Mechatronics MS

Do you like mechanics, robotics, or production equipment? Do you have a knack for creative problem solving? Do you enjoy technical and engineering activities? The Mechatronics MS may be for you.

M.S. in Mechatronics coursework and labs incorporate elements of engineering, engineering technology, and computing. What sets this degree program apart is the way it brings together engineering and computing to create something entirely new. This convergence is the very essence of “Industry 4.0” and the future of manufacturing and industry. You'll learn the core technical skills, advanced technical design skills, and core technical implementation/instrumentation skills used in the design and manufacturing of control systems and devices in consumer products, aerospace and military, automotive, and other advanced manufacturing industries.

The multidisciplinary Michigan Tech Mechatronics MS degree trains applied researchers and entrepreneurs who are prepared to revitalize the US and global economies in advanced manufacturing and automation.

What is Mechatronics?

Mechatronics blends mechanical, electrical, computer, and robotics engineering, connecting the many stages of industrial design and production into a single, streamlined system. Mechatronics is an essential foundation for the expected worldwide growth in automation and manufacturing.

Mechatronics is used in a range of industries and it supports many applications. Most prevalent in the manufacturing industry—consumer goods, industrial goods, automotive products, and electronics—mechatronics also plays an important role in healthcare, transportation, and many other fields.

Requirements

Required Courses (12 Credits)

EET 5144 - Real-Time Robotics Systems

Covers the components of a robot system, safety, concepts of a work-cell system, geometry, path control, automation sensors, programming techniques, hardware, and software. Students taking this course have an opportunity to earn FANUC Industrial Certificate "FANUC CERT HandlingTool Operations and Programming", Students must pass safety assessment above 80% and fulfill additional course requirements to be eligible.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EET 1411 or EET 2121 or PH 2230 or EE 2111 or EE 3010

EET 5373 - Advanced Programmable Controllers

Using Allen Bradley Contr Logix and SLC500 programmable controllers, course covers structured programming, Sequential Function Charts, networking, proportional integral differential control, data acquisition and interfacing. The course requires proposing, executing, and defending at the graduate level related to the course material project.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EET 3373 or EE 3373

MET 4377 - Applied Fluid Power

An introduction to fluid power components and systems. The course includes component selection, circuit design, electrical interfaces, and system troubleshooting and maintenance. A laboratory exposes students to system hardware and circuit simulation techniques for mobile and industrial applications.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman, Sophomore
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 2130 or MEEM 3201 or ME 3201

Selected Electrical and Mechanical Electives (12-15 Credits).

Pick one from each group below (12-15 credits). Coursework is subject to a limitation of 12 credits at the 3000-4000 level.

Choose a minimum of 3 credits with an EE or EET prefix and
Choose a minimum of 3 credits with an MET or ME prefix from the following 3 groups.
Courses that are cross-listed between EE/EET and MET/ME cannot be used to satisfy this requirement.

Autonomous Robotic Platforms (3-4 Credits)

EE 5531 - Introduction to Robotics

Introduction to autonomous systems and robotics with focus on automated ground vehicles. Project based course using distributed computing to solve problems related to motion planning, perception, and localization. Requires experience with Linux operating systems variants, version control systems, and C++ or Python.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Permission of department required; Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering

ME 5705 - Robotics and Mechatronics

Cross-discipline system integration of sensors, actuators, and microprocessors to achieve high-level design requirements, including robotic systems. A variety of sensor and actuation types are introduced, from both a practical and a mathematical perspective. Embedded microprocessor applications are developed using the C programming language. A final project is required including analysis, design, and experimental demonstration.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechatronics, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or ME 3750

EET 5147 - Industrial Robotic Vision System and Advanced Teach Pendant Programming

Procedures for setting up, teaching, testing, and modifying robot vision systems widely used in industrial automation. Introduces advanced Teach Pendant Programming to develop complex scenarios for integrating robots into industrial cells. Final project must demonstrate proficiency in setting up and programming an advanced robotic vision scenario. Students taking this course have an opportunity to earn FANUC Industrial Certificate "FANUC CERT 2D iR-Vision". Students must pass safety assessment above 80% and fulfill additional course requirements to be eligible.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-3)
Semesters Offered: Spring, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate
Pre-Requisite(s): EET 4144 or EET 5144

MET 5800 - Dynamics and Kinematics of Robotics Platforms

This course covers the dynamics and kinematics of rigid bodies as the foundation for analyzing the motion of robots. Robotic kinematics is reviewed by analyzing the motion of the robot. The dynamics is reviewed by analyzing the relation between the joint actuator torques and resulting motion.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 2130 or MET 3130

Controls of Industrial Systems (3-4 Credits)

EE 4262 - Digital and Non-linear Control

Introduction to state space analysis and design (state feedback, observers, and observer feedback); digital control system design and analysis (Z-transforms, difference equations, the discrete-time state model, and digital implementation of controllers); introduction to nonlinear systems (equilibrium states, linearization, phase plane analysis, and describing function analysis); and experiments with physical systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (2-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3261

EE 5750 - Model-Based Embedded Control System Design

This course introduces embedded control system design using a model-based approach. Course topics include model-based embedded control system design, discrete-event control, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit, digital controller design, and communication protocols. Prior knowledge of hybrid electric vehicles is highly recommended.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineer
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4700 or ME 4700 or MEEM 4775 or ME 4775 or EE 3261 or EE 4261

ME 5750 - Model-Based Embedded Control System Design

This course introduces embedded control system design using model-based approach. Course topics include model-based embedded control system design, discrete-event control, sensors, actuators, electronic control unit, digital controller design, and communications protocols. Prior knowledge of hybrid electric vehicles are highly recommended.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4775 or ME 4775 or EE 4261 or EE 3261

ME 4775 - Analysis & Design of Feedback Control Systems

This course covers topics of control systems design. Course includes a review for modeling of dynamical systems, stability, and root locus design. Also covers control systems design in the frequency domain, fundamentals of digital control and nonlinear systems.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 3750 or EE 3160 or ME 3750

EET 5311 - Control Systems

Topics include: Fourier and Laplace transforms, signal comparison techniques and transfer functions. Control techniques addressed will include feedback, stability, Bode and Nyquist diagrams, and PID controllers. Graduate students are expected to demonstrate ability in modeling/simulation techniques of linear systems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate

MET 5802 - Vibrations of Mechanical Systems

This course deals with the modeling and analysis of mixed physical systems. Introduction to modeling and oscillatory response analysis for discrete and continuous mechanical and structural systems. Time and frequency domain analysis of linear system vibrations. Vibration of multi-degree-of-freedom systems. Free vibration eigenvalue problems.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): MET 2130

Signal Processing of Electromechanical Systems (3-4 Credits)

EE 4252 - Digital Signal Processing and its Applications

Digital signal processing techniques with emphasis on applications. Includes sampling, the Z-transform, digital filters and discrete Fourier transforms. Emphasizes techniques for design and analysis of digital filters. Special topics may include the FFT, windowing techniques, quantization effects, physical limitations, image processing basics, image enhancement, image restoration and image coding.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 3160

ME 5700 - Dynamic Measurement/Signal Analysis

Assessment of measurement system requirements: transducers, conditioners, and displays of dynamic measurands. Time-, frequency-, probabilistic-, and correlative-domain approaches to dynamic signal analysis: sampled data, discrete Fourier transforms, digital filtering, estimation errors, system identification, calibration, recording. Introduction to wavelet analysis. All concepts reinforced in laboratory and simulation exercises.

Credits: 4.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-3)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Summer
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following College(s): College of Engineering, College of Computing
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or ENT 4950(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

Selected Electives in Cyber Security of Industrial Processes (3 Credits)

EE 4723 - Network Security

Learn fundamental of cryptography and its application to network security. Understand network security threats, security services, and countermeasures. Acquire background knowledge on well known network security protocols. Address open research issues in network security.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (3-0-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Pre-Requisite(s): EE 4272 or CS 4461 or SAT 4812

EE 5455 - Cybersecurity of Industrial Control Systems

General introduction to cybersecurity of industrial control systems and critical infrastructures. Topics include NIST and DHS publications, threat analysis, vulnerability analysis, red teaming, intrusion detection systems, industrial networks, industrial malware, and selected case studies.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical & Computer Engineer, Cybersecurity, Mechatronics, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering

ME 5300 - Cybersecurity of Industrial Control Systems

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: On Demand
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Mechatronics, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 4901(C) or ME 4901(C) or Graduate Status >= 1

ME 5315 - Cyber Security of Automotive Systems I

Modern automotive control and communications systems from a cyber security perspective. Topics include: V2X communications, vehicle attack surfaces and vulnerabilities, in-vehicle networks, threat analysis and vulnerabilities, security mechanisms and architectures, security requirements analysis, hardware security modules, and standards.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Spring
Restrictions: Must be enrolled in one of the following Level(s): Graduate; Must be enrolled in one of the following Major(s): Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, Mechanical Eng-Eng Mechanics, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-Requisite(s): MEEM 5300 or ME 5300 or EE 5455

SAT 3812 - Cyber Security I

The evolution of information security into cybersecurity and its relationship to nations, organizations, society, and individuals. Exposure to multiple cybersecurity technologies, processes, and procedures; analyzing threats, vulnerabilities and risks present; and developing appropriate strategies to mitigate potential cybersecurity issues. Applied lab to develop cyber security offensive attributes and learn how to prevent and/or mitigate threats.

Credits: 3.0
Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-2-2)
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Pre-Requisite(s): SAT 2711 or CS 2321 or MIS 3200

Internship Pathway (0-6 Credits)

Electives (0-10 Credits)

Remaining courses are subject to advisor approval and the limitation of a maximum of 12 credits at the 3000-4000 level. Example courses are shown below.

Your Degree Completion Options

The Mechatronics MS program is flexible and multidisciplinary. Choose from one of three degree completion options.

MS, Mechatronics: Thesis Option

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	20 Credits
Thesis research	6-10 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Mechatronics: Report Option

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

Total Credit Requirements
Option Parts	Credits
Coursework (minimum)	24 Credits
Report	2-6 Credits
Total (minimum)	30 Credits

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	12 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

MS, Mechatronics: Coursework Option

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Distribution of Coursework Credit
Distribution	Credits
5000-6000 series (minimum)	18 Credits
3000-4000 (maximum)	12 Credits

MS, Mechatronics: Accelerated Master's

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation
Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
No GRE Required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Graduate School Admissions Process

Applying to Graduate School is free (no application fees) and fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Graduate School Admissions Options

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

Graduate School Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements, including required materials:

Student Statements

Official Transcripts

Program Specific Requirements

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation
Résumé / Curriculum vitae
Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
GRE not Required
No Additional Documents Accepted

International Students

TOEFL: Required Score of 79 iBT
IELTS: Required Overall Band Score of 6.5

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis. Best to apply a semester ahead of desired.

International Student Requirements

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Accelerated Master's Requirements

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students.

Program Specific

3 Letters of Recommendation
Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
No GRE Required

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you.

"Worldwide, manufacturing is in need of mechatronics specialists willing to take on the difficult tasks needed to help manufacturers remain safe, fast, competitive, and diversified. Completion of a Michigan Tech Mechatronics degree will open the doors to these many employment opportunities with your solid understanding of robotics, PLC controls, motion control, and automation."
Mark Gauthier, President, Donald Engineering, Grand Rapids, MI