A mechatronics associate degree is a technical undergraduate program that introduces students to mechanical and electrical systems and machinery. If you’re interested in the design and development of control systems, this program might be a good fit for you.
Students are introduced to a variety of disciplines to develop a well-rounded understanding of mechatronics branches and systems, manufacturing processes, electrical and mechanical devices, and engineering software.
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You can explore a variety of career opportunities in multiple industries, such as automotive, manufacturing, robotics, and more.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Mechatronics Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Alamance Community College
Alamance Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology that requires the completion of 73 to 74 credit hours. The curriculum is designed to provide extensive hands-on experience. Alamance has an articulation agreement with Eastern Carolina University that makes it easier to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program.
Alamance Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology offers an Associate of Science in Engineering Technology with a concentration in Mechatronics Technology. The program requires students to first complete a Certificate in Electronics Technology that may be stacked with the AS degree. Courses are offered in a hybrid of online and on-campus formats.
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers a 60 credit Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics that can typically be earned in 2 years. The curriculum teaches both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Courses are available in on-campus and hybrid formats. The student-to-faculty ratio at Blue Ridge CTC is just 14-to-1.
Blue Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Delta College
Delta College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Mechatronics. The program offers opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with state-of-the-art technology in small classes taught by expert instructors. Delta students have access to tutoring, counseling, and other services to help them succeed, and appointments can be made on campus or virtually.
Delta College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
East Coast Polytechnic Institute University
East Coast Polytechnic Institute University offers an Associate of Science in Electronic Engineering Technology that can be completed 100% online. The program can potentially be completed in just 1.5 years if courses are taken year-round. Potential courses include Electric Circuits I and II, Electric Circuits Lab, Semiconductor Devices, and Electronic Systems Applications.
ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges offers an Associate in Applied Science in Engineering Technology. The curriculum focuses on practical applications of existing manufacturing technology. The program uses 8 week modules, so there are multiple start dates offered every year. Courses utilize a hybrid of in-person and online instruction.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northland Community & Technical College
Northland Community & Technical College offers an AAS in Mechatronics. Coursework can be completed online with no set meeting times, and labs are available on campus during daytime and evening hours. Potential courses in the program include Safety Awareness, Electrical Schematics, Voltage Sources, and Circuit Protection.
Northland Community & Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
South Central College
South Central College’s AAS in Mechatronics Engineering Technology can be started in fall or spring semesters. Courses may be taken online and at multiple campus locations, and simulation lab kits are available for online students. Potential courses include Introduction to Mechatronics, Solidworks, and Electricity—Devices and Circuits I.
SCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
St. Johns River State College
St. Johns River State College offers an AS in Engineering Technology. Courses for the major are primarily offered at the Orange Park campus where SJR State has a mechatronics laboratory. General education courses are available at all campus locations and online. The curriculum aims to prepare students for technician careers in advanced manufacturing.
St. Johns River State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics Technology that uses a hybrid of in-person and online instruction. Potential courses include Introduction to Mechatronics, Industry Digital Devices, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems, Basic Programmable Logic Controllers, and Industrial Process Controls. The program offers the opportunity to participate in an internship.
TSTC is accredited by the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Online Mechatronics Associate Degrees
A mechatronics associates degree merges electrical and mechanical engineering with computer systems to teach you how to design, develop, and maintain industrial equipment.
Mechatronics is a technical field that focuses on automated systems used in manufacturing. The program is designed to help you develop an understanding of manufacturing processes and machines.
If you have an interest in STEM subjects and in solving technical issues, an associate degree in the mechatronics program might be a good fit for you. Soft skills you can build throughout the program can include problem-solving, analytical thinking, and collaboration.
The curriculum of a mechatronics degree is technical in nature. Some key subjects areas explored in the program include:
- Manufacturing processes
- Mechanical and electrical engineering systems
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Automated systems and equipment
Skills and knowledge learned in the program may be applied to a variety of industries. Mechatronics is a multifaceted field that includes several branches, such as:
- Automotive
- Robotics
- Aerospace
- Consumer product manufacturing
- Defense systems
An associate’s degree can help you qualify for entry-level technologist and technician roles in the field. It may also help you become a more competitive job candidate for positions that only require a high school diploma or some college experience but no degree.
It can also be a strategic program for individuals who are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering or other similar fields.
Mechatronics Careers & Salaries
The versatility of a mechatronics degree can provide you with the opportunity to explore several types of careers.
Salaries and job availability can vary depending on prior work experience, level of education, and geographic location. Professionals with an associate in mechatronics could also be more competitive for entry-level positions that may not require a degree.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are the annual median salaries of some of the careers related to the study of mechatronics.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $73,580 |
| Avionics Technicians | $69,280 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $63,640 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers | $61,760 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,460 |
| Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $60,360 |
| Drafters | $60,290 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $60,220 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights | $59,380 |
| Machinists | $47,730 |
Mechatronics and electro-mechanical technologists and technicians are responsible for assembling machines and equipment, testing and operating robotics equipment, and managing computer-controlled systems.
Most professionals in the field work in industrial manufacturing or for engineering services, depending on the position. If you have an interest in becoming a mechatronics engineer, you might use an associate degree to develop more experience in the field before pursuing an on-campus or online bachelor’s in engineering.
