.
Annual Program Review

Check out the 2023-24 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Faculty

Josh Renken

Program Director / Instructor

Contact
Dale Moke

Instructor

Contact

Cost

$ 4000
Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ

Other Required Costs

Laptop/Software$1,150
Books / Tools (estimated)$1,405

Scholarships

$750

1 AVAIL.

SD Municipal Electric Association Energy Production & Transmission Scholarship

SD Municipal Electric Association

All programs eligible.
Must be a resident of the SD Municipal Electric Association service area.

$1000

7 AVAIL.

Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy

The scholarships will be awarded in January and applied to Power Line and Electrical Utilities and Substation recipients on their second semester account, and for Automation Controls/SCADA and Natural Gas Technology recipients accounts the following Fall semester.
Automation Controls/SCADA
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicants must be first or second year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Power Line Electrical Utilities and Substation Automation Controls/SCADA Natural Gas Technology Wind Turbine Technology Applicant must complete the MTC Current student online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship.

$1000

4 AVAIL.

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient's account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills

$1000

5 AVAIL.

Northwestern Energy Scholarships

NorthWestern Energy has been an active supporter of Mitchell Tech through donations of scholarship funds and equipment since 2003. The scholarships will be awarded in January and applied to PL accounts the Spring semester and the following Fall semester for ECM, SCADA and WTT two-year program recipients.
Automation Controls/SCADA
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Natural Gas Technology
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicants can be first or second year students currently enrolled full-time in the following programs: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Power Line Construction and Maintenance SCADA Wind Turbine Technology - 2 year Natural Gas Technology Applicant must complete the MTC online application and submit references if required during the open application periods as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above

$1000

1 AVAIL.

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.

$1000

2 AVAIL.

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

Charlene Bainbridge

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power - Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power - Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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