BACK TO PROGRAMSOverview
The Mechatronics Engineering Technology degree at the College of Eastern Idaho prepares students to enter the workforce after graduation. Most graduates work in careers operating and maintaining electro-mechanical systems found in automated or robotically controlled environments.
Mechatronics is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of mechanics, engineering, machining, controls, programming, robotics, and electronics. It synergizes these diverse fields to keep production lines, manufacturing floors, and industrial processes working smoothly and efficiently.
What will I learn in the program?
Students enter the Mechatronic Engineering Technology (MET) Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program after completion of the Energy Systems certificate program. In that program they learn the basics of DC (Direct Current) and AC (Alternating Current) electronic circuits, digital circuits, motor controls and wiring, and process control thus laying a solid foundation for success in the Mechatronics program.
Upon acceptance into the MET program students learn basic computer programming, robotic theory, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human Machine Interface), VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), electronic circuits, mechanical principles, hydraulics, pneumatics, and automation. The final semester allows the student to integrate all prior learning into fully automated mechatronics systems.
How long will it take to graduate?
The program is expected to take 4 semesters (24 months) to complete. The student obtains the Intermediate Technical Certificate (ITC) in Energy Systems Technology (2 semesters) before applying into the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Mechatronics Engineering Technology (2 semesters).
Why choose the Mechatronics Engineering Technology Program at CEI?
- Affordable
- Practice in live hands-on labs
- Low student-to-teacher ratio
- Close to home
- Learn industrial robotics
- Being on the side of automation and the AI movement
Career
Graduates typically find positions in fields including Oil & Gas, Power Generation, Chemical Processing, Mining, Food Processing, Research, Aerospace, Deep Ocean Exploration, and Manufacturing.
Possible Job Opportunities:
- Electro-Mechanical Technician
- Automation Technician
- Electrical Technician
- Electronics Technician
- Engineering Technologist
- Avionics Technician
- Instrument Technician
- Mechatronics Technician
- Mechanical Technician
- Manufacturing Production Technician
- Calibration Technician
- Industrial Engineering Technologist
- Process Technician
And more!
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Most employers will expect applicants to be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Many require good vision with or without corrective lenses. Students will be expected to remain alert to hazards and follow rigorous safety protocols. Environments can vary from clean office space to rough terrain areas exposed to the elements. Students will be expected to maintain a clean and tidy workspace.
Job Outlook
The Idaho Department of Labor Occupational and Industry Projections for 2022 to 2032 show the following growth rates for careers that graduates could enter. To see the projections list click here!
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists 19% growth
- Industrial Engineering Technicians 18.2%
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters 24.6%
- Mechanical Engineering Technicians 19.2%
- Calibration and Engineering Technologists 8.2%
- Electro-Mechanical Technicians 11.3%
- Avionics Technicians 21.9%
Careers and Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the Mean Salary for Mechatronics and Electro-Mechanical technicians in Idaho at $65,390 as of April 2024.
Salary offers depend on several factors including work requirements, work environment, industry area, economic conditions, among others. Students can expect to earn $50K to more than $100K in certain industries.
Application Process
Students wanting to apply for Mechatronics Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science degree (MET AAS) at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) must complete the requirements for the Energy Systems Technology certificate. Student capacity is limited so apply early!
- Application for admission/program change form from energy systems to mechatronics
- If transferring from another institution or entity any applicable documents including diplomas, transcripts, etc. shall be required in compliance with any Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or other documentation.
Students applying to the Energy Systems Technology certificate program must submit all the following application materials for review:
- Application for admission
- Official High School/GED transcript
- Official transcripts from ALL colleges attended
- Minimum math placement score:
ALEKS 30+; ACT 20+; or SAT 510+
Once all the application materials are received, admissions will evaluate the student’s application to ensure it is correct and complete.
For more information about Energy Systems Technology click here!
Program Requirements
Complete Classes in Sequence: classes in the MET AAS program are progressive and designed to be completed in a specific sequence and order. Students must complete all semester 1 core classes before taking semester 2 classes, etc.
Pass Classes: Once accepted into a program, students must pass their program-specific courses with a minimum grade of C (75%) or higher AND in the sequence outlined, BEFORE continuing to the next. After midterms in a student's final semester, applications for graduation can be submitted.
Mechatronics (AAS)
71-72 Credits | Financial Aid Eligible | Includes General Education Courses
Informational Note 1: Transfer students must work with admission counselors to follow any MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreements between institutions
Informational Note 2: Students are strongly encouraged to work with admissions to take general education courses during the summer semester for Fall track students or Spring semester between programs for Spring track students.
Semester 1
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits | Technical or Transfer Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESE 100 | Engineering Technology Orientation | 1 | Technical |
| ESE 100L | Engineering Technology Orientation Lab | 1 | Technical |
| ELT 140 | Applied Technical Intermediate Algebra | 5 | Technical |
| ELT 143 | Electronic Theory | 4 | Technical |
| ELT 145 | Electronics Lab | 4 | Technical |
| ENGL 101 or ENGL 102 | Writing and Rhetoric I or Writing and Rhetoric II | 3 | Transfer |
Semester 2
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits | Technical or Transfer Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESE 110 | Introduction to Process Control | 1 | Technical |
| ESE 110L | Introduction to Process Control Lab | 1 | Technical |
| ELT 154 | Electronic Control Devices Theory | 5 | Technical |
| ELT 156 | Electronic Control Devices Lab | 5 | Technical |
| PHYS 101 | Introduction to Physics | 3 | Transfer |
| PHYS 101L | Introduction to Physics Lab | 1 | Transfer |
| BOT 150 | Employment Strategies | 1 | Technical |
Semester 3
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits | Technical or Transfer Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNT 290 | Practical Programming | 4 | Technical |
| MET 201 | Robotics 1 | 2 | Technical |
| MET 211 | Mechanical Principles | 2 | Technical |
| MET 212 | Fluid & Pneumatic Principles | 2 | Technical |
| ELT 230 or MET 230 | PLC and VFD Fundamental System Lab | 3 | Technical |
| ELT 240 or MET 240 | Human Machine Interface | 2 | Technical |
| MATH 143 or MATH 153, MATH 170 | Precalculus I or Statistical Reasoning or Calculus I | 3-4 | Transfer |
Semester 4
| Course Prefix | Course Title | Credits | Technical or Transfer Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| MET 251 | Robotics 2 | 2 | Technical |
| MET 251L | Robotics 2 Lab | 3 | Technical |
| MET 252 | Emerging Trends in Mechatronics | 1 | Technical |
| MET 291 | Mechatronics | 3 | Technical |
| MET 291L | Mechatronics Lab | 3 | Technical |
| COMM 101 | Fundamentals of Oral Communication | 3 | Transfer |
| GEM 5 or GEM 6 | Humanistic & Artistic WOK or Social & Behavioral WOK | 3 | Transfer |