A Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics is designed to prepare students for a career in designing, building, maintaining, and optimizing mechatronic systems. Mechatronics engineering is a unique, interdisciplinary field of study combining skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and computer science.
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Mechatronic engineering is the application of the principles and problem-solving techniques of engineering from design to manufacturing to the marketplace for any object. Mechatronic engineers analyze their work using the principles of motion, energy, and force—ensuring that designs function safely, efficiently, and reliably, all at a competitive cost.
Mechatronic engineering is one of the broadest engineering fields. Mechatronic engineers design and oversee the manufacture of many products ranging from medical devices to new batteries.
Mechatronic engineers design power-producing machines, such as electric generators, internal combustion engines, and steam and gas turbines, as well as power-using machines, such as refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
Mechatronic engineers design other machines inside buildings, such as elevators and escalators. They also design material-handling systems, such as conveyor systems and automated transfer stations.
A mechatronic engineer is a jack-of-all-trades in the world of engineering, blending mechanical, electrical, and computer skills to design and develop intelligent machines and systems. Think of them as the architects of the “smart” world around us, from the robots that assemble your car to the self-driving vehicles on the horizon.
Here’s a glimpse into the world of a mechatronic engineer:
- Design and development: They’re involved in every stage of a project, from brainstorming initial concepts to creating detailed blueprints and prototypes. This might involve designing the intricate mechanics of a robotic arm, the complex circuitry of a medical device, or the software that controls it all.
- Systems integration: Their superpower is seeing the bigger picture. They seamlessly integrate different components – mechanical parts, sensors, actuators, and software – to create a cohesive whole. It’s like putting together a giant, intricate puzzle, ensuring everything works in harmony.
- Problem-solving: Things rarely go according to plan, and that’s where mechatronic engineers shine. They’re adept at troubleshooting technical glitches, optimizing performance, and finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges.
- Staying ahead of the curve: The field of mechatronics is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging all the time. Mechatronic engineers are lifelong learners, always keeping up with the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge fields.
Here are some specific examples of what mechatronic engineers might work on:
- Robotics: Designing and building robots for various applications, from industrial automation to healthcare and even space exploration.
- Automation: Developing automated systems for manufacturing, packaging, and logistics, improving efficiency and accuracy.
- Medical devices: Creating innovative medical equipment, such as prosthetics, surgical robots, and diagnostic tools.
- Aerospace: Designing and building aircraft, spacecraft, and satellites, pushing the boundaries of technology.
- Consumer electronics: Developing the next generation of smart devices, from smartphones and wearables to home automation systems.
If you’re someone who loves tinkering, solving puzzles, and being at the forefront of technological innovation, then mechatronics engineering might be the perfect career path for you. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding field that offers endless opportunities to make a real difference in the world.
Some reasons to consider mechatronic engineering include:
Exciting and In-Demand Field:
- Bridging the Gap: Mechatronics blends mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, giving you a unique skillset and opening doors to a diverse range of industries, from robotics and automation to medical devices and renewable energy.
- Hot Job Market: With rapid technological advancements, the demand for mechatronics engineers is skyrocketing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% job growth rate for mechatronics engineers through 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.
- Innovation Leader: You’ll be at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for challenges in various fields. Imagine designing prosthetic limbs that move like real ones or intelligent robots that work in hazardous environments.
Valuable Skillset:
- T-Shaped Engineer: You’ll gain a broad understanding of mechanics, electronics, and computer science, making you a valuable asset in any team. You can seamlessly switch between designing physical components and programming their control systems.
- Problem-Solving Prowess: Your studies will train you to tackle complex technical problems. You’ll learn to think critically, analyze data, and come up with creative solutions.
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Your diverse skillset will prepare you for various career paths and allow you to adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape.
Personal and Financial Rewards:
- Fulfilling Work: Building intricate machines and seeing them come to life can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll get to work on projects that improve people’s lives and shape the future.
- Competitive Salaries: Mechatronics engineers are highly sought-after, and their salaries reflect that. The median annual wage for mechatronics engineers in the US is around $87,000, with experienced professionals earning significantly more.
- Job Security: With the high demand and limited number of qualified professionals, mechatronics engineers enjoy excellent job security and career advancement opportunities.
