Nearly all industries are becoming increasingly reliant on highly specialized, automated, and interconnected systems to increase productivity and quality. Become a part of this challenging and financially rewarding career field by enrolling in the Instrumentation and Controls Technology program at Southwest Tech which is one of only three offered in Wisconsin.

As a student in the Instrumentation and Controls Technology program you will learn how to install, configure, program, troubleshoot, and repair these complex systems. In addition, you will learn to about the instruments that control process variables such as pressure, level, flow, composition, and temperature. Graduates of this program have career opportunities in a variety of industries including energy, food, dairy, and manufacturing.
  • Overview

  • Is This Program for You?

    Are you detail orientated and mechanically inclined? Do you love problem solving and enjoy math and science? Do you like working with the latest technology? Answering “Yes” could mean that a challenging and rewarding career awaits you in the Instrumentation & Control field.

    Students entering the Instrumentation and Controls Technology program should:

    • Have an interest in math and science.
    • Enjoy problem solving.
    • Think creatively.
    • Enjoy working with their hands.
    • Have good hand-eye coordination.
    • Enjoy working with people.
    • Have good communication skills.
    • Be detail-oriented.

    Program Basics

    • Associate degree
    • Classes are offered daytime, face to face, and on campus
    • Fall Start
    • Financial aid eligible
    • Credit for prior learning may be available

    Related Degrees

  • Curriculum & Costs
  • Requirements

  • Admission and Program Requirements

    • Submit Application
    • To make sure your classes are the right fit, we consider any previous college credit you've earned, Accuplacer or ACT scores, high school GPA, or an assessment at your registration session. Submit High School Transcripts, College Transcripts, and Test Scores to: Southwest Tech, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809

    Helpful Academic Background

    • Math and science
    • Written and oral communications
    • Electricity, electronics or mechanics

    Program Fees

    • This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
    • Estimated cost for each semester can be found under the Curriculum tab. Please note that costs are approximate and are based on the current academic year.
    • Please discuss additional fee questions with the program advisor or instructor.

    Additional requirements

    Students must have eye wear protection (safety glasses with side shields or wrap around safety glasses over prescription glasses) and must meet OSHA Z87.1 or greater while they are conducting operations that are deemed hazardous in nature. These glasses can be purchased at the College Bookstore.

  • Outcomes

  • Program Outcomes

    At the completion of the program, students are expected to be able to:

    • Document Processes and Procedures
    • Troubleshoot instrumentation and automation systems and devices
    • Field calibrate process instrumentation
    • Setup, install, and integrate instrumentation and automation systems and devices
    • Configure smart instruments using HART communication protocol

    Some employers will require CPR and/or First Aid.

  • Career Opportunities

  • Southwest Tech's Career Connections Center offers Services to assist students looking for job placement.

  • Transfers
  • Prior Learning

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    At any time, you may Request Credit for Prior Learning.

    Instrumentation and Controls Technology Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-103-106Beginning Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-103-118Intermediate Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOUS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-513-184HACCP TrainingYes
    Current HACCP Certificate
    10-801-195Written CommunicationYes
    College Composition CLEP test would also be accepted for credit. However, the challenge exam is the preferred method.
    10-801-197Technical ReportingYes
    10-804-113College Technical Math 1AYes
    CLEP Test - College Math
    10-804-114College Technical Math 1BYes
    CLEP Test - Pre-Calculus
    10-809-172Introduction to Diversity StudiesYes