Automation Systems Engineering Technology – Faculty of Engineering

Automation Systems Engineering Technology

Prepare yourself for a career in automation through this multidisciplinary program that includes subjects such as chemical, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

Length
4.5 years
Degree
Bachelor of Technology (Co-op Mandatory)
Program
Bachelor of Technology
Options

Co-op

Program highlights

In 4.5 years, students graduate with a degree from McMaster University, an advanced diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology – Process Automation and Certificate in Business from Mohawk College, and 12 months of co-op work experience. 

Skill development

Develop highly tuned analytical and design skills and gain specialized knowledge in sensors, instruments, actuators, industrial networks, process control and automation, SCADA, programming, statistical process control, internet technologies, and the integration of plant floor data with business systems.

Accredited Business Degree

The program also integrates core business and management skills and is an Accredited Business Degree. Read about ACBSP Accreditation here.

We get a lot of hands-on experience in labs and design courses and have small classes, where we have the opportunity to talk more with professors. In our co-op, we interact a lot with industry and try to understand what they need to make improvements in their fields.

George – Automation Systems Engineering Technology

Admission requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Six grade 12 U/M courses including:

  • English (ENG4U)
  • Calculus (MCV4U)
  • Chemistry (SCH4U)
  • Physics (SPH4U)

Please use the Future Students admissions tool to check requirements.

Anticipated Admission Range
80% – 82%
Supplementary Application
Required
OUAC Code
MPT
How to Apply Automation Systems Engineering Technology (Opens in new window)

Co-op and experiential learning

Gaining relevant co-op experience is an essential part of earning a BTech degree.

This required program component will allow students to gain valuable work experience and career connections.

Our top 5 co-op employers for this program are:

  • ABB
  • ArcelorMittal Dofasco
  • ATS Automation
  • Endress+Hauser
  • Rockwell Automation

While support and guidance is available through the Centre for Career Growth and Experience (the Centre) to assist students with your job search, resume writing and interviewing skills, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to satisfy the co-op program requirement.

Learn more about co-op

Program structure

The program is made up of technical courses that are specialized according to your chosen stream. In addition, courses in business, management, and communications complement your studies. Finally 12 months of co-op are integrated into your studies.

 

FallWinterSpring
Year 1Level 1ALevel 1BOptional Co-op Work Term
Year 2Level 2ALevel 2BCo-op Term 1
Year 3Level 3ACo-op Term 2Co-op Term 3
Year 4Level 3BLevel 4AOptional Co-op Work Term
Year 5Level 4B

Level 2A Courses

Course CodeCourse Title
PROCTECH 2CA3CAD for Design
PROCTECH 2CE3Chemical Engineering I: Mass Balance
PROCTECH 2EE3Electricity and Electronics II
PROCTECH 2IC3Instrumentation and Control
ENGTECH 2MA3Mathematics III
GENTECH 2MP3Management Principles

Level 2B Courses

Course CodeCourse Title
PROCTECH 2EC3Chemical Engineering II: Energy Balance
PROCTECH 2SE3Systems Engineering Fundamentals
PROCTECH 2PL3Introduction to PLC Programming
ENGTECH 2MT3Mathematics IV
GENTECH 2EE3Engineering Economics
GENTECH 2HR3Human Resource Fundamentals

Level 3A Courses

Course CodeCourse Title
PROCTECH 3CT3Control Theory I
PROCTECH 3PL3Advanced PLC Programming and Control
PROCTECH 3CE3Chemical Engineering III: Unit and Process Design
ENGTECH 3ES3Engineering Statistics
GENTECH 3FF3Financial Systems
GENTECH 3MT3Project Management

Please note that students enter streams in 3B. The application process to the Smart Systems Stream occurs at the end of 3A.

Level 3B Courses by Stream

Industrial Systems StreamSmart Systems Stream Software Stream
GENTECH 3LS3GENTECH 3LS3GENTECH 3LS3
Quality Control and Assurance MethodsQuality Control and Assurance MethodsQuality Control and Assurance Methods
GENTECH 3MB3GENTECH 3MB3GENTECH 3MB3
Fundamentals of MarketingFundamentals of MarketingFundamentals of Marketing
SMRTTECH 3CC3SMRTTECH 3CC3SFWRTECH 3CS3
Cloud Computing and Internet of ThingsCloud Computing and Internet of ThingsComputer Security
PROCTECH 3MC3PROCTECH 3MC3PROCTECH 3MC3
Motion Control and RoboticsMotion Control and RoboticsMotion Control and Robotics 
SMRTTECH 3DE3SMRTTECH 3DE3SFWRTECH 4DS3
Digital ElectronicsDigital ElectronicsData Structures and Algorithms 
PROCTECH 4SS3PROCTECH 4SS3PROCTECH 4SS3
System Specification and DesignSystem Specification and DesignSystem Specification and Design

