Industrial Technology

Why Industrial Technology?

The Industrial Technology Degree equips students for entry- to mid-level technician and operator roles across industrial settings—manufacturing, metalworking, construction, renewable energy, fabrication, and more. Coursework includes technical graphics, safety (10‑Hour or 30‑Hour OSHA certifications), AutoCAD, computer literacy, and electives in specialized areas. Our Industrial Technology program has been split into three career clusters: Manufacturing, Architecture Construction, and Energy Systems Technology. 

Students will complete one or more Skills Certificates as their electives, including Building Maintenance, CNC Machining, Construction Skills, Design & Fabrication, Electric Vehicle Systems, Energy Systems Technology, Facilities Maintenance, Hybrid Diesel, Industrial Controllers, Industrial Robotics, Machine Tool Technology, Mechatronics, I: Controls, Technical Management, and Welding—all of which further refine skills in specific technical domains.

Program Details

Associate in Applied Science - Industrial Technology

In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Program Options
Average Time to Complete
2 years
Financial Options
Financial Aid is available.

Program Options

Associate in Applied Science - Industrial Technology

60 Credit Hours

General Education
Course Hours

ENGL 101  - Critical Reading & Writing  or ENGL 105 - Writing for Industry

*ENGL 105 does not count as IAI General Education credit

3

TMAT 103 - Technical Mathematics or MATH 109 - College Algebra

*TMAT 103 does not count as IAI Geernal Education credit

4

Social & Behavioral Science - Any one IAI Social & Behavioral Science course

3

Physical Science - Any one IAI Physical Science course

3-4

ART, ASTR, CHEM, COMM, EASC, MATH, PHYS, or SCED - Any one Art, Astronomy, Chemistry, Communication, Earth Science, Math, Physics or Success Education course 

3

Total Credit Hours

16
Industrial Technology Program Requirements
Course Hours
BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies or SCED 110 - Workplace Success

1
CAD 101 - Introduction to AutoCAD

3
CTEC 101 - Introduction to Computers

3
TECH 101 - Introduction to Tools

1
TECH 114 - Introduction to Technical Graphics

3
TECH 171 - 10-Hour OSHA Construction  or TECH 172 - 10-Hour General Industry Safety or TECH 271 - 30-Hour OSHA Construction or TECH 272 - 30-Hour General Construction Safety 

2
Emphasis Options: 
  • Building Maintenance
  • Construction
  • Design & Fabrication
  • Electronics
  • Energy Systems Technology
  • Facilities Maintenance
  • Hybrid Diesel
  • Industrial Controllers
  • Industrial Robotics
  • Machine Tool Technology
  • Mechatronics I: Controls
  • Technical Management Skills
  • Welding

31-32
Technical Elective Courses

Choose remaining elective hours for each Emphasis Option from courses on this list:

  • Any BULD, BTEC, CAD, CNST, ELAP, ELTC, HDET, HVAC, MAIN, MECH, MFTG, MTT, NETW, REEC, TECH, or WELD Course(s)
  • CSCI 110
  • DMED 120, DMED 260
  • EVES 101, 110, 115, 125
  • Up to 24 hours of ELAP courses allowed
  • Up to 6 credits of PLTW courses (TECH 121-127) allowed

31-32

Total Credit Hours

44

Emphasis Option Requirements - Select One

Building Maintenance
Course Hours
BULD 101 - Building Maintenance Fundamentals

6
BULD 110 - Technical Service Industry Skills

3

Technical Electives - Choose 22 hours from technical elective list above. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete an additional Skills certificate.

22
Construction
Course Hours
CAD 235 - CAD for Construction

3
CNST 101 - Construction Materials & Methods

3
CNST 113 - Construction Documents, Estimating & Scheduling

3

Technical Electives - Choose 22-23 hours from technical elective list above. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete an additional Skills certificate.

22-23
Design & Fabrication
Course Hours
MTFG 115 - Manufacturing Production & Processes

3
MTFG 130 - Engineering Graphics

3
MTT 121 - Introduction to Lathe Machining

3
MTT 131 - Introduction to Mill Machining

3
MTT 131 - Introduction to Mill Machining

3
WELD 110 - Introduction to Welding Processes

3
Technical Electives - Choose 16-17 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete an additional Skills certificate.

16-17
Electronics
Course Hours
ELTC 102 - DC Electronics

3
ELTC 103 - AC Electronics

3
ELTC 206 - Digital Electronics & Microprocessors

3
ELTC 212 - Automation & Control Electronics

3
MECH 237 - Arduino Programming

2
Technical Electives - Choose 17-18 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete an additional Skills certificate.