- Engineering Design
- Engineering Graphics
- MATLAB
- Engineering Ethics
- Statics
- Dynamics
- Strength of Materials
- Control of Mechanical Systems
- Vibrations
- Robotics
- Digital Logic
- Circuits
- Electronics
- Programming
- Operating Systems
Course Requirements 2024/2025
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics
| Degree Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 90 (excludes 8 credits in the Gen Ed core) |
| University Core Requirements | 48-52 |
| Electives | 0 |
| Total | 131 |
Requirements for B.S. in Mechatronics
Requirements for B.S. in Mechatronics
| Course | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CSC 1710 | Introduction to Programming | 4 |
| CSC 1720 | Advanced Programming and Data Structures | 4 |
| CSC 2341 | Discrete Structures | 4 |
| CSC 4210 | Operating Systems | 4 |
| ECE 2605 | Digital Logic and Computer Systems | 4 |
| ECE 2610 | Circuits I | 4 |
| ECE 4200 | Electronics I | 4 |
| MME 1005 | Introduction to Engineering Design | 3 |
| MME 1010 | Engineering Graphics | 2 |
| MME 1015 | Programming in MATLAB | 2 |
| MME 2100 | Statistics | 4 |
| MME 2200 | Dynamics | 4 |
| MME 2300 | Strength of Materials | 4 |
| MME 3300 | Control of Mechanical Systems | 4 |
| MME 3400 | Vibrations | 4 |
| MME 4500 | Robotics | 4 |
| MTH 1415 | Mathematics for Engineering I | 4 [GenEd] |
| MTH 1425 | Mathematics for Engineering II | 4 |
| MTH 2050 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I | 4 |
| MTH 2150 | Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II | 4 |
| STS 3005 | Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 4 |
| Select one set of courses from the following list: | ||
| MME 4900 | Senior Design Project I | 2 |
| MME 4910 | Senior Design Project II | 2 |
| OR | ||
| ECE 4900 | Engineering Senior Design Project I | 2 |
| ECE 4910 | Engineering Senior Design Project II | 2 |
| Course Descriptions | ||
| Gen Ed Core Requirements | #rowspan# |
|---|---|
| Intellectual Discovery | (4 credits) |
| First Year Writing | (4 credits) |
| Foreign Language | (4 credits) |
| Ethical Reasoning and Religious Traditions | (4 credits) |
| Natural Sciences (PHY 2010 Fundamentals of Physics I) | (4 credits) |
| Social Sciences (ECO 2050 Principles of Microeconomics) | (4 credits) |
| Arts | (4 credits) |
| Humanitites | (4 credits) |
| Quantitative Reasoning (MTH 1415 Mathematics for Engineers I) | (4 credits) |
| The American Context | (4 credits) |
| Integrative Course | (4 credits) |
| Diversity Course | (4 credits) |
| Experiential Learning | (4 credits) |
| President's Seminar | (1 credit) |
ABET, the accreditation agency, requires the following:
The curriculum requirements specify subject areas appropriate to engineering but do not prescribe specific courses. The program curriculum must provide adequate content for each area, consistent with the student outcomes and program educational objectives, to ensure that students are prepared to enter the practice of engineering. The curriculum must include:
- a minimum of 30 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of a combination of college-level mathematics and basic sciences with experimental experience appropriate to the program.
- a minimum of 45 semester credit hours (or equivalent) of engineering topics appropriate to the program, consisting of engineering and computer sciences and engineering design, and utilizing modern engineering tools.
- a broad education component that complements the technical content of the curriculum and is consistent with the program educational objectives.
- a culminating major engineering design experience that 1) incorporates appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints, and 2) is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work.
The structure of the curriculum must provide both breadth and depth across the range of engineering topics implied by the title of the program. The curriculum must include:
- Differential calculus, integral calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, and calculus-based physics.
- Engineering topics including mechanical systems, electronic circuits, control systems, and computer science, as well as the application of sensors, actuators, and embedded controllers.
- Modeling, analysis, and design of systems or processes that integrate hardware and software to control mechanical systems.
| Mechatronic Engineering | |
|---|---|
| Freshman year | |
| Fall | Spring |
| MTH 1415 Mathematics for Engineers I (4) | MTH1425 Mathematics for Engineers II (4) |
| MME 1005 Introduction to Engineering Design (4) | MME Programming in MATLAB (2) |
| MME1010 Engineering Graphics (2) | ECE2605 Digital Logic and Computer Systems (4) |
| Intellectual Discovery (4) | MME2014 Engineering Ethics (3) |
| First Year writing (4) | Arts core (4) |
| President's seminar (1) | |
| 18 credits | 17 credits |
| Sophomore Year | |
| Fall | Spring |
| PHY2010 Fundamentals of Physics I (4) | PHY2020 Fundamentals of Physics II (4) |
| MTH2050 Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics I (4) | MTH2150 Mathematical Methods for Engineering and Physics II (4) |
| MME 2100 Statics (4) | MME 2200 Dynamics (4) |
| ECE 2610 Circuits ! (4) | MME 2300 Strength of Materials (4) |
| American Context (4) | |
| 16 credits | 20 credits |
| Junior Year | |
| Fall | Spring |
| CSC1710 Introduction to Programming (4) | CSC1720 Advanced Programming and Data Structures (4) |
| ECE4200 Electronics I (4) | MME 3400 Vibrations (4) |
| MME 3300 Control of Mechanical Systems (4) | STS3005 Probability and Statistics for Engineers (4) |
| Foreign Language core (4) | Humanities core (4) |
| 16 credits | 16 credits |
| Senior Year | |
| Fall | Spring |
| MME 4900 Senior Design Project I (2) | MME 4910 Senior Design Project II (2) |
| MME 4500 Robotics (4) | CSC4210 Operating Systems (4) |
| CSC2342 Discrete Structures (4) | Integrative course (4) |
| ECO2050 Principles of Microeconomics (4) - counts as social science core | Religion/ethics core (4) |
| 14 credits | 14 credits |
| TOTAL: 131 credits |
Program Goals & Objectives
Program Goals
Three to five years after graduation, the graduates of Mechatronic Engineering at HPU will:
- Be employed or be pursuing graduate degrees in their disciplines or in a closely related field.
- Be progressing toward professional licensure.
- Be continuing to develop their knowledge, sense of ethics, and skills in engineering through means such as professional societies, engineering conferences, mentorship opportunities, and formal or informal courses.
- Be fully contributing, and actively adding value, to their businesses or academic organizations, and developing as professionals.
Program Objectives
Prepare graduates for a career as a professional mechatronic engineer. Within 3-5 years of graduation, students will be able to:
- Attain increased responsibility beyond their entry-level position within mechatronic Engineering or related employment, while recognizing global and societal matters.
- Become ambassadors for engineering and improve the quality of life in the communities they serve, through collaboration, innovation, and effective communication.
- Successfully progress within graduate degree programs in Mechatronic Engineering, progress toward other professional degrees or professional engineering licenses, and/or continue lifelong learning in a broad range of fields to advance their careers.
- Successfully serve the profession by acting in a professional and ethical matter.
Student Outcomes of the Program
Skills students will possess at the time of graduation include:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.