What Degrees Can You Get in Mechatronics?

As the global demand to develop more and more efficient systems for manufacturing, services, space exploration, and all kinds of other industries grows, so will the demand for mechatronics. This is primarily because mechatronics engineers can propose multi-disciplinary solutions and can look at problems from a holistic view.

Key Takeaways

As the global demand to develop more and more efficient systems for manufacturing, services, space exploration, and all kinds of other industries grows, so will the demand for mechatronics. This is primarily because mechatronics engineers can propose multi-disciplinary solutions and can look at problems from a holistic view.

Mechatronics engineering is the design of computer-controlled electromechanical systems. The solutions that mechatronics engineers propose are unique because they are drawn from any combination of multiple engineering disciplines like mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software engineering.

In this article, we will look at the best degrees available in mechatronics engineering.

Mechatronics engineers are in demand and will remain so for the foreseeable future. This is because, unlike other engineers who focus on a very specific field of study, mechatronics engineers are exposed to the principles of a number of engineering disciplines.

A mechanical engineer, for example, is only qualified to propose solutions that are mechanical in nature and an electronic engineer similarly will propose electronic solutions to problems.

Since mechatronics engineers and technicians have a broader view of the engineering discipline, the solutions they design can be developed by borrowing from any of the following fields of engineering:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Software Engineering

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As an example, a mechatronics engineer can develop a simple system that opens the blinds in a room when you clap and close them again when you clap twice.

Alternatively, he can do something even more complex like developing an AI (Artificial intelligence) system for a self-driving car to help it navigate by studying its surrounding terrain and obstacles.  

Each of these solutions is essentially mechanical in nature, but they could not function without the integration of critical electrical, electronic, and computer control systems. By looking at these examples you will begin to appreciate how broad the application of mechatronics really is.

Mechatronics engineers can opt to keep their education at a broad level or focus on a specific area and specialize. In this article, we will look at all the degrees you can get within the discipline of mechatronics.

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What degrees can you get in mechatronics?

Once you start your education in Mechatronics you can plan to keep things broad or focus on a  specialization for your degree. Many mechatronics engineering universities will not label their degrees and programs as mechatronics degrees but simply as bachelor’s or master’s degrees in engineering or science.

Remember that any discipline that combines mechanical engineering with another engineering is in essence a mechatronics degree. There are two decisions you need to take:

  1. When will you specialize?
  2. Do you want to keep your mechatronics degree broad or do you want to generalize?

Let’s look at both of these options and how they impact you.

1. When will you specialize?

Mechatronics is the only engineering discipline that helps you start a career 10 to 12 weeks into your studies!

Unlike other engineering degrees that require you to complete a 2-year associates program or a 4-years bachelor’s program at a minimum before you can land your first job in your field, mechatronics can get you employed after just a 10-week certificate course.

This certification will set you up for an entry-level job designing simple electro-mechanical systems for industries like the logistics or manufacturing industries.

Once you start earning, you can then start planning your specialization for your associate’s or bachelor’s degree. This option is great for people who have a need to start earning urgently for any number of personal reasons.

If you think this is a good option for you then you should review our guide to help you break into the highly lucrative mechatronics industry in only 10 weeks.

Alternatively, you can focus and get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree under your belt and then figure out a specialization with your master's if you intend to have one.

2. Do you want to keep your mechatronics degree broad or do you want to generalize?

Any specialization that needs the study of a combination of mechanical engineering with another engineering or science is in essence a mechatronics degree.

We will cover below the best mechatronics degrees available to you in both general mechatronics and specializations like robotics. 

Best Mechatronics Certificate Course 

Certificate in Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance - Level II

This 10-week certificate course in Mechatronics for equipment maintenance is intended for those with some experience who want to work as an industrial technician or in maintenance. 

This course consists of a series of online modules that explore the field of advanced manufacturing and are aligned with SACA certification. The course covers all aspects of electrical, mechanical, motor control, and pneumatic content. 

Following completion of this course, you will have the fundamental knowledge and skills required to maintain and troubleshoot material handling equipment. Learners who complete the course successfully will receive a certificate of completion and will be prepared to apply for Maintenance Technician positions.

