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Education - What You Will Need

Engineering and Design Jobs

• Degree from a 4-year accredited college or university
• Suggested degree(s):
  *Engineering degree in a process-oriented discipline such as chemical, electrical, control systems, or mechanical engineering
• Physics, mathematics, chemistry, or computer science can also provide a sound background
• Courses offering hands-on training are important.
• Engineers usually must be registered and licensed.

Sales Engineering

• Solid technical background
• Marketing and business courses
• A degree in engineering or an applied science is desirable

Management

• Degree from a 4-year accredited college or university
• Suggested degree(s):
  *Engineering or business management
• Economics, accounting, or computer science also can provide a sound background.

Engineering and Maintenance Technician Jobs

• Graduation from technical, vocational, or community college program; or equivalent military training; or several years of related experience.
• Appropriate degree programs include:
  • Engineering technology
  • Instrumentation technology
  • Electronics
  • Mechanics
  • Robotics
  • Electromechanical technology
• Applied math and science courses and courses offering hands-on experience are recommended.
• ISA's Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) certification may also be required.

No matter which path you choose, your education will continue throughout your career in automation + control. Continuing professional development and training are a must in this rapidly changing field.

ISA is a participating body of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which certifies engineering curricula at universities and trade schools. ISA also develops standards for the profession and provides information and support to its members. Part of that support has been the area of credentialing. Because of ISA's efforts, Control Systems Engineering (CSE) is now formally recognized in almost every state in the USA. ISA also recognizes technicians'achievements with ISA's Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) Program.

Many colleges and schools offer training for these careers. Check with your guidance counselor and/or with professional organizations such as ISA for information on educational programs in your area.