Mechatronics Engineering Technology Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Additional requirements, not counted toward the General Education requirements, include:

• Special Experience Course (1 course required): MTR 400 Machine Design Elements and Kinematics
• Writing-Intensive Component Courses (2 courses required): MTR 420 Computer Integrated Manufacturing AND MTR 445 Senior Proposal / MTR 450 Senior Project
• Laboratory Course (1 course required): MTR 410 Process Control

Program Notes

• "Required Related (Cognate Area of Study) Courses" are required to meet ETAC of ABET criteria 1, 2, 3 and 5.
• MAT 181 (College Algebra, 3 credits) and MAT 191 (College Trigonometry, 3 credits) may be substituted for MAT 199, if math placement test does not permit direct entry into Pre-Calculus or if student desires a less intense math coverage.
• Students must complete 42 credits in upper-division coursework (300- and 400-level courses).

• Online Technical Studies Associate Degree
• On Campus Technical Studies Associate Degree
• Robotics Engineering Technology Associate Degree
• Unmanned Aerial Systems / Drone Technology Concentration

• Computer Engineering Technology Bachelor's Degree
• Electrical Engineering Technology Bachelor's Degree
• Graphics and Multimedia Bachelor's Degree 
• Technology Management Bachelor's Degree
• Technology Education Bachelor's Degree

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology is to prepare graduates for technically oriented careers in which they apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of automated systems (computer-controlled with embedded electronics, sensors and actuators). This degree is a significant component of the University's commitment to building character and careers of our students-integrating teamwork/leadership skills and preparing students for lifelong learning and assuming personal responsibility for applying the highest professional and ethical standards to global issues related to the field.

The Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering Technology is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

PennWest California’s mechtronics engineering technology program was designed around standards set by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, with input from an industrial advisory board and PennWest California faculty and has received ETAC-ABET accreditation.

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe what graduates are expected to attain within a few years of graduation. Objectives for the mechatronics engineering technology program at PennWest California are:

• Communicate effectively in the professional environment in individual and group situations.
• Translate customer requirements and effectively integrate multiple mechanical and electrical systems.
• Participate in lifelong learning to maintain technically current in the profession.
• Specify, design, deploy, implement, troubleshoot, and maintain mechatronic systems.
• Apply appropriate strategies to maintain professional, ethical, and social responsibilities in the workplace and include a respect for diversity.
• Work effectively in individual and group oriented settings.
• Analyze the produced system and formulate its economic impacts on the overall organization.
• Apply safety to all aspects of work.

Student outcomes describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. Student outcomes for the mechatronics engineering technology program at PennWest California are:

• Select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills and modern tools in mechatronics engineering technology.
• Apply concepts of circuit analysis, analog and digital electronics, automation and controls, motors, electric drives, power systems, instrumentation, and computers to aid in the design, characterization, analysis, and troubleshooting of mechatronics systems.
• Use advanced principles of statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, strength of materials, engineering materials, engineering standards, and manufacturing processes to aid in the design, characterization, analysis, and troubleshooting of mechatronics systems.
• Use differential and integral calculus in the characterization and analysis of mechatronics systems.
• Apply problem solving skills, including the ability to identify problems, conduct experiments, gather data, analyze data, and produce results.
• Use appropriate computer languages and application software that pertain to mechatronics engineering technology systems.
• Function effectively as a member or a leader on a technical team.
• Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and nontechnical environments; and an ability to identify and use appropriate technical literature.
• Understand the need for and an ability to engage in self-directed continuing professional development.
• Address professional and ethical responsibilities including a respect for diversity.
• Explain and analyze the impact of engineering technology solutions in a societal and global context.
• Apply commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement.
• Design a system component or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints, such as economic, environmental and/or social.

Mechatronics engineering technologists work with "smart" devices that incorporate mechanical, electrical, computer and software components, such as robots, automated guided systems and computer-integrated manufacturing equipment. Mechatronics is a high-tech field - and it's growing fast. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has identified mechatronics as a "high-priority" occupation. It projects as many as 300-600 job openings per year through 2020.