Kansas Promise-eligible Automation Engineer Technology program begins in August 2026 at WSU Tech and will train students for careers in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation.

WICHITA, Kan. — Tues., June 30— Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) is launching a new Automation Engineer Technology program to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation, with qualifying students eligible for a tuition-paid pathway through the Kansas Promise Scholarship.

The program begins in August 2026 and comes as employers across Kansas and the region continue to invest in automated systems used in manufacturing, aviation, and other industrial environments. As those technologies become more common, employers need skilled professionals who can install, maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the systems that keep modern operations moving.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of industrial engineers is projected to grow 11% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 25,200 openings projected each year. That growth reflects a broader need for workers who can improve production systems, solve operational challenges, and help employers adapt to new technologies. 

“Automation is changing the way industries operate, and that creates new opportunities for students who are ready to step into this work,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “This program gives students a direct path into high-wage, high-demand careers, and because it is Kansas Promise eligible, qualifying students may be able to pursue that path with little to no out-of-pocket cost.”

The Kansas Promise Scholarship helps qualifying Kansas students pay for approved programs in high-wage, high-demand, and critical-need fields. For qualifying students, the scholarship may cover tuition, required fees, books, and materials after other eligible financial aid is applied. During the last academic year, more than 500 WSU Tech students received the Kansas Promise Scholarship, totaling more than $3.5 million in support.

Students in the Automation Engineer Technology program will receive hands-on training with the technology driving today’s manufacturing environments, including electrical control systems, programmable logic controllers, robotics, motor control, fluid power, process control, and automation system troubleshooting.

Through classroom instruction and extensive lab-based training, students will learn how to install, calibrate, maintain, and improve automated systems used in manufacturing and industrial settings. The program offers both an Associate of Applied Science degree and a Technical Certificate, allowing students to choose the pathway that best fits their goals.

“At WSU Tech, our role is to connect students to real career opportunities and help remove barriers along the way,” said Dr. Scott Lucas, Vice President, Manufacturing and Workforce Solutions. “Automation Engineer Technology gives students the skills employers are asking for while helping Kansas build the workforce needed for the future of manufacturing.”

The program will launch at WSU Tech’s City Center campus before moving in early 2027 to WSU Tech’s 85,500-square-foot expansion at the National Center for Aviation Training, announced in August 2025.

Enrollment is open now, with classes beginning in August 2026. Students interested in learning more about the Automation Engineer Technology program can visit www.WSUTECH.edu/AutomationEngineerTechnology. 

About WSU Tech 

As Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, WSU Tech stands at the forefront of modern technical education in Kansas, offering over 100 degree and certificate options. These programs cover critical fields such as aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, police science, culinary arts, business, and more. WSU Tech operates four campuses and serves as the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT) in Wichita, KS—a city known for its high concentration of STEM jobs.

In 2018, Wichita State University, Kansas’ urban public research university, affiliated with WSU Tech, enhancing the institution’s student-centered focus and aligning with Wichita State’s dedication to innovation and applied learning. This partnership has created a comprehensive educational environment that supports student achievement and meets the evolving needs of industries in the urban heart of Kansas and beyond.

Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and as a Kansas Board of Regents institution, WSU Tech upholds high academic standards and equips students with the skills necessary for lifelong success and career readiness.

For more information on how WSU Tech shapes the future of technical education and contributes to the workforce in Kansas and beyond, please visit www.WSUTECH.edu.

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