Mechatronics Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum of an associate’s degree in mechatronics online introduces students to electrical and mechanical systems and devices, along with industrial manufacturing operations. These core courses are generally offered in a mechatronics program:
- Electric Circuits: This course introduces you to the fundamentals of direct current, including current flow and the basic units of electricity.
- Semiconductor Devices: Various types of electrical devices and circuits—such as diodes, clippers, and clampers—are studied in this course.
- Digital Systems: You’ll learn about digital concepts and systems by studying types of sensors and digital displays in a lab and simulation software setting.
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics Systems: This course teaches you about hydraulic and pneumatic systems and devices, with a discussion focusing on how they operate.
- Materials Science: The properties and structures of various types of materials, such as metals and plastics, are examined in this course as they relate to material manufacturing and engineering.
- Industrial Applications: You’ll learn programming and problem-solving techniques paired with basic control circuit principles.
- Introduction to Operating Systems: This is a foundational course that explores various operating systems maintenance and management protocols.
- Robotics and Mechatronics Systems: In this course, you’ll learn about automated systems, including the assembly, testing, and repairing processes.
- Industrial Wiring: This is an introductory course that teaches you about wiring principles, theory, and application from a commercial and industrial perspective.
- Mechanical Drives and Bearings: You’ll learn about different mechanical drives and bearings, with a focus on power transmission systems, speed measurement, and mechanical drive system concepts.
Mechatronics coursework is very technical, with core topics heavily centered around STEM subjects. You may have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through simulation software to develop skills in testing and managing mechatronics systems.
Admissions Requirements
Colleges provide a list of qualifications and materials that students need to apply for a program. These are some common criteria that admissions offices request:
- High school diploma or GED completion
- SAT or ACT scores (only some schools require them)
- Statement of purpose
If required, SAT and ACT scores may help colleges determine your strengths and skills in different subject areas. If you’re asked to submit a statement of purpose or a personal essay, it will often be based on a prompt provided by the admissions office.
Accreditation
Regionally accredited institutions go through rigorous screening processes to earn credibility in the quality of their resources, educational programs, and faculty. Educational institutions aren’t required to seek accreditation, but there are a number of benefits to earning your degree at an accredited school.
For instance, most admissions offices for undergraduate and graduate programs consider the accreditation status of a school when reviewing prospective students. Plus, many colleges won’t accept credit transfers from non-accredited institutions. Attending an accredited school is also a common precondition to receiving federal financial aid.
The US Department of Education provides a list of accredited postsecondary institutions.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are two options to explore if you’re seeking assistance in paying for college. Scholarships differ from financial aid because many scholarships aren’t income-based.
Financial aid from the state or federal government can come in the form of student loans, grants, or work-study programs. Financial aid eligibility requirements can vary between states. Federal aid is offered to students who have demonstrated financial need. A number of factors are used to determine financial aid eligibility, such as the cost of tuition and household income.
You can submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you’re eligible to receive federal assistance.
You can apply for as many scholarships as you’re qualified for. Some schools award scholarships to students based on athletic or academic achievements or specific majors. Some scholarships have a simple application process that’s open to a wider pool of students.
What Can You Do with a Mechatronics Associate’s Degree?
A mechatronics associate’s degree is a multidisciplinary program that can introduce students to electronic and mechanical systems used in a variety of industries.
You might consider a career as a mechatronics or electro-mechanical technologist or technician, engineering technologist or technician, or machinist. These careers can be found in multiple sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and defense systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the largest employers for electro-mechanical technologists and technicians are engineering services and machinery manufacturing.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate in Mechatronics Degree Online?
It usually takes 2 years to complete an associate’s degree if you enroll in a traditional, 16-week semester and attend full-time.
Some schools offer accelerated online mechatronics degree programs that follow an 8-week semester schedule, which can be completed in less time if you stay continuously enrolled year-round.
If you study part-time, it may add on an additional semester or more, depending on how many credits you take per semester. Associate degree programs typically have a minimum of 60 credit hours.
What’s the Difference Between an Associates Degree in Mechatronics vs. Robotics?
Robotics is a branch in the field of mechatronics, so there are some slight differences in focus between a robotics and mechatronics associates program.
| Associates Degree in Mechatronics | Associates Degree in Robotics |
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An associate in mechatronics will cover the subject area of robotics as part of the curriculum. An associate in robotics concentrates on robotics and fully autonomous systems. Not all systems studied in mechatronics are autonomous.
Is an Associates in Mechatronics Online Degree Worth It?
Yes, an associates in mechatronics online degree is worth it for many students. It’s designed to be flexible for students by offering remote learning via asynchronous or synchronous classes.
Earning a degree can help you become more competitive in the field as you develop more skills and gain hands-on experience. An associate can help you qualify for entry-level roles, but it can also help prepare you for bachelor degree programs in mechatronics or related fields.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architecture, and engineering occupations are expected to see 4% job growth over the next ten years.
Getting Your Mechatronics Associate Degree Online
A mechatronics associate degree program can help prepare you for an entry-level career that involves designing, developing, and managing mechanical and electrical systems. Professionals in the field are typically found in engineering services, manufacturing, or similar industries.
Much like with on-campus or online electronics engineering degrees, if you have an interest in STEM subjects and want to study automated and autonomous systems, then a mechatronics degree might be a good fit for you. You may even have the opportunity to tailor your program to align with your specific interests and career goals.
If you’re ready to start your educational journey, you can begin by researching accredited online mechatronics associate programs that offer coursework and resources that best support your interests.
