Mechatronics and Robotics Major: What It Includes, Classes and Careers

A Mechatronics and Robotics major combines mechanics, electronics and programming to build and maintain automated systems. Mechatronics and robotics programs teach electrical and mechanical systems, sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics and automation.

A Mechatronics and Robotics major includes coursework in electrical and electronic systems, mechanical systems, PLC programming, robotics, and sensors and instrumentation and more. You build skills such as PLC programming, troubleshooting, electrical and mechanical maintenance, and reading schematics. Typical degrees: certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees.

Typical courses include electrical and electronic systems, mechanical systems, PLC programming, robotics, sensors and instrumentation, and hydraulics and pneumatics. Exact course names and requirements vary by college, and most degrees also include general education courses.

It depends on the level. Mechatronics and Robotics is offered as certificate, associate, and bachelor’s awards at U.S. colleges; certificates take from a few months to about two years, an associate degree usually takes about two years of full-time study, and a bachelor’s degree usually takes about four years of full-time study. Part-time study takes longer.

Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees. In the latest federal data, 201 colleges reported certificate awards, 227 colleges reported associate awards, and 37 colleges reported bachelor’s awards.

Career paths connected to mechatronics and robotics include mechatronics technician, industrial maintenance technician, electronics technician, CNC programmer, industrial electronics repairer, and millwright. Some roles need additional training, experience, certification or a license.

Examples include mechatronics technician (typical training: 2 years), industrial maintenance technician (typical training: 1–4 years), electronics technician (typical training: 2 years), cnc programmer (typical training: 1–2 years plus shop experience), industrial electronics repairer (typical training: Training program plus a year or more on the job), and millwright (typical training: 4 years (apprenticeship)).

Mechatronics and Robotics majors build skills such as PLC programming, troubleshooting, electrical and mechanical maintenance, reading schematics, and safety.

Good pairings include Computer Science (strengthens programming for automation), Business (prepares you for maintenance management), and Occupational Safety (adds lockout and machine safety knowledge).

It can be a good fit if you are interested in the work it leads to, such as mechatronics technician, industrial maintenance technician, and electronics technician, and enjoy subjects like electrical and electronic systems and mechanical systems. No major guarantees a job, so compare the coursework, the careers and the education each career requires before deciding.

How hard it feels depends on your strengths. Core coursework includes electrical and electronic systems, mechanical systems, and PLC programming; if those subjects interest you, the major is likely to feel more manageable. Reviewing a college’s course list and talking to current students helps you judge.

315 U.S. colleges reported awarding degrees or certificates in this field in the latest federal (IPEDS) data. Programs can have different names at different schools.

North Carolina (27), Texas (26), Ohio (20), Michigan (18), and Wisconsin (15), based on the colleges that reported awards in this field.

278 of the colleges that offer mechatronics and robotics also report offering at least one program entirely online, though not necessarily this one. Use the college search with this major and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with the school.

Mechatronics and Robotics combines mechanics, electronics and programming to build and maintain automated systems. Precision Machining and CNC teaches you to make precision parts with manual and computer-controlled machines. Mechatronics and Robotics leads to careers such as mechatronics technician and industrial maintenance technician, while Precision Machining and CNC leads to careers such as CNC machinist and CNC operator.

Mechatronics and Robotics combines mechanics, electronics and programming to build and maintain automated systems. Automotive Technology prepares you to diagnose and repair cars and light trucks. Mechatronics and Robotics leads to careers such as mechatronics technician and industrial maintenance technician, while Automotive Technology leads to careers such as automotive service technician and auto body technician.

Yes. Short online career training can help you understand a specific job and build practical knowledge alongside your classes. It does not replace your degree or any required license.

No. Career Education Institute is not a college and does not award degrees. It offers short, non-credit online trainings about jobs connected to mechatronics and robotics, such as Mechatronics Technician Training.