Level 4A Courses by Stream

Industrial Systems StreamSmart Systems StreamSoftware Stream
GENTECH 4EP3GENTECH 4EP3GENTECH 4EP3 
Entrepreneurial Thinking and InnovationEntrepreneurial Thinking and InnovationEntrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation
GENTECH 4OM3GENTECH 4OM3GENTECH 4OM3 
Operations ManagementOperations ManagementOperations Management
PROCTECH 4IT3PROCTECH 4IT3PROCTECH 4TR1
Internet Technologies and DatabasesInternet Technologies and DatabasesCapstone Design Project I
PROCTECH 4TR1PROCTECH 4TR1SFWRTECH 4WP3
Capstone Design Project ICapstone Design Project IAdvanced Web Programming
PROCTECH 4IC3SMRTTECH 4ID3SFWRTECH 3IT3 
Industrial Networks and ControllersIoT Devices and NetworksNetworking Principles
PROCTECH 4CT3SMRTTECH 4ES3SFWRTECH 4SA3
Advanced Control TheoryEmbedded SystemsSoftware Architecture

Level 4B Courses by Stream

Industrial Systems StreamSmart Systems StreamSoftware Stream
GENTECH 4FT3GENTECH 4FT3 GENTECH 4FT3
Strategic ManagementStrategic ManagementStrategic Management
GENTECH 4TE3GENTECH 4TE3GENTECH 4TE3
Technology Ethics and SustainabilityTechnology Ethics and SustainabilityTechnology Ethics and Sustainability
PROCTECH 4TR3PROCTECH 4TR3PROCTECH 4TR3
Capstone Design Project IICapstone Design Project IICapstone Design Project II 
PROCTECH 4AS3SMRTTECH 4AI3SFWRTECH 4ES3
Industrial System Components and IntegrationArtificial Intelligence and Machine LearningReal-Time Systems
LEVEL 4 ELECTIVE #1 (CHOOSE ONE)LEVEL 4 ELECTIVE #1 (CHOOSE ONE)SFWRTECH 4NS3
PROCTECH 4MH3SMRTTECH 4HM3 (max 20 students)Advanced Network Security
Machine Health and Remote MonitoringHuman Monitoring and Smart Health SystemsLEVEL 4 ELECTIVE #1 (CHOOSE ONE)
ORORSFWRTECH 4DM3
SMRTTECH 4HM3 (max 20 students)PROCTECH 4MH3Data Mining
Human Monitoring and Smart Health SystemsMachine Health and Remote MonitoringOR
LEVEL 4 ELECTIVE #2 (CHOOSE ONE)LEVEL 4 ELECTIVE #2 (CHOOSE ONE)ENGTECH 4AI3
PROCTECH 4MS3SMRTTECH 4SC3Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Manufacturing SystemsSmart Cities and CommunitiesOR
ORORENGTECH 4DT3
ENGTECH 4DT3ENGTECH 4DT3Engineering Design and Technology
Engineering Design and TechnologyEngineering Design and Technology

Careersand further studies

Sample careers:

  • Junior Controls & Systems Engineer, Polycon
  • Manufacturing Engineer, General Motors
  • Process Engineer, US Steel Canada

Further study:

  • MEng Design, School of Engineering Practice & Technology, McMaster University
  • MEng Electrical and Computer Engineering, McMaster University
  • MEng Manufacturing, McMaster University

Future directions

Many BTech students inquire about study opportunities available to them after completing their undergraduate degree. With your four year degree from McMaster University, you can now move on to pursue professional designations or further education at the graduate (Master’s or Doctoral) level.

Every program has different requirements for admission and a unique admission process. Some general information can be found below. Students are encouraged to contact the graduate programs of interest directly for more information.

Students can continue their studies within the Walter G Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology through any of the five professional Master’s programs offered:

  • Master of Engineering and Public Policy (MEPP)
  • Master of Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering (MEME)
  • Master of Engineering Design (M.Eng. Design)
  • Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI)

B.Tech. students or graduates who are interested in any of the professional master’s programs offered by W Booth School should contact the relevant grad studies representative to arrange for an interview with a faculty member. The same advice would apply to those seeking graduate programs outside of W Booth School.

