Associate Degree in Mechatronics
The University of North Alabama’s Associate of Science degree in Mechatronics is built to empower graduates with the knowledge and abilities needed for in-demand, high-paying jobs in the automation and controls industries within a two-year period. In addition to a comprehensive hands-on curriculum providing the foundational knowledge and abilities required for some trade certifications, this program also gives each student the freedom to choose one or more certifications that best suit their professional goals.
Time to Complete
2 years
Modality Offered:
In Person
Credentials:
Associate of Science in Mechatronics
Associate Degree: Mechatronics
Why the University of North Alabama?
As Alabama’s Workforce Development University, UNA is a pioneer in programs praised for their excellence and commitment to student growth, including providing access to job development opportunities like the sizable annual Career Fair.
Through the Associate of Science degree in Mechatronics, UNA prepares students to excel in this in-demand career field.
What is Mechatronics?
As an interdisciplinary branch within the wider manufacturing industry, Mechatronics is the intersection of skills found within mechanical, electronic, and computer engineering that has become the foundation of contemporary manufacturing.
Mechatronic professionals are taught the fundamentals of several forms of engineering in order to streamline solutions for challenges in the ever-evolving landscape of modern technology and automation.
What can I do with an Associate Degree in Mechatronics?
With the enormous demand for skilled specialists in the mechatronics field, both within the state of Alabama and nationwide, graduates from UNA’s Associate’s Degree program in Mechatronics will be prepared for an emerging and competitive job market.
As a graduate with a degree in Mechatronics, the specific job or specialized industry you pursue will greatly depend on your passions and skill set. Job titles degree holders can qualify for include robotics engineer/technician, automation engineer, control system design/troubleshooting engineer, electronics design engineer, mechanical design engineer, data scientist/analyst, instrumentation engineer, and software engineer.
Curriculum
Our associate’s in Mechatronics program’s core subjects teach the essential concepts necessary for all certification areas and career paths. After completing the core technical courses, students will be primed to obtain industry certification in Industrial Electrical from the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI).
- MEC 101 – Industrial Safety (3 credit hours)
- MEC 110 – Instrumentation and Industrial Measurement (4 credit hours)
- MEC 140 – AC and DC Fundamentals and Circuits (4 credit hours)
REQUIREMENTS FOR AS in Mechatronics
| General Education Short-Term Certificate | Credits |
| EN 111 - First Year Composition I | 3 |
| EN 112 - First Year Composition II | 3 |
| COM 201 | 3 |
| Literature elective | 3 |
| PHL 205 - Ethics or PHL 250 - Business Ethics | 3 |
| MA 112 - College Algebra | 3 |
| Natural Science elective | 4 |
| 9 hours of Social and Behavioral Science electives | 9 |
| Total Hours | 31 |
Mechatronics Core Courses:
| Course | Credits |
| MEC 101 - Industrial Safety | 3 |
| MEC 110 - Instrumentation and Industrial Measurement | 4 |
| MEC 140 - AC and DC Fundamentals and Circuits | 4 |
Choose 2 of the following Certificates:
| Certificate | |
| Certificate in Control Systems | |
| Certificate in Mechanical Systems | |
| Certificate in Systems Operations | |
| Total Hours | 62 - 65 |
The program’s Controls Systems certificate focuses on the components, systems, and operations used to control modern automated manufacturing equipment, emphasizing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Students earning this certificate gain knowledge and skills in control components, systems, setup, operation, and troubleshooting of these PLCs, preparing them for entry into a career as a control or automation technician in a manufacturing environment.
Earning this certificate will prepare you for industry certification in Programmable Logic Controllers offered by PMMI.
- MEC 210 – Programmable Logic Controllers (4 credit hours)
- MEC 240 – Industrial Process Control (3 credit hours)
- MEC 270 – Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers (4 credit hours)
The Mechanical Systems certificate focuses on equipment components, systems, and operations that are commonly found in modern, automated manufacturing environments. Earning this certificate prepares you with knowledge and skills in components, systems, setup, operation, and troubleshooting of hydraulic/pneumatic circuits and electric motors.
These courses prepare you for entry-level jobs as a mechanic or automation technician in a manufacturing environment. Completing this certificate will prepare you to earn industry certifications in both Fluid Power and Motors & Motor Controls offered by PMMI.
- MEC 160 – Industrial Hydraulics and Pneumatics (4 credit hours)
- MEC 220 – Electric Motors and Controls (4 credit hours)
- MEC 260 – Robotics (4 credit hours)
The Systems Operations certificate focuses on the maintenance and quality control of modern automated production systems commonly found in manufacturing industries. Upon completing this certificate, you will have learned about and developed abilities in process evaluation, statistical process control, documentation, continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, procedures, and processes for predictive and preventive maintenance.
With these courses complete, you will be ready for entry-level positions as an operations and maintenance technicians in manufacturing settings.
- ET 200 – Manufacturing Processes (3 credit hours)
- MEC 230 – Preventive Maintenance (3 credit hours)
- MEC 280 – Industrial Quality Control (3 credit hours)
Accreditations
The University of North Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).