Academic Majors in Industrial Automation

This article explains the university education path for industrial automation.

Industrial automation is not a single, independent major; it is an interdisciplinary field fed by electrical engineering, control systems, instrumentation, mechatronics, industrial electronics, and even computer science. This article introduces the learning path for industrial automation and explains the majors that lead directly or indirectly to this field.

The Path to Learning Industrial Automation

Fundamentals of Electrical and Control Engineering The entry foundation includes principles of industrial electricity, reading electrical diagrams and P&IDs, and familiarity with sensors and actuators.

Learning PLC The PLC is the heart of automation. Essential skills include programming languages (LAD, FBD, STL, SCL), memory structure, Scan Cycle, inputs/outputs, and modules.

Industrial Networks To communicate between PLCs, HMIs, drives, and equipment, networks such as PROFINET, PROFIBUS, Modbus, and EtherCAT are used.

HMI and SCADA For system monitoring and control, knowledge of page design, alarms, trends, and tag structures is required.

Drives and Motion Control Motor and motion control involve variable frequency drives, servo drives, and position and speed control.

Standards and Security Important standards include IEC 61131-3, IEC 61508 (SIL), and IEC 62443.

Majors Related to Industrial Automation

Electrical Engineering – Control The primary entry path into automation. It includes linear and advanced control, instrumentation, PLCs, industrial networks, and motor control.

Electrical Engineering – Instrumentation Suitable for process industries such as oil, gas, and petrochemicals. It focuses on sensors, transmitters, and measurement systems.

Mechatronics Engineering A combination of electrical engineering, mechanics, control, and robotics. It is suitable for robotics, machine automation, and intelligent systems.

Industrial Electronics Engineering Suitable for drives, motor control, power panels, and power electronics systems.

Computer Engineering – Software / Artificial Intelligence Plays a key role in next-generation automation; including SCADA, IIoT, Digital Twin, and Edge Computing.

Majors Equivalent to Industrial Automation in Iran

In Iran, there is no undergraduate major with the exact title “Industrial Automation,” but several majors cover the exact same skill and career path:

Electrical Engineering – Control The closest major to automation. It includes linear and advanced control, digital systems, instrumentation, PLCs, industrial networks, and motor control.

Electrical Engineering – Instrumentation Suitable for process industries. It focuses on sensors, transmitters, and measurement systems.

Mechatronics Engineering A combination of electrical engineering, mechanics, and control. It is suitable for robotics and machine automation.

Industrial Electronics Engineering Suitable for drives, motor control, and power panels.

Electrical Engineering Technology – Control A more practical and applied version of control engineering. It is suitable for technicians and executive engineers.

Associate Degree in Industrial Automation Offered in vocational and technical colleges, it includes PLCs, HMIs, drives, industrial networks, and electrical diagram reading.

International Majors Related to Automation

In industrialized countries, the following majors are offered directly:

• Industrial Automation Engineering

• Automation & Control Engineering

• Electrical Automation Engineering

• Industrial Robotics & Automation

• Mechatronics and Automation

These majors focus specifically on PLCs, SCADA, industrial networks, robotics, and intelligent systems.

Conclusion

Industrial automation is a broad and interdisciplinary field. Its learning path includes PLCs, networks, HMI/SCADA, drives, and industrial standards. Various university majors—both in Iran and abroad—can lead individuals into this field. Choosing the right path depends on career goals, but all these majors can lead to the world of industrial automation and control.