BAAS - Automation

As the energy industry continues to expand in the oil rich Permian Basin, there is a consistent need for employees who are formally trained in instrumentation, automation, engineering, and programming. Most companies in the Permian Basin are moving to, or already have existing, automation systems that span hundreds of miles. With this move to automated systems, there is a consistent need for highly skilled workers to fill the automation positions. The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Automation prepares graduates for design, development, implementation, and support of the software and equipment in control systems. Potential job opportunities for graduates include: automation, control engineering, robotics, automated systems, systems calibration, systems troubleshooting, quality engineering, and maintenance. The job need from the oil and gas industry includes positions such as electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, automation supervisors, and senior engineers for equipment. These types of positions will continue to be prolific as the industry continues to expand in the Permian Basin.

Academic Admission Requirements

Applicants for entry into the Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences (BAAS) in Leadership and Management degree must satisfy the following minimum criteria:

1. General Admission to Odessa College.

2. Compliance with Texas Success Initiative requirements (TSI).

3. Completed an approved AAS degree from an accredited institution, or be within 15 SCH of completion.

4. Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

5. Submission of specified BAAS Program application (BAAS - Automation only).

BAAS - Automation

The BAAS in Automation degree includes advanced coursework in automation, engineering, mechatronics, etc., and therefore requires students have a strong background in instrumentation, mechatronics, or related field. In an effort to ensure students entering the BAAS in Automation degree are adequately prepared to successfully complete advanced coursework throughout the program, the departmental faculty developed a selective admissions process consistent with the College’s practices for other selective entry programs. Students interested in completing the proposed BAAS in Automation must meet the general admissions criteria above and the following requirements for admission to the program:

1. AAS degree must be in one of the following fields: Instrumentation and Electrical Technology; Electrical Engineering Technology; Mechanical Engineering Technology; Industrial Engineering Technology; Automation Technology; or Mechatronics and Robotics. Potentially related fields will be evaluated for consideration and would be accepted if approved by both the DRI and the Senior Dean for the School of STEM. 
2. AAS must have been completed within the previous three academic years, however the DRI for the department and the Dean reserve the right to evaluate applicants on a case by case basis. Consideration will be given to older degrees primarily for candidates who have been working in the field during the interim time. 
3. Students must have earned a grade of “C” or better in any pre-requisite math course and all AAS program/major courses (Instrumentation, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics).
4. Students must submit a timely BAAS in Automation Application for admission during the annual cohort admission process; the process for admission can be found in the BAAS in Automation Admissions Guide document.

The DRI for the BAAS - Automation, Armin Rashand, will work with program faculty to review each students’ required admissions documentation, ensuring the AAS presented meets all the criteria for the BAAS - Automation course of study, as well as ensuring admissions criteria have been met. The selective admissions process includes a review of specific criteria to determine a students’ preparedness for upper-level coursework in automation. Students will receive points in three categories:

1. Points for GPA in the AAS. GPAs will range (or be equated to) 2.0 - 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, and students will receive a specific amount of points based on where their GPA falls in the range. 
2. Points for grades earned in relevant general education and instrumentation courses from the AAS. Grades earned of “A”, “B”, and “C” from the general education and automation coursework will determine the number of points given.
3. Points for an interview with a designated Interview Rubric. This will include questions regarding career goals, questions about the students’ experience in working through challenges in and out of the classroom, and a short demonstration of basic technical skills to ensure adequate preparation.

Once admitted, successful completion of upper-level program courses requires a grade earned of “C” or better.

Odessa College does not use independent contractors or agents for recruiting purposes.