Program Overview

Introduction to Mechatronics Engineering

The Mechatronics Engineering degree combines knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, digital controls, computer programming, and project management to enable students to analyze and design automation and robotics systems used in today's advanced manufacturing environment.

Program Description

The Mechatronics Engineering, B.S. degree prepares students for engineering positions as automation system designers and project managers in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, green energy, biotechnology, healthcare, homeland security and defense, and transportation and logistics.

Accreditation

The Mechatronics Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria with no applicable program criteria.

Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, a Mechatronics Engineering graduate will have the ability to:

• excel in careers in design, development, diagnostics, analysis, implementation, operation, optimization and/or management of mechatronics systems in a global marketplace
• lead industry-based, cross-disciplinary automated or intelligent systems projects that are innovative and add value to their respective organization
• continue in self-directed, continuing professional development as evidenced by attainment of professional licensure, graduate degrees, professional certifications, etc.
• serve as a mentor to the next generation of engineers or subordinates and act as a change agent in their respective organizations

Student Outcomes

The following student outcomes support the program educational objectives listed above:

• 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

Career Opportunities

Many Mechatronics Engineering graduates are employed as:

• Controls Engineer
• Product Design Engineer
• Electro-hydraulic Engineer
• Project Manager
• Test Engineer
• Industrial Engineer
• Applications Engineer
• Reliability Engineer
• Autonomous Vehicles Software Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Mechatronics Engineer
• Controls Design Engineer
• Quality Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Field Service Engineer

Current Employers

Current employers of Mechatronics Engineering degree alumni include:

• Boeing
• Amazon
• Universal Robotics
• Automation Nth
• Aerotek
• Powerhouse Controls
• Cyber Sciences, Inc
• Southeastern Technology
• Kasai North America
• Turner Machine Company
• Spring Automation
• The Davis Groupe
• Pro Charging Systems
• Shiloh Industries
• Schneider Electric
• Calsonic Kansei International
• Industrial Contracting Corporation
• Nyrstar
• Insequence Corporation
• Schwann Cosmetics
• TORC Robotics
• Nissan North America
• Bridgestone Tires
• Sun Hydraulics
• CEC Controls
• Integrated Control Systems
• Advanced Engineering
• OnTenn Automotive
• Murfreesboro Electric Department
• AO Smith Corporation
• Fuji Seal International, Inc
• Palmer DCS
• Advanced Technical Services
• Plastic Omnium
• Designed Conveyor Systems
• FR Drake Company
• Multimatic
• Feintool Group
• VEAPS, Inc

Graduate Study

Many alumni from the Mechatronics Engineering degree program have chosen to continue their education in graduate studies from universities such as:

• Middle Tennessee State University
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute
• Johns Hopkins University
• Arizona State University

Degree Requirements

The Mechatronics Engineering, B.S. degree requires:

• True Blue Core (41 hours)
• Major Requirements (64 hours)
• Supporting Courses (34 hours)
  • Total: 128-139 hours

True Blue Core (41 hours)

True Blue Core requirements include courses in the Foundational Skills areas of Written Communication, Information Literacy, Non-Written Communication, and Quantitative Literacy.

Major Requirements (64 hours)

Major requirements include:

• ENGR 1100 - Engineering Fundamentals
• ENGR 2100 - Introduction to Engineering Design
• ENGR 2110 - Statics
• ENGR 2120 - Dynamics
• ENGR 2130 - Electrical Circuit Analysis I
• ENGR 2210 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
• ENGR 3510 - Electrical Circuit Analysis II
• ENGR 3520 - Digital Circuits Fundamentals
• ENGR 3530 - Electronics and Instrumentation
• ENGR 3540 - Introduction to Feedback Control
• ENGR 3550 - Fluid Mechanics
• ENGR 3560 - Mechanics of Materials
• ENGR 3590 - Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery
• ENGR 3915 - Technical Project Management and Soft Skills
• ENGR 3970 - Engineering Economy
• ENGR 4500 - FE Exam Preparation
• ENGR 4510 - Programmable Logic Controllers and Networks
• ENGR 4520 - Electrical Power and Machinery
• ENGR 4530 - Controls and Optimization
• ENGR 4580 - Mechatronic System Design
• ENGR 4590 - Automation System Design

Supporting Courses (34 hours)

Supporting courses include:

• CSCI 1170 - Computer Science I
• MATH 1910 - Calculus I
• MATH 1920 - Calculus II
• MATH 2010 - Elements of Linear Algebra
• MATH 3110 - Calculus III
• MATH 3120 - Differential Equations I
• CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I
• CHEM 1111 - General Chemistry I Lab
• PHYS 2110 - Calculus-Based Physics I
• PHYS 2111 - Calculus-Based Physics Laboratory I
• PHYS 2120 - Calculus-Based Physics II
• PHYS 2121 - Calculus-Based Physics Laboratory II

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Mechatronics Engineering, B.S. degree is as follows:

Freshman

• Written Communication (3 credit hours)
• Information Literacy (3 credit hours)
• Creativity and Cultural Expression (3 credit hours)
• Human Society and Social Relationships (3 credit hours)
• MATH 1910 - Calculus I (Quant Lit)
• MATH 1920 - Calculus II
• ENGR 1100 - Engineering Fundamentals
• ENGR 2100 - Introduction to Engineering Design
• CHEM 1110 - General Chemistry I (Sci Lit)
• CHEM 1111 - General Chemistry I Lab (Sci Lit)
• PHYS 2110 - Calculus-Based Physics I (Sci Lit)
• PHYS 2111 - Calculus-Based Physics Laboratory I (Sci Lit)
• Subtotal: 34 Hours

Sophomore

• Creativity and Cultural Expression Literature (3 credit hours)
• History and Civic Learning (3 credit hours)
• ENGR 2110 - Statics
• ENGR 2120 - Dynamics
• ENGR 2130 - Electrical Circuit Analysis I
• ENGR 2210 - Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
• MATH 3110 - Calculus III
• MATH 3120 - Differential Equations I
• CSCI 1170 - Computer Science I
• PHYS 2120 - Calculus-Based Physics II
• PHYS 2121 - Calculus-Based Physics Laboratory II
• Subtotal: 33 Hours

Junior

• MATH 2010 - Elements of Linear Algebra
• Non-Written Communication (3 credit hours)
• ENGR 3510 - Electrical Circuit Analysis II
• ENGR 3520 - Digital Circuits Fundamentals
• ENGR 3530 - Electronics and Instrumentation
• ENGR 3550 - Fluid Mechanics
• ENGR 3560 - Mechanics of Materials
• ENGR 3590 - Kinematics and Dynamics of Machinery
• ENGR 3915 - Technical Project Management and Soft Skills
• ENGR 3970 - Engineering Economy
• ENGR 4540 - Thermodynamics for Engineers
• ENGR 4550 - Introduction to Robotics
• Subtotal: 33 hours

Senior

• ENGR 3540 - Introduction to Feedback Control
• ENGR 4500 - FE Exam Preparation
• ENGR 4510 - Programmable Logic Controllers and Networks
• ENGR 4520 - Electrical Power and Machinery
• ENGR 4530 - Controls and Optimization
• ENGR 4580 - Mechatronic System Design
• ENGR 4590 - Automation System Design
• Human Society and Social Relationships (3 credit hours)
• Creativity and Cultural Expression (3 credit hours)
• History and Civic Learning (3 credit hours)
• Subtotal: 28 Hours