Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Why Advanced Manufacturing Technology?

Manufacturing is advancing rapidly, driven by robotics, automation, and digital technology that power Industry 4.0. In this program, you will learn how to integrate machines, data, and innovation to create efficient production systems and support modern manufacturing operations. You will gain the technical and problem-solving skills to thrive in this high-demand and technology-driven field.

At Mid-State, you will train in the Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology and Apprenticeship (AMETA^®) Center, learning directly from instructors with industry experience. You’ll work with real equipment and automation systems that prepare you for advanced manufacturing roles or continued study at UW-Stout.

Experience Industry 4.0 technologies through hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs.
Operate robotics and automation systems that drive today’s manufacturing efficiency.
Apply knowledge in digital systems, quality control, and precision manufacturing.
Collaborate with instructors and employers to build confidence and career connections.
Transfer into UW-Stout’s Automation Leadership Bachelor of Science degree with up to 84 credits completed, including 63 credits from program coursework plus an additional 21 credits earned through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Industry 4.0 specialist certification.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

63 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

Hybrid

Location

AMETA^® Center

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$12,594.18

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

Automation Technician

Control Systems Technician

Electromechanical Technician

Mechatronics Technician

Robotics Technician

$64k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $64,355. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Average Monthly Hires

7 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (63 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (17 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10462106	Mechanical Power Transmission	No	3
10605105	Electrical Circuits I	Yes	3
10605117	Automation 1 - Beginning PLC	Yes	3
10801136	English Composition 1	Yes	3
10804118	Intermediate Algebra with Applications	Yes	4
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (14 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10462133	Electric Controls for Industrial Automation	No	3
10605118	Automation 2 - Advanced PLC	No	3
10623114	Intro to Inventor	Yes	1
10664110	Intro to Mechatronics	No	2
10664120	Intro to Industrial Internet of Things	No	2
10801198	Speech	Yes	3

Term 3: (15 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10605119	Automation 3 - HMI’s & Robotics	No	2
10605145	Industrial Networking	No	2
10623112	Manufacturing Practices	No	2
10664121	Vision and Smart Sensors	No	2
10664104	Industrial Control Systems Applications	No	2
10664128	AutoCAD Electrical	No	2
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3

Term 4: (17 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10196189	Team Building and Problem Solving	No	3
10462120	Industrial Hydraulics & Pneumatics	No	3
10664123	Advanced Industrial Robotics	No	2
10664124	Integrated Systems Capstone	No	3
10809195	Economics	Yes	3
10804196	Trigonometry with Applications	No	3

Instructors

Meet our full-time instructors.

Mike Rhyner, BS
Mike earned his BS in electrical engineering from ECPI University and holds national FANUC Robotics CERT certification. Mike’s experience includes 10 years as an instructor in controls and automation. He has also held positions as senior principal controls engineer for Oshkosh Corporation and senior controls engineer for Harley Davidson Tomahawk Operations.

“It’s easy to teach people who want to learn. The best thing about teaching at Mid-State is the students have an interest in their chosen program. They are here because they want to be, which makes it easy to teach and train them.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

Identify appropriate automation and smart technology and implement them into manufacturing processes.
Install, operate, and optimize automated manufacturing equipment.
Use networking capabilities and smart sensor technology to gather data.
Integrate automation, electrical, and mechanical systems and devices.

Employability Skills

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career.”

- Kevin B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad