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Electromechanical Technology - Diploma

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Hands working on a mechtronics controller

Times are changing in the field of maintenance, and the demand for electromechanical training is growing as industries rely on skilled professionals to keep their systems running smoothly.

The electromechanical technology courses at Minnesota State College Southeast provide hands-on experience in AC/DC electricity, digital electronics, fluid systems, and more. In just two semesters, you'll be prepared for a high-demand career as an electro-mechanical technician in advanced manufacturing and industrial maintenance.

Career Area: Engineering, Manufacturing & Trades
Program: Mechatronics Technology
Campus(es): Winona/Red Wing


Major Details

Courses

Cost

Careers

Outcomes

Highlights

Instructors

Media

 Major Details

Your expertise and knowledge are needed in today's modern, automated facilities. As more facilities integrate both manual and automated equipment, the need for skilled electromechanical technicians continues to grow. If you enjoy troubleshooting, working with your hands, and repairing advanced systems, a career in industrial maintenance is for you.

Minnesota State College Southeast offers the Electromechanical Technology diploma at our Winona and Red Wing campuses. Courses within this program span AC and DC electricity, digital electronics, mechanical power, hydraulics, pneumatics, and more. The 31-credit diploma can be completed in two semesters and also serves as a foundation for acquiring your two-year Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics.

Earn Your Diploma in Electromechanical Technology at Southeast

Whether you are studying electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation systems, the instructors in our electromechanics and mechatronics programs will be able to draw a line from each lecture to what is taking place in today's industries, including the fast-growing field of advanced manufacturing.

See your future in mechatronics! Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast

Download the Program Plan

 Courses

1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Choose one Goal 1 course
3 cr
Choose one or more GenEd Electives.
3 cr
 
6 crs
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
MECH1000
In this course, students will learn of the varying skills a Mechatronic Technician will utilize across multiple sectors of Industry. Students will be provided with several broad industry overviews, research local companies, discuss and discover day to day operations, and then compare and contrast those ideas after a tour. The course is focused on exploring less advertised company positions in the maintenance sector, preparing for interviews, creating a resume, and becoming comfortable with the interview process. (Prerequisite: None) (1 Credit: 0 Lec/1 lab)
1 cr
MECH1010
In this course, students will learn how a well-rounded Mechatronics Technician is able to solve a wide variety of manufacturing problems using a combination of today's classroom learning, critical listening, and what to look for in tomorrows on the job training. This course is only the start of a lifelong learning process and the basis for information retention where we will discover the basic needs to become an effective manufacturing problem solver. The course covers a variety of soft skills, industrial maintenance applications, and standardized problem-solving techniques found within industry. (Prerequisite: none) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
3 cr
MECH1202
This course covers the general information, theory, and problem-solving techniques required for an analysis of DC circuits with emphasis on taking meter measurements, current flow, voltage division, and troubleshooting failed parts. (Prerequisite: None) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
MECH1204
In this course, students will gain general information, theory, and problem-solving techniques required for an analysis of AC circuits with an explicit focus on how AC functions within Industry. Topics include: AC waveforms, oscilloscope operation, meter measurements, AC vs. DC comparisons, 3 phase electricity for delta and wye circuits, step-up and step-down transformers as well as their specific application. (Prerequisite or Concurrent: MECH 1202) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
MECH1212
In this course, students will learn what a digital circuit is and how digital circuits are used in electronic equipment. This course will focus on the digital aspects within a PLC including necessary number systems, conversions, Boolean equations, gates, bits, bytes, and words. (Prerequisite: None) (1 Credit: 1 Lec/0 Lab)
1 cr
MECH1610
This course introduces students to industrial control components and systems. Digital industrial electrical devices such as switches, sensors, relays and motor starters are used in hands on labs. 3Ø motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are also covered. Ladder diagrams will be a focus of this course and students will use equipment manuals and diagrams to build industrial electrical circuits. Students will also be introduced to residential electrical wiring. Prerequisite: None) (Corequisite: MECH1202) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
3 cr
MECH1620
This course covers the operation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The hardware and software aspects of the PLC will be explored. Basic communication between the PC, PLC and Human Machine Interface (HMI) will be covered. Ladder logic instructions including; bit instructions, timers, counters, bit shifting, and sequencer instructions will be covered. Additionally, discrete and modular I/O integration will be applied to basic programs. HMI development and basic HMI applications will be developed and demonstrated. (Prerequisite: MECH1610 Basic Industrial Controls) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
3 cr
MECH1700
This course will introduce students to various types of mechanical power transmission systems. As the student is introduced to the various systems, they will study the design, operation and maintenance of these systems. The students will perform labs that will demonstrate their ability to install and troubleshoot mechanical transmission systems including belts, gears, shafts and couplings. Motor mounting and alignment including the alignment of system components are an emphasis of this course. (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
MECH1710
This course introduces students to industrial fluid power. Students will complete labs where they identify and utilize basic components. Students will assemble and troubleshoot fluid power systems up to and including electrical control. (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
MECH1720
This course covers the fundamental elements of basic machine shop theory that would be applied to shop applications. Students taking the course will be able to apply skills learned in the classroom to the lab where they will have hands on experience on basic machine shop equipment. Topics of study include safety, measuring parts to print, proper set up, speeds & feeds, and cutting tool usage. (Prerequisites: None) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
3 cr
WELD1455
Students will be introduced to different welding and cutting processes. Covered in this course will be proper weld fusion, heat distortion, penetration, and their effects to the parent material. Students will learn the basics of proper welding and cutting machine set up from turning the machine on and off and identification of machine parts to demonstrating and identifying the differences between good quality welds and poor quality welds. Students will be introduced to and demonstrate weld shop safety and practice, and proper compressed cylinder transport and storage. (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
 
25 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 31

 Cost

Estimated Costs for this Major
Approximate Tuition/Fees: $7,102
Minimum Tool Cost: N/A
Books/Supplies: $1,200
Estimated Total: $8,302

 Career Opportunities

  • Electromechanical Technician

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics

  • Machinery Maintenance Workers

  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers for Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.

 Outcomes

  1. Perform work safely

  2. Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems and devices

  3. Repair electrical and mechanical systems

  4. Communicate technical information

  5. Integrate electrical and mechanical systems and devices

 Highlights

  • Gain hands-on skills that will directly apply to a career in advanced manufacturing

  • Start a new high paying career after only two semesters

  • Obtain skills that are in high demand in our local area

 Instructors

Andy George

Andy George began teaching at Minnesota State College Southeast when the Mechatronics program was launched in 2020. Previously, he taught in the Mechatronics /Electromechanical/Automation field at Western Technical College in La Crosse since 2011. Before becoming an instructor, Andy was an electromechanical technician in Machine Build at Hutchinson Technology in Eau Claire, WI. Andy holds an AAS in Electromechanical Technology from Western Technical College and a BS in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

Christopher Schwertel

Chris Schwertel has more than 15 years of workforce experience in production facilities, maintaining state of the art equipment concerning a wide range of pneumatics, hydraulics, PLC programming, electrical, motors, drives, coolant systems, robotics, and more. He graduated with high honors from Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse in 2020, majoring in Electromechanical Technology.

 

 Media

Majors in the Mechatronics Technology program

Mechatronics Technology AAS

Electromechanical Technology DIP

Automation Foundations CERT

Industrial Maintenance CERT