Mechatronics - AAS Degree
Overview
See Department website and program contacts here
The Mechatronics (AAS) degree is designed for students seeking careers in advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, and industrial maintenance. The curriculum combines mechanical, electrical, and automated systems knowledge with hands-on technical training to prepare students for employment in modern industrial and manufacturing environments.
Coursework includes topics such as robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), control systems, electro-mechanical systems, statistical process control (SPC), manufacturing methods, safety, and industrial troubleshooting. Students develop practical technical skills used to maintain, repair, and support automated production and industrial systems.
The Mechatronics program is workforce-focused and prepares students for careers involving industrial robots, automated equipment, manufacturing systems, and advanced industrial technologies. Students also develop problem-solving, teamwork, and professional skills that support success in technical workplace environments.
Students are encouraged to work with an advisor to ensure appropriate course selection and program planning based on their educational background and career goals.
Refer to the tabs above for additional information about:
- Education Plan – provides a sample term-by-term sequence of courses
- Career Info – includes information on potential occupations, employment trends, and earnings
Program Learning Objectives
At the completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate industrial safety practices in a manufacturing environment
- Participate effectively in a workplace environment
- Apply a systematic approach to troubleshooting problems
- Read and interpret industrial schematics
- Demonstrate intermediate level knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems
- Demonstrate basic knowledge in automation control systems
- Operate and program basic industrial robots and programmable logic controllers
- Describe and perform basic welding and machining processes on ferrous metals
- Use hand and shop tools effectively to complete common maintenance tasks
- Identify and use appropriate test equipment
Education Plan
This sample Education Plan illustrates one possible course sequence. Students should consult an advisor to create a personalized plan.
General education courses (such as math, writing, health, etc.) can be taken during any term, or before starting the program.
| First Quarter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| MEC101 | Introduction to Mechatronics | 1 |
| MEC110 | Introduction to Manual Machine Tools | 3 |
| MEC112 | Measurement Tools | 3 |
| MEC121 | Mechanical Drives I | 4 |
| MEC131 | AC/DC Electrical Systems | 3 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Second Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| MEC122 | Mechanical Drives II | 4 |
| MEC132 | Electric Motors | 4 |
| MEC134 | Electrical Fabrication | 2 |
| MEC141 | Pneumatics I | 3 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Third Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| MEC123 | Mechanical Drives III | 4 |
| MEC142 | Pneumatics II | 2 |
| MEC231 | Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers | 4 |
| MEC241 | Introduction to Hydraulics | 3 |
| Human Relations requirement | 3-4 | |
| Credits | 16-17 | |
| Fourth Quarter | ||
| Summer | ||
| MTH065 | Beginning Algebra II (or higher, excluding MTH098) | 4 |
| Health and Physical Education requirement | 3 | |
| WR101 or WR121Z | Workplace Communications I or Composition I | 3-4 |
| Credits | 10-11 | |
| Fifth Quarter | ||
| Fall | ||
| MEC133 | Motor Controls | 5 |
| MEC160 or WLD116 | Introduction to Maintenance Welding or General Welding I | 2 |
| MEC232 | Intermediate Programmable Logic Controllers | 5 |
| MEC242 | Advanced Hydraulics | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Sixth Quarter | ||
| Winter | ||
| MEC113 | Industrial Safety | 2 |
| MEC243 | Fluid Power Controls | 4 |
| MEC251 | Robotics I | 3 |
| MEC270 | Process Control | 4 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Seventh Quarter | ||
| Spring | ||
| MEC250 | Manufacturing Operations | 1 |
| MEC252 | Robotics II - Vision Systems | 3 |
| MEC290 | Mechatronics Capstone I | 3 |
| MEC291 | Mechatronics Capstone II | 3 |
| CH150Z | Preparatory Chemistry or Introduction to Networks or Engineering Graphics: Solidworks or Statics | 4 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Total Credits | 96-98 | |
Awarding Requirements
The following requirement(s) must be fulfilled to be awarded the AAS in Mechatronics degree:
- All core program courses (MEC) must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
- All core program courses (MEC) must be completed within five (5) years of starting the program.