Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma
About the Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma
If you have a mind for technology, the Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology program will equip you with the knowledge and skills of measurement techniques, control strategies, robotics, automatic control of industrial processes and equipment needed to respond to the needs of a variety of industry sectors.
In this program, you will master the skills to maintain, install and design the systems used to measure, monitor, and control processes in industries like; food & beverage, oil & gas, water treatment, power generation, agriculture and more.
Emphasis is on critical thinking, innovative design, diagnosis, and troubleshooting of technical problems. Through applied learning and a capstone project, you will develop proficiency in design, problem-solving and collaboration in diverse settings.
Related Careers
Industrial Instrument Technicians and Mechanics
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Graduates are prepared for careers, relating to computer and electronic-based automated systems application and support, across sectors including;
- food and beverage
- oil and gas
- water treatment
- power generation
- agriculture
- petrochemical
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
International Intakes
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
-
- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Note:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International students or those who have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
Students applying to Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology must have a minimum of 65% in or their equivalents:
ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2
A minimum of 60% in:
MATH 30-1 or a minimum of 75% in MATH 30-2
PHYS 20 and CHEM 20 or Science 30
NOTE: High School transcripts with completed or anticipated final grades for in-progress courses can be submitted. If anticipated final grades are not met before the transcript deadline, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
OR
Post-secondary transcripts demonstrating completion of at least one semester (or five courses) of an engineering technology or technologist diploma within five years prior to application.
OR
Post-secondary transcripts demonstrating completion of at least one semester (or five courses) of an engineering degree program within five years prior to application.
Additional Requirements
Technology
This is a bring your own device program. You will require appropriate technology (laptop, mobile device, etc.) to complete the learning activities and exams.
Blackboard works with Chromebooks, Android and IOS devices. We recommend completing online tests with Windows or a Mac computer, but a Chromebook will work as well.
If the computer does not have the most recent Operating System, Blackboard may run slowly or may not run at all. Prior to using Blackboard, you should compare your current system configuration with the system requirements below.
Windows: Minimum - Windows 10, Recommended - Windows 10
Macintosh: Minimum - OS X (10.13), Recommended - OS X (10.15)
Android: Minimum - 9.x, Recommended - 10.x
IOS: Minimum - 10.3.4, Recommended - 12.4.6
We recommend a 5.0 Mbps or higher internet connection. A wi-fi connection is acceptable, but you may experience lag when accessing or participating within certain environments, depending upon the service you use. Dial-up, satellite and cellular may be used, but these are not recommended due to problems experienced when completing quizzes, participating in any web-conferencing and in viewing video content.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Prior Learning and Transfer
Students presenting courses from other recognized post-secondary institutions may be granted transfer credit towards the Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning and Transfer Credit page to learn more.
Indigenous Learners
The IAET program recognizes the need to facilitate access to post-secondary education for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. To increase the participation of Indigenous learners, the program has designated four (4) seats for qualified applicants who are First Nations, Metis, or Inuit. After June 1 of each year, designated seats which have not been allocated to Indigenous learners will be released to qualified applicants on the waitlist if one exists for the program.
Indigenous applicants must meet the admission requirements for the program as outlined in the Academic Calendar and qualify for a designated seat by:
- Self-identifying as an Indigenous applicant on the Application for Admission.
- Providing proof of Indigenous ancestry
Proof of Indigenous ancestry (one of the following):
- Certified copy of a Status or Treaty card, Metis membership card, Nunavut Trust Certificate card, roll number or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities.
- Proof that an ancestor’s name has been entered in the Indian Register according to the Indian Act, band list of an individual band, or the Inuit roll.
- Written confirmation of Indigenous ancestry from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada.
- Statutory Declaration by an applicant attesting to Aboriginal ancestry with supporting documentation.
Other forms of proof may also be considered at the discretion of the Registrar.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
View our course guide for additional program and course information.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 'D' in all courses applied to credential completion and a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.