For interested fourth years…

There are now 400/600 level courses available for you to take in your final year of B.Tech!

What is a 400/600 level course?

These are 400 level courses in your program that are cross listed at the 600 (graduate level). The 600 level course is an undergraduate course with additional work, commonly extra assignments or a project beyond the requirements for the corresponding 400 level course.

The 600 level course can be taken by undergraduate students (with permission from the course Professor) or graduate students. If you wish to complete a 400 level course, with 600 level credit, speak with your instructor at the start of the term.

What is the advantage of taking a 600 level course?

Students in B.Tech. can take up to 2 courses at the 600 level. Upon successful completion of a course, a PASS/FAIL notation will be made in the W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology (SEPT) Graduate Program office, which will allow you to receive credit for these courses should you enter into one of the SEPT Master’s programs.

*not ALL B.Tech. courses qualify for advanced credit for ALL M.Eng programs – consult your department head for more information.

For more information on your eligibility for M.Eng programs offered by W.Booth, please contact wbooth@mcmaster.ca!

  • Effective May 15, 2023, the PEO’s updated application criteria for the PEng designation affected the eligibility of McMaster BTech graduates. Under the new application criteria, the BTech degree does not satisfy the PEO’s academic requirement for PEng licensing (although BTech grads do qualify for a PEO Limited Licence – LEL).  We are in active communication with the PEO in an effort to re-establish the previously approved PEng pathways for BTech grads; please revisit this website for updates. In the meantime, BTech grads can still apply to become a P.Eng. in other Canadian Provinces, completing the process online while working in Ontario, and, once licensed, transfer their P.Eng. licence to Ontario.

Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees are typically course-based (as opposed to research-based) and are also sometimes referred to as project-based master’s degrees, since MEng degrees usually comprise a combination of course work and a project. The nature of the project is usually “professional” rather than “research” (e.g. dealing with design or manufacturing problems in industry).

These kinds of programs are considered to be an excellent fit for graduates of BTech programs which concentrate on developing advanced technological skills in an environment which is more concerned with application than with research. The advanced coursework in the master’s degree program and the experience developing, conducting, and completing a major application-oriented project would provide a good educational base for technologically-focused positions in industry.

Most of the Engineering Departments at McMaster University offer MEng degree programs; the details of these can be found in the calendar of McMaster University’s School of Graduate Studies or the Faculty of Engineering Graduate Programs search page.

McMaster University’s research-based master’s degree programs in engineering lead to a Master of Science (MSc) or a Master of Applied Science (MASc). Typically, these programs require a relatively small number of courses and a major research project culminating in a thesis. A research-based master’s program is considered the ideal route towards doctoral studies.

Research-based master’s programs are suitable for BTech graduates who have a very definite career objective in fundamental and/or applied research. BTech graduates interested in these programs should have very strong mathematical abilities.

Most engineering departments at McMaster University offer MASc. degree programs; the details of these can be found in the calendar of McMaster University’s School of Graduate Studies or the Faculty of Engineering Graduate Programs search page.

BTech students or graduates wanting to pursue a research master’s program at McMaster University are advised to contact the relevant department and arrange for an interview with a faculty member. A useful approach is to do some preliminary and preparatory investigation to identify professors whose research program aligns well with the interests and skills of the student. The same advice would apply to those seeking admission to programs at other universities.

MBA programs offered at McMaster University and other universities provide an opportunity for university degree graduates in a variety of fields to develop a broad set of advanced business administration skills. Typically, these programs are course-based and may include a co-op component (e.g. the MBA program offered by McMaster’s DeGroote School of Business). MBA programs are suitable for B.Tech. graduates who wish to broaden their career opportunities to include leadership positions which require both technological and management education.

Note that successful completion of an MBA program could position the student for PhD studies in business.

A student sits at a table with an open book. Another student stands beside them and points at a page.

Accelerated MBA in 8 months

BTech graduates can apply to an Accelerated MBA program with DeGroote School of Business after completing their undergraduate studies.

Eligible programs include Automation Systems Engineering Technology, Automotive Engineering Technology, and Biotechnology.

This pathway highlights the quality of business and management curriculum within BTech, paving the way for graduates to excel as future business and technology leaders.

Starting in the Fall of 2025, BTech students who started these programs in 2019 and later will be eligible to apply to DeGroote’s Accelerated MBA.
Learn more about DeGroote's Accelerated MBA (Opens in new window)

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W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology

We blend our focus between academic theory, engineering practice and understanding how to leverage technology to create solutions and produce value for society.

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