Male mechanical engineer designs agricultural robots
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Best Mechatronics Degrees - General

A potential bachelor of mechatronics engineering has several options across the United States. Some of the best universities and community colleges offer courses in mechatronics

A.A.S. (Associate in Applied Sciences) in Robotics, Automation, and Mechatronics Technology, North Dakota State College Of Science

The Mechatronics Engineering Technology (MET) program is designed to prepare students for transfer into four-year engineering and/or engineering technology programs by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed in industries that use robotics and automated systems.

BS Mechatronics Engineering, California State University

CSU Channel Islands is Ventura County's only public university. The campus is strategically located on the so-called "101 Tech Corridor," which shares the neighborhood with companies such as Amgen, Haas, Teledyne Technologies, HRL Laboratories, and many others, not to mention the Naval bases at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme, as well as Lockheed, Rocketdyne, and other companies in the greater Los Angeles area. As a result, there is a high demand for engineers in the local industry and community.

BS Mechatronics Engineering, California State University

CSU Channel Islands is Ventura County's only public university. The campus is strategically located on the so-called "101 Tech Corridor," which shares the neighborhood with companies such as Amgen, Haas, Teledyne Technologies, HRL Laboratories, and many others, not to mention the Naval bases at Point Mugu and Port Hueneme, as well as Lockheed, Rocketdyne, and other companies in the greater Los Angeles area. As a result, there is a high demand for engineers in the local industry and community.

B.S. Mechatronics Engineering, Kent State University

The Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering at Kent State University integrates mechanical, electrical, computer, and controls engineering to comprehend automated machinery, specifically how to design and operate it. The design, construction, and operation of automated systems, robots, and intelligent products that result from the integration of software and hardware are central to mechatronics engineering.

Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Trine University

Trine University's Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering program will prepare you to create automated systems and smart solutions to tomorrow's industry challenges.

With technological advancements and unprecedented labor shortages, industries are increasingly relying on robotic applications. Traditionally, machines were designed by separate individuals with expertise in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering, but as manufacturers shift toward more technologically driven automated systems, there is a growing demand for professionals with experience in all of these areas. This degree puts you in a unique position to solve these challenges.

BS in Mechatronics Engineering, Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU is meeting student and workforce needs by offering a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Mechatronics Engineering. Graduates will be able to obtain a Siemen's international mechatronics certification - Level 3.

A major in Engineering Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in one of three concentrations: Computer Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology, is also available through the department. A major leading to a B.S. in Environmental Sustainability and Technology is also available.

BSc in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Purdue University Northwest

Within the context of packaging machinery, this program combines mechanical design, manufacturing, and electrical control. You will learn skills that will be extremely useful in other industries, such as the automotive industry. Internships offered by local packaging industries can also help you become very mobile with career opportunities available nationwide.

BSc in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Bowling Green State University

The program is designed to produce graduates who are ready for the workforce of tomorrow and who are prepared for successful careers in areas such as advanced manufacturing factory analysis, applied design, development, implementation, and oversight.

The Bachelor of Science in Technology in Mechatronics Engineering Technology program prepares students for successful careers and expertise in a wide range of fields related to the analysis, applied design, development, implementation, automation, and management of advanced mechatronics and robotics system technologies. 

BSc in Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Bowling Green State University

The program is designed to produce graduates who are ready for the workforce of tomorrow and who are prepared for successful careers in areas such as advanced manufacturing factory analysis, applied design, development, implementation, and oversight.

BSc in Engineering Technology - Mechatronics, Wichita State University

Wichita State's Bachelor of Science in engineering technology (BSET) program will provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge in engineering and technology fundamentals, engineering principles, instrumentation, mathematics, science, and applied design. You'll have access to cutting-edge labs and technology, as well as applied learning and research opportunities both on and off campus.

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Best Mechatronics Degrees - Specializations

Not all mechatronics degrees will be titled bachelor’s in mechatronics. The following cross-disciplinary engineering degrees all have the mechatronics common goal of finding, developing, testing, and deploying multi-disciplinary engineering solutions.

BS Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology - Mechatronics Track, Texas A&M University

The Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology degree allows students to obtain a deeper understanding of two or more engineering disciplines. This degree will primarily provide the student with a stronger background in electronic and mechanical systems. The core of the program includes mechanical, electronic and embedded systems/software fundamentals, principles and design concepts. This program will provide students with a hands-on laboratory experience using state-of-the-art equipment and industry-standard design and analysis software.

Graduates will be equipped with experiences in mechanical, electronic, control, computer and communication systems, as well as engineering design and development.

