Automation is a core engineering discipline within Control Science and Engineering and an interdisciplinary major that integrates control theory, electronics, computer science, and information technology, while drawing on mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and power electronics. With its broad applicability and close relevance to modern industry, automation is widely regarded as a high-demand engineering field, offering strong and diverse career prospects.
The Automation program is one of the University’s longest-established engineering programs. Since the founding of the University in 1958, the program has played a leading role in education and research in automation and control. Through decades of continuous development, it has formed a comprehensive talent-training system supported by a first-level master’s degree authorization in Control Science and Engineering and a professional master’s program in Electronic Information (Control Engineering). Outstanding undergraduate students are eligible for recommendation-based admission to postgraduate programs, reflecting the program’s strong academic foundation and well-established training pathway.
The program has received sustained recognition for its educational quality and disciplinary strength. It was approved as a Provincial Teaching Reform Demonstration Program in 2004, designated as a National Characteristic Program in 2010, and selected for several provincial reform and excellence-oriented initiatives. In 2019, it was approved as a Provincial First-Class Undergraduate Program, marking its transition into a new stage of high-quality development.
Automation focuses on the integration of control strategies, sensing and measurement technologies, data processing algorithms, and automation equipment to design efficient and intelligent systems capable of precise monitoring, optimal control, and intelligent decision-making. Its applications span a wide range of fields, including industrial automation, robotics, energy systems, intelligent transportation, aerospace, biomedical engineering, and environmental protection. As a key enabling technology, automation plays an increasingly important role in intelligent manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
The program is supported by a highly qualified faculty team with strong academic credentials and extensive research experience. More than 75% of faculty members hold doctoral degrees, and many are nationally or provincially recognized scholars and award-winning teachers. Faculty members actively undertake national and provincial research projects, publish in leading international journals, and integrate cutting-edge research outcomes into undergraduate teaching. Students are encouraged to participate in research and innovation activities under close faculty mentorship, gaining early exposure to scientific research and engineering practice.
The program offers a modern, practice-oriented teaching environment, including process control laboratories, industrial automation laboratories, embedded system platforms, and electronic innovation facilities. Through close cooperation with leading enterprises, students have access to internships and industry-based projects, enabling them to strengthen hands-on skills, understand real engineering environments, and enhance career readiness.
The Automation program aims to cultivate high-quality engineering professionals with solid theoretical foundations, strong practical abilities, innovation awareness, and an international perspective. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects, with employment rates consistently exceeding 95%. Most graduates enter intelligent manufacturing, automation technology, energy and power systems, or research institutions, while approximately 30% pursue further studies at leading universities in China and abroad.
With its long academic tradition, strong faculty support, advanced facilities, and close industry connections, the Automation program provides an ideal platform for students seeking a future-oriented engineering education and a pathway to becoming innovative engineers and technical leaders.