16-17
Energy Systems Technology
Course Hours
MAIN 101 - Industrial & Building Electricity

3
REEC 120 - Sustainability & Renewable Energy

3
Technical Electives - Choose at least one subplan. Remaining elective hours will be completed through courses on the approved technical elective list.

22-23
Energy Systems Subplans
Subplan Hours

Building Automation Technology:

 

12

Renewable Energy Technology:

 

9

Solor Energy Technician:

 

9

Wind Energy Technology:

 

12
Facilities Maintenance
Course Hours
HVAC 102 - Air Conditioning & Refrigeration I

3
HVAC 103 - Heating Systems I

3
Industrial & Building Electricity

3
Elective - Any BULD, CNST, ELTC, MAIN, or REEC course

3
Technical Electives - Choose 19-20 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

19-20
Hybrid Diesel (Pending Approval)
Course Hours
HDET 101 - Hybrid Diesel Equipment Fundamentals

3
HDET 110 - Heavy Equipment Braking

3
HDET 115 - Heavy Equipment Steering and Suspension

3
HDET 120 - Heavy Equipment Engine Repair

3
HDET 220 - Heavy Equipment Climate Control & Thermal Management

3
EVES 125 - Electrical and Chassis Control 1

2
HDET 227 - Heavy Equipment Drivetrains

3
HDET 230 - Heavy Equipment Electrical Diagnostics

3
Technical Electives - Choose 8-9 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

8-9
Industrial Robotics
Course Hours
MECH 110 - Networking for Automated Controls

3
MECH 145 - Introduction to Robotics

3
MECH 245 - Robotics & Automated Controls I

3
MECH 246 - Robotics & Automated Controls II

3
Elective - Any ELTC, MAIN, MECH, or WELD course

3
Technical Electives - Choose 16-17 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

16-17
Machine Tool Technology
Course Hours
MTT 102 - Metrology

3
MTT 121 - Introduction to Lathe Machining

3
MTT 122 - Basic CNC Lathe Machining

3
MTT 131 - Introduction to Mill Machining

3
MTT 132 - Basic CNC Mill Machining

3
MTT 232 - Advanced CNC Mill Machining

3
Technical Electives - Choose 13-14 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

13-14
Mechatronics I: Controls
Course Hours
MAIN 101 - Industrial & Building Electricity

3
MAIN 202 - Introduction to Fluid Power

3
MECH 110 - Networking for Automated Controls

3
MECH 135 - Introduction to Programmable Controls

3
MECH 145 - Introduction to Robotics

3
MECH 235 - Industrial & Building Controllers I

3
MECH 245 - Robotics & Automated Controls I

3
Technical Electives - Choose 7-8 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

7-8
Technical Management
Course Hours
BTEC 115 - Business Communication

3
BTEC 150 - Customer Relations

1
BTEC 170 - Supervision

3
Business Skills Elective - Any ACCT, ATEC, BTEC, BUSN, CTEC, ECON course(s)

3
Technical Electives - Choose 21-22 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

21-22
Welding
Course Hours
WELD 116 - Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding

3
WELD 118 - Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding

3
WELD 216 - Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding

3
WELD 218 - Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding

3
WELD 230 - Welding Capstone

2
Technical Electives - Choose 17-18 hours from the technical elective list. You may also choose another emphasis option to complete and additional Skills certificate.

17-18

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

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Student Plan

Associate in Applied Science - Industrial Technology - Student Plan

First Year

Fall
Course Hours
BTEC 145 - Employment Success Strategies

1
CAD 101 - Introduction to AutoCAD

3

Emphasis Option Requirement

3

Emphasis Option Requirement

3
TECH 171 - 10-Hour OSHA Construction or TECH 172 - General Industry Safety

1
TMAT 103 - Technical Math I or MATH 109 - College Algebra for Math & Science

4
TMAT 103 - Technical Math I or MATH 109 - College Algebra for Math & Science

4

Total Credit Hours 

15

First Year

Spring
Course Hours

CTEC 101 - Introduction to Computers

3

Emphasis Option Requirement 

3

Emphasis Option Requirement 

3

Emphasis Option Requirement 

3

TECH 114 - Technical Graphics

3

Total Credit Hours 

15

Second Year

Fall
Course Hours
ENGL 101 - Critical Reading & Writing

3

Physical Science - Any Physical Science General Education course

3-4

Technical Elective - Choose from the Electives List (18 hours needed)

3

Technical Elective - Choose from the Electives List (18 hours needed)

3

Technical Elective - Choose from the Electives List (18 hours needed)

3

Total Credit Hours 

15-16

Second Year

Spring
Course Hours
General Ed Elective - Any ART, COMM, MATH, SCED, or additional Physical Science course

3

Social Science - Any Social Science General Education course

3
Technical Elective - Choose from the Technical Electives list below (18 total elective hours needed)

3
Technical Elective - Choose from the Technical Electives list below (18 total elective hours needed)

3
Technical Elective - Choose from the Technical Electives list below (18 total elective hours needed)

3

Total Credit Hours 

15

Technical Electives

Information is subject to change. Please check with an academic advisor for current course offerings and program requirements. Current students with continual enrollment may graduate under the current program requirements or any program requirements in effect since first enrollment.

