Applied Computing

Mechatronics Bachelor's Degree

Mechatronics covers the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the advanced automated manufacturing industry. Mechatronics is multidisciplinary and includes the fields of robotics, control systems, and electro-mechanical systems. Mechatronics specialists work at the intersection of mechanics, electronics, and computing to create simpler, smarter systems in the automation and manufacturing industries.

Combine your interest in mechanics, robotics, and problem-solving with a bachelor's degree in mechatronics from Michigan Tech. Get a highly hands-on education working with expert faculty in the classroom, lab, during office hours, and through undergraduate research opportunities. Incorporate elements of engineering, engineering technology, and computing during numerous labs where you learn by doing. Build and create in our machine shop—it's fully equipped for design, computer modeling, fabrication, and assembly. Explore control and manufacturing processes in our Mechatronics Playground—a lab featuring custom industry-grade equipment and learning stations designed, built, and funded by Donald Engineering and other major companies.

What Will I Study?

Mechatronics students take courses in electrical engineering technology, math, and computing. Faculty work closely with industry leaders to make sure the courses incorporate what industries need, including the most current knowledge and best practices. You'll discover, investigate, build, and test while you learn about engineering and engineering technology, system-level thinking, mechanical systems, electronics, computers, programming, cybersecurity, human-machine interaction, and more. Nearly all courses have a lab component taught by faculty—and most lab sections have 24 students or fewer. You'll work hands-on throughout your learning experience, from your first semester to your last class at Tech.

You can customize your career path by selecting seven technical electives for your degree program. Choose from areas including computer science, electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and systems administrative technology. 

  • No. 1
    best colleges for mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering
  • No. 2
    best colleges with robotics and automation engineering degrees in Michigan
  • No. 3
    best mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering colleges in Michigan 

A Top Career that Pays Well

An electro-mechanical or mechatronics technologist and technician has a mean annual wage of $75,710 (BLS) with the top 10 percent making $109,580 (BLS). 95% of Michigan Tech graduates find jobs within six months of commencement.

See additional computing salary information.

Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024.

Enterprise, Only at Michigan Tech

In their final year, Bachelor of Science majors complete either a Senior Design Project or an Enterprise project. Michigan Tech Enterprises are student-run business teams providing end-to-end original product development through real-world experiences in engineering design, team building, and project management. Senior Design and Enterprise teams work closely with a faculty advisor. Students in majors across campus participate in Enterprise program teams. College of Computing-affiliated Enterprise programs include Husky Game Development, HIDE, and IT Oxygen.

  • Students in the Husky Game Development Enterprise design and develop games for business, education, and fun. Earn credit, gain experience, and build your resume, all while creating quality software that will attract and satisfy industry sponsors. Who says you can’t work and play?
  • Humane Interface Design Enterprise (HIDE) students design, develop, and evaluate human-centered computer interfaces to make daily work more efficient and easier to manage. 
  • IT Oxygen Enterprise students—from numerous majors—provide Information Technology help to both student organizations and businesses, working on real projects for real companies that foster skills in development, problem-solving, and business.

Careers in Mechatronics

Mechatronics specialists are innovative and persistent professionals who think analytically, take initiative, and pay attention to detail. Here’s what you might work on in this role:

  • Design and implement advanced control systems.
  • Design robotic systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
  • Develop computer algorithms using machine learning for autonomous systems.
  • Create electro-mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.
  • Implement and test design solutions—in the field or on the factory floor.
  • Build simulation tools for the design of products and manufacturing processes.

Careers are available in a wide range of industries, including these professions:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Consumer Products
  • Defense
  • Manufacturing
  • Materials Processing
  • Medical Imaging
  • Petrochemical Processing
  • Power and Energy

Co-Ops and Internships

Mechatronics students are hired by a wide range of companies for co-op and internship opportunities prior to graduation. Students recently accepted co-op and internship positions offered by companies including: 

  • Rivian
  • Tesla
  • Boss
  • JR Automation
  • Plexus

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying mechatronics at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Watch My Michigan Tech: Lydia Festian video
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"The best part of the mechatronics program here at Tech is you get a very fundamental level of the mechanical, electrical and the programming, and you can specialize and build up from that point."Lydia Festian '24, BS Mechatronics

MTU engineering

Tomorrow won’t wait. Neither will we.

Computing is for everyone, everywhere. Artificial intelligence, robotics, data science, and other forms of digital connectivity are ingrained in nearly every aspect of life. Cybersecurity has never been more important. These transformational technologies require intrepid problem solvers, bold leaders, and fearless visionaries. You can be one of them.

Founded in 2019, we’re one of the first colleges in the nation and one of the few institutions of its kind to focus solely on computing. Digital transformation has morphed every discipline into a computing discipline, reinventing industries like manufacturing, criminal justice, marketing, and health care. The College of Computing is making sure that employers have the computing talent they need to thrive—and that our students are equipped for fulfilling careers now and for tomorrows to come.

The world needs Computing[MTU]. The world needs you.

Undergraduate Majors—Applied Computing

Not sure which major is the right fit? Explore Michigan Tech majors and minors.

Supercharge your future.

Study, do research, and build a future-forward career at a flagship R1 public research university powered by STEM. Get the theoretical knowledge and practical experience you need to succeed in a high-tech world.

Our students work alongside faculty on meaningful research, like helping to detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and making machine learning more user-friendly. They connect at the intersection of engineering and computing in our mechatronics playground. They teach middle school kids coding and cybersecurity basics, assist older generations with digital literacy essentials, and help each other persist through academic and life challenges through SAM, our unique peer mentoring program. Computing Huskies also partner with national entities like the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as well as local businesses to analyze security and safeguard sensitive data. And, from robotics to Red Teaming, Huskies train, run, and win national competitions.

Whether competing in Esports, joining an Enterprise team, or working with a group of Huskies to build a robot in three days is your jam, you’ll find opportunities to connect with what clicks. And when it’s time to blow off steam, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s trails, forests, and Lake Superior beaches await, along with Michigan Tech’s Mont Ripley Ski Hill.

When it comes to preparing for life after graduation, our Career Fair offers more than a one-day event—it’s a series of workshops and meetups that leads to coops, internships, and full-time, well-paying positions. If you want to be ready for what tomorrow needs, your future starts now, in the Michigan Tech College of Computing.

"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 BS degree will open the doors to these many employment opportunities with your solid understanding of robotics, PLC controls, motion control, and automation."Mark Gauthier '85
President of Donald Engineering,
Grand Haven, Michigan