What is a Bachelor’s in Automation?
Automation technology is rapidly expanding across manufacturing, robotics, and the energy industry in the Permian Basin. The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Automation at Odessa College prepares students to design, program, troubleshoot, and maintain automated systems used in modern industry.
Students gain hands-on experience working with industrial control systems, robotics, instrumentation, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This automation degree combines engineering concepts with real-world applications so graduates can move directly into high-demand technical careers.
What Do You Learn in an Automation Bachelor’s Program?
Students develop technical and analytical skills used in automation and engineering careers, including:
- Industrial robotics programming and operation
- PLC programming and troubleshooting
- Control systems design and calibration
- Sensors and instrumentation systems
- Electrical and mechanical automation integration
- Microcontrollers and industrial networks
- CAD, CAM, and CNC manufacturing concepts
- Industrial safety and maintenance protocols
- Human-machine interface (HMI) systems
Graduates learn how automated equipment communicates, operates, and improves efficiency in real production environments.
Why Study Automation in the Permian Basin?
Because of the region’s strong oil and energy industry, students gain access to real-world automation environments. Employers actively seek graduates trained in automation engineering and industrial programming.
The program emphasizes applied learning, allowing students to work with the same technology used in industry.
Admission Requirements
Admission into the Automation Bachelor’s Degree is selective.
To begin the process, contact: 432-335-6400
Students must submit documentation by March 31, 2025
Bachelor's Automation Admissions Guide (PDF)
Bachelor's Automation Application (PDF)
Automation Degree Requirements
The degree requirements are based on guidelines established by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. All baccalaureate degrees contain at least 42 semester credit hours of general education courses.
To qualify for the bachelor of applied arts and sciences, students must complete all of the following:
- An applied arts and sciences (AAS) degree,
- 42 semester credit hours (SCH) in Core Curriculum *
- Major concentration upper level coursework (as specified in each program)
- A minimum of 120 semester hours.
- A minimum average of “C” (2.0) in all work. Transfer students must also have an average of “C” (2.0) in all work taken at
- Odessa College.
- Discharge of all financial obligations to Odessa College prior to graduation.
*The 42 SCH of Core Curriculum is derived from the following component areas:
- 010 - Communication (6 SCH)
- 020 - Mathematics (3 SCH)
- 030 - Life and Physical Sciences (6 SCH)
- 040 - Language, Philosophy, and Culture (3 SCH)
- 050 - Creative Arts (3 SCH)
- 060 - American History (6 SCH)
- 070 - Government/ Political Science (6 SCH)
- 080 - Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 SCH)
- 090 - Component Area (6 SCH)