Career Pathways

Career Pathways 

  • Technician / Operator (Industrial, Automation, Operator) 
  • CNC Operator / CNC Programmer 
  • Machine Tool Setter / Tool & Die Maker 
  • Welder (entry-level, SMAW, GMAW, GTAW) 
  • Facilities Maintenance Technician 
  • Energy Systems Technician / Installer 
  • Robotics Operator 
  • Technical Supervisor or Frontline Manager 

Specific pathways include: 

  • CNC Machining → CNC Operator / Programmer 
  • Design & Fabrication → Machine Operator / Welder 
  • Automation Technology → Maintenance Technician, Robotics / Controls Technician 
  • Facilities / Building Maintenance → Maintenance Technician for buildings or systems 

Local employers hiring Heartland graduates include:  

  • Rivian 
  • Ferrero 
  • OSF Healthcare 
  • Bridgestone America 
  • Illinois DCEO / Advanced Manufacturing Center 

The U.S. Department of Education's gainful employment regulations require disclosure of certain program information to students and prospective students.

Please review the employment information pertaining to your degree or certificate by selecting your intended program at the Heartland Community College Career Coach.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions visit the U.S Department of Education College Scorecard site.

Heartland and Industry Credentials

  • 10‑Hour or 30‑Hour OSHA Construction or General Industry Safety Card 
  • WELD courses prepare students for American Welding Society (AWS) qualification tests in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW
  • During many of our maintenance, mechatronic and robotics courses, students will have the opportunity to earn assorted Smart Automation Alliance Certification (SACA) 

Special Program Information

As a part of the AAS Industrial Technology, you are required to select an emphasis option and complete a certificate. You can choose from: Building Maintenance, CNC Machining, Design & Fabrication, Electric Vehicle Systems, Energy Systems Technology, Facilities Maintenance, Hybrid Diesel, Industrial Controllers, Industrial Robotics, Machine Tool Technology, Mechatronics, I: Controls, Technical Management, or Welding.

An Associate of Applied Science is designed to give you practical, hands-on instruction to prepare you to directly enter the workforce in a specific field. These programs are not generally transferable for a Bachelor's degree.

A transfer agreement is in place with SIUC for a Bachelor of Science in Technical Resource Management or Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management & Applied Engineering. See an advisor for more details.

Hybrid Format 

Some classes we offer in the Maintenance and Mechatronics areas are offered in a hybrid format that we call FLITE. Students are able to take some classes by doing the lectures online while completing the labs in-person at our state of the art FLITE Lab during preselected times that work for your schedule. 

Program is located in our brand new Advanced Manufacturing Center with a state of the art Labs.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Students employed by regional industry may have the opportunity to earn while they learn through registered apprenticeships. Benefits typically include on-the-job training paired with classroom instruction, paid employment, tuition and material coverage, and guaranteed employment. 

RAMP Program

Heartland and Rivian’s RAMP initiative delivers immersive EV manufacturing training, including VR simulations, hands-on modules, and upgrades to Heartland’s advanced manufacturing labs via a $7.5 million state grant. 

Accessible Locations & Fast-Track Options 

Building Maintenance and Construction Skills certificates can be completed in just two semesters at a Bloomington location (Mid Central Community Action).

Transfer Pathways

Credits from the Industrial Technology certificate and microcertificate coursework can be applied toward Heartland’s AAS Industrial Technology degree, supporting academic progression.

Average Class Size

16 Students - receive more individualized attention 

Course Information

  • Some classes are offered in-person during the day, in the evening, or with FLITE 
  • Classes are 8 weeks and 16 weeks 
  • Math and Literacy placement are required for the AAS, but not for most certificate programs

Completion Time

  • 24 months, 4 semesters 
  • 60 credit hours 
  • See an advisor for a detailed plan that works for you

Get Involved

Skills USA

 

  • $0

    Application Fee

  • 70+

    Programs of Study

Contact Information

Career & Technical Education Division

SCB 2400
1500 W Raab Road
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8860
Fax: 309-268-7963
Email: jess.washington@heartland.edu

 

Career & Technical Education Contacts

Jess Washington 

Program Assistant – Career & Technical Education Division
Email: Jess.Washington@heartland.edu
Phone: (309) 268-8871

Career & Technical Education Leadership

Adam Campbell

Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2410

Kortney Watts

Associate Dean, Career & Technical Education
SCB 2409