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Mechatronics Associate of Applied Science Degree

Overview and Award Outcomes

Overview

Mechatronics is a rapidly growing field that integrates electrical systems, mechanics, fluid power, robotics, and computer control systems to create new and improved automated manufacturing production systems. This program is designed for people who are interested in plant maintenance, set up, installation, and assembly. The Mechatronics program is designed to reinforce the core technical skills and real-world application needed in today’s manufacturing environment. Through alignment with PMMI’s (The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies) Mechatronics Certification Program, Hennepin Technical College’s Mechatronics AAS offers a set of stackable credentials that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturer’s Skills Certification System. This industry developed, third-party validated, nationally recognized credential is focused on ensuring graduates have the core technical skills with real world application for today’s high-tech manufacturing environment. These jobs are found in the packaging, medical, electronics, agriculture, biotechnology, and automotive industries.

Award Outcomes

Demonstrate safe work practices

Integrate electrical, mechanical, pneumatics, programmable controllers, and Industry 4.0 standards into mechatronic systems

Utilize technical documents to assemble, install, troubleshoot, and repair mechatronic systems

Design, program, and troubleshoot programs for Programmable Logic controllers, robotics, and other industrial hardware

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot Industrial electrical systems

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot mechanical systems

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot motor control systems

Apply quality practices to the operation of automated manufacturing and distribution systems

Apply maintenance practices to the operation of automated manufacturing and distribution systems

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are wide-spread in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Extensive opportunities exist as Electrical and Electronics Technicians for industrial equipment, Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Industrial Engineering Technicians, Mechanical Engineering Technicians, and as Packaging Technicians.

Program Requirements

Technical Studies Required 48 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARET1126Mechanical Power Transmission

3

ARET1130Maintenance Operations

2

ARET1140Computer Integrated Manufacturing

3

ARET1155Automation Controls

3

ARET1161Mechatronic Systems

3

ARET1165Vision Systems for QA/SPC

3

ARET1170Troubleshooting Mechatronic Systems

3

ARET1175Industrial Electricity and Electronics I

3

ARET1180Industrial Electricity and Electronics II

3

ARET1185Sensor Applications

2

ARET1190Programmable Logic Controllers

3

ARET1200Introduction to Robotics

2

ARET2101Advanced Automation Controls

3

ARET2105Fluid Power Motion Control

2

ARET2111Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers

3

ARET2200FANUC Robotics Operations

2

ARET2250FANUC Vision Systems

1

ENGC1250SOLIDWORKS I

4

General Education Required 12 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ENGL1070Technical Writing

3

or

ENGL1100Writing and Research

4

 

MATH1150Applications of Quantitative Reasoning

3

or

MATH1400College Algebra

4

or

MnTC Goal Area 4

 

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

or

MnTC Goal Area 2

 

PHYS1005Introductory Physics I

3

or

MnTC Goal Area 3

General Education Elective 3 Credits

Choose three credits from Hennepin Technical College’s Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) general education courses.

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits

Technical Studies Elective 9 Credits

Any Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET), Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering (CMAE), Fluid Power Engineering and Motion Control (FLPW), Machine Tool Technology (MACH), or Welding and Metal Fabrication (WLDG) course that is not required for this award may be used as an elective.

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits

Total Associate in Applied Science Degree 72 Credits

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits

Semester Sequence

Offered at Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie

First Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARET1126Mechanical Power Transmission

3

ARET1161Mechatronic Systems

3

ARET1175Industrial Electricity and Electronics I

3

ARET1200Introduction to Robotics

2

 

MATH1150Applications of Quantitative Reasoning

3

or

MATH1400College Algebra

4

or

Any course from MnTC Goal Area 4

 

PHIL1100Critical Thinking for College Success

3

or

Any course from MnTC Goal Area 2

Total Credits  17

Second Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARET1130Maintenance Operations

2

ARET1140Computer Integrated Manufacturing

3

ARET1155Automation Controls

3

ARET1180Industrial Electricity and Electronics II

3

ENGC1250SOLIDWORKS I

4

 

ENGL1070Technical Writing

3

or

ENGL1100Writing and Research

4

Total Credits  18

Summer Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
PHYS1005Introductory Physics I

3

or

Any course from MnTC Goal Area 3

 

General Education Electives

3

Total Credits  6

Third Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARET1165Vision Systems for QA/SPC

3

ARET1185Sensor Applications

2

ARET1190Programmable Logic Controllers

3

ARET2105Fluid Power Motion Control

2

 

Technical Studies Electives

6

Total Credits  16

Fourth Semester

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits
ARET1170Troubleshooting Mechatronic Systems

3

ARET2101Advanced Automation Controls

3

ARET2111Advanced Programmable Logic Controllers

3

ARET2200FANUC Robotics Operations

2

ARET2250FANUC Vision Systems

1

 

Technical Studies Electives

3

Total Credits  15

General Education Electives

Choose three credits from Hennepin Technical College’s Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) general education courses.

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits

Choose a Total of:  3 Credits

Technical Studies Electives

Any Automation Robotics Engineering Technology (ARET), Center for Manufacturing and Applied Engineering (CMAE), Fluid Power Engineering and Motion Control (FLPW), Machine Tool Technology (MACH), or Welding and Metal Fabrication (WLDG) course that is not required for this award may be used as an elective.

Course NumberCourse TitleCourse Credits

Choose a Total of:  9 Credits

Graduation (72 Credits)

Semester listings reflect the recommended sequence.  Due to circumstances beyond our control, the information herein is subject to change without notice.



4/15/2024 : BP / EP 4013