Master’s in Space Systems Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

In this program, you'll learn from top subject-matter experts and practitioners from the space community, including the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, as an online space systems operations degree student. Dive deeper into the aerospace industry by studying with professors and mentors from the New Horizons Pluto mission and the new Dragonfly mission.

You will learn about the formal systems engineering method, first as it is applied to entire space missions, and then, with increasing technical rigor, as it is applied to flight and ground systems and subsystems. The program offers in-depth opportunities to dissect and analyze case studies drawn from relevant real-world programs such as the use of AI and practical space system operations.

BSE Engineering (Robotics), Arizona State University

Engineering graduates from the BSE program are prepared to collaborate across disciplines to design and build solutions to real-world problems. Every semester, students in the program apply fundamental engineering knowledge and design thinking to real-world projects.

Students enrolled in the robotics concentration of the Bachelor of Science in engineering program develop a broad engineering foundation to which they add the skills and knowledge required to contribute robotics subject matter expertise in multidisciplinary engineering teams. 

This knowledge includes electromechanical systems, sensor and actuator integration, embedded digital system application, and dynamic system design and analysis. In addition, the robotics curriculum provides extensive hands-on experience in designing and implementing robotics systems to meet the needs of users.

BSc Automotive Engineering Technology, Ferris State University

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology program focuses on the engineering skills needed by the automotive industry. Engineering processes, mechanical testing, metallurgy, emission, and dynamometer testing are all covered in the lab. An on-the-job engineering internship is also an important component of the program.

BSc Automotive Engineering Technology, Ferris State University

The Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering Technology program focuses on the engineering skills needed by the automotive industry. Engineering processes, mechanical testing, metallurgy, emission, and dynamometer testing are all covered in the lab. An on-the-job engineering internship is also an important component of the program.

Bachelor of Engineering -  Marine Engineering, SUNY Maritime College

Thermal/fluid sciences, math, applied mechanics, electrical engineering, and problem-solving are all covered in Marine Engineering courses.

The US Coast Guard engine license program is an essential component of the Marine Engineering program. The program prepares students to work onboard ships without requiring military service.

You will learn to power and control a vessel's engine and systems as you work toward a US Coast Guard engine license. During three summer sea terms, the theoretical knowledge you learn during the school year will be tested and supplemented.

BSE -  Electrical Engineering (electric power and energy systems), Arizona State University

Advanced courses taught by award-winning faculty, research experience in our nationally ranked laboratories and facilities, internship opportunities, and networking through student organizations, engineering events, and industry connections are all part of this preparation.

The electric power and energy systems concentration is designed to prepare you for positions in industries that deal with the generation, transmission, and utilization of electricity. Generation includes both conventional (fossil fuel and nuclear) and alternative energy systems such as solar, wind, and fuel cells.

B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona

Modern technology is inseparably linked to medicine and healthcare. An undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering provides a solid foundation for studying medicine or pursuing graduate studies. It can lead to a variety of exciting careers, such as medical system and device design, biomedical equipment testing and support, and clinical training, to name a few.

According to U.S. data, it is one of the top ten majors with the highest starting salaries. The magazine News & World Report. And Arizona's bioscience industry is rapidly expanding, with over 1,400 companies based in the state.

BS in Unmanned Aerial Systems, Purdue University

Drones, or unmanned aircraft, are being used in science, agriculture, the military, and insurance. Drone applications range from product delivery to emergency response. Companies require drone experts to assist them in comprehending policies, regulations, and flight paths.

The unmanned aerial system major investigates the entire unmanned aerial system, including operations, design, policy, sensors, and commerce. Students learn how different drone aircraft are built and integrated into the aviation system, as well as safety rules and regulations.

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Final thoughts

Mechatronics has a bright future. A degree in mechatronics engineering can prepare you for a rewarding career at the forefront of technological innovation. These degrees can help you advance your career by providing a perfect combination of curriculum covering various aspects of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, electrical engineering, and computer systems.

We shared both general mechatronics degree programs and those offering specialization in multidisciplinary engineering fields. This article discusses how to pursue a degree in mechatronics and also the best universities and their programs.

If you are seriously considering a career in mechatronics we hope this article helps you pick a program that is right for you and we wish you all the success from everyone here at Unmudl!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated on:
March 12, 2024

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