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Mechatronics Technology - AAS

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Hands working on a mechtronics controller

Mechatronics technology is a cutting-edge field that combines mechanical, electrical, and automation systems to build, troubleshoot, and maintain the advanced industries of tomorrow. If you like working with your mind and your hands, the challenging field of mechatronics technology may be the career choice for you!

Prepare for success in this fast-growing industry with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Mechatronics Technology from Minnesota State College Southeast. Through hands-on courses, you will gain experience in PLC programming, hydraulic systems, and human-machine interfaces (HMI) while developing the skills needed for a successful career.

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


Major Details

Courses

Cost

Careers

Outcomes

Highlights

Instructors

Media

 Major Details

Mechatronics technicians play a vital role in industrial automation, working alongside electricians, engineers, and technical support staff to ensure that production processes and equipment can be expanded and sustained in a wide range of advanced manufacturing industries.

At Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona and Red Wing, our mechatronics associate degree spans electronics, mechanics, hydraulics, and motors. You will understand how to set up and maintain advanced programmable logic controllers, drives, human-machine interfaces, and actuators.

Earn Your Mechatronics Associate's Degree

Southeast Graduates work in settings such as manufacturing, automation, control systems, and agriculture, including:

  • Installing industrial robots at leading manufacturing firms

  • Deploying automated milking parlors on dairy farms

  • Troubleshooting high-tech industrial mechanical operations

Our Mechatronics Technology program is taught by industry and academic professionals who can relate modern industrial processes with cutting-edge advances in the world of mechatronics. Whether you are studying electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation systems, our instructors will be able to draw a line from each lecture to what is taking place in today's most advanced industries.

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 course from any MnTC Goal 1 - 10
3 cr
Choose one Goal 1 course
3 cr
Choose one Goal 4 course
3 cr
Choose one Goal 5 course
3 cr
Choose one Goal 6 course
3 cr
 
15 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
MECH2020
This course covers the fundamentals of the engineering design process, and visualization and design communication. Students will use SolidWorks to create engineering drawings, and documentation, sectional views, auxiliary views, dimensioning, tolerancing, and reading of drawings. (Prerequisite: none) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
2 cr
MECH2630
This course introduces students to Studio 5000 software and Controllers. Students will utilize tag based programming to create ladder logic program for industrial programming. Function block programming and structured text programming will also be introduced and applied. (Prerequisite: MECH1620) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
MECH2631
This course adds to student's knowledge of motors and motor control systems. VFDs will be introduced and applied for control of a three-phase motor. Positioning systems using both stepper and servo drives are explored. Application of industrial equipment is emphasized, and students are required to use and interpret equipment manuals to control and integrate the equipment. Control of DC and single-phase motors are also introduced. (Prerequisite: MECH1610) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
MECH2632
This course introduces students to the concept of automatic process control on the technician level. Students will be introduced to controller functions and effects such as proportional, integral and derivative and how different combinations of each cause controller outputs and inputs to respond in open and closed loops. Practices digital controller configuration and loop tuning for level, pressure, flow, and temperature. (Prerequisite: MECH1620) (Corequisite: MECH2630) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
MECH2640
This course introduces students to integrated industrial control components and systems. Students will utilize a PLC to control multiple machine control systems. Starting with that plc the student will add modular IO and remote IO for field devices. Adding a HMI Students will simulate a machine system that also includes a VFD and servo drive. With all of these devices in the same system the student will develop an understanding of machine control structures, addressing and control. (Corequisite: MECH2630) (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
MECH2730
This course is designed to present the fundamentals of robotics. Students will develop skills in basic programming techniques beginning with the pendent and jogging motions. The course will then move on to pendant utilization, motion types and program manipulation. We will then utilize IO applications to produce basic Material handling programs. We will then manipulate those programs by saving them, editing them, deleting them and modifying them. Frames offsets and other IO topics will be addressed. We will utilize Industrial robots from multiple manufacturers in this course. (Prerequisites: none) (Corequisite: MECH2630) (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
3 cr
MECH2800
Students will devise capstone projects integrating their coursework in electronics, programming, automation, robotics, and system integration. Projects will be vetted through their academic advisor and will be presented to the class and advisory committee at the end of the semester. The course will require specification of design requirements, outline integration of technical solutions, and map how the project relates to both industry and their program curriculum. (Prerequisites: MECH1700, MECH1710, MECH1720, MECH2630, MECH2631, and MECH2632) (Corequisite: MECH2640) (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
 
45 crs

Total Credits Required for this Major: 60

 Cost

Estimated Costs for this Major
Approximate Tuition/Fees: $13,562
Minimum Tool Cost: N/A
Books/Supplies: $1,600
Estimated Total: $15,162

 Career Opportunities

  • Automation Technicians

  • Industrial Engineering Technicians

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics

  • Commercial & Industrial Maintenance Technicians

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. Understanding AC/DC electrical circuits

  2. Proficiency with pneumatic & hydraulic systems

  3. Control and troubleshoot electrical motors

  4. Installation and configuration of Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI)

  5. Successful troubleshooting of electro-mechanical systems

  6. Demonstration of multi-system integration via a program capstone project

 Highlights

  • Taught by industry and academic professionals who can connect industrial processes with advances in the world of mechatronics

  • Lecture and lab coursework directly relate to what is taking place in today's most advanced industries

  • Capstone project will demonstrate your ability to integrate what you have learned in the program

 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