MTSU’s new Mechatronics Engineering degree program is on the cutting edge of a fast-growing industry. Jobs are waiting for engineers to design and enhance robotics and automated systems. The design process of mechatronics combines mechanical, computer, and electrical engineering along with systems integration and technical project management. A surgical robot is a perfect example of a mechatronic system, performing precision mechanical work under sophisticated electronic and sensory control. Unlike traditional programs, MTSU’s mechatronics has a systems approach, breaking the whole down into subsystems and then components, so that graduates can design products with a system in mind, not just one component. Rutherford County auto industry giants Bridgestone, with a mechatronics facility at its LaVergne education center, and Nissan are among worldwide and local partners in the program.

Student: Mechatronics can open more doors

Michigan native Dallas Trahan is among students switching majors after the new Mechatronics Engineering program was approved for fall 2013. Trahan moved with a friend to Nashville while taking a year off college and started attending MTSU “because it was affordable and close by.” His previous academic interest had been electro-mechanical engineering technology. “I want to be a person who can do everything,” Trahan said. “Mechatronics seems to be the way to go. A lot more opportunities could arise; a lot more doors can open than with just an engineering technology degree. With mechatronics, you can do what you want.” First-year coursework in engineering technology will transfer into the new program. Mechatronics engineering courses should begin in spring 2014.

Professor visits Germany, helps develop Level 3

Dr. Ahad Nasab, MTSU mechatronics program coordinator, traveled to Berlin, Germany, in August for an instructor certification workshop at Siemens Technical Academy and to help develop Level 3 certification. MTSU’s mechatronics engineering program is based on a three-tier international certification program created by German engineering firm Siemens AG. Level 3 requires a bachelor’s degree. “We held daily talks on streamlining the Siemens objectives with our new Mechatronics Engineering program,” Nasab said. “Once the model and the requirements are developed, the resulting methods and literature will be distributed worldwide for others to consider Level 3 certification.” New mechatronic and automation equipment costing $500,000 will be housed initially in one of the Voorhies Engineering Technology lab spaces.

While many engineering schools focus on the theoretical, MTSU's Engineering Technology program excels in providing hands-on experiences and skills that are immediately transferrable to the workforce. Examples include

• Automation engineer
• Design engineer
• Plant engineer
• Project manager
• Prototyping and model engineer
• Robotics engineer
• System engineer

Employers of MTSU alumni

Because this degree program is quite new, employer information is still being compiled. However, potential employers who already hire MTSU graduates with degrees in Engineering Technology include

• Bridgestone
• Calsonic Kansei
• Carrier
• EM-Tech
• FloStor Engineering, Inc.
• General Mills
• General Motors
• Mahle
• Nissan
• Schneider Electric

A Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.) degree is now available in Mechatronics Engineering, another way MTSU is meeting student and workforce needs. Graduates will have the opportunity to earn a Level 3 Siemen’s international mechatronics certification.

Mechatronics Engineering is a major in the Department of Engineering Technology. Students may transfer into the program with Level 1 or Level 2 certification.

Other undergraduate degrees available through the department include a major in Engineering Technology, leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in one of three concentrations: Computer Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology, or Mechanical Engineering Technology. Also offered are majors leading to a B.S. in Construction Management with three concentrations: Commercial Construction Management, Electrical Construction Management, or Land Development/Residential Building Construction Management and in Environmental Science and Technology with two concentrations: in Energy Technology or Environmental Health and Safety. Interested students may take courses in Pre-engineering and Pre-architecture.

Undergraduate minors available include Electronics, Engineering Systems, Engineering Technology, and Construction Management.

The sample schedule below is based on the current undergraduate catalog. It is not a substitute for academic advisement. Contact your advisor if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements or consult the undergraduate catalog (catalog.mtsu.edu) for a complete list of requirements and electives.

You may choose to attend a summer term to reduce your load during fall or spring terms but still stay on track to graduate in four years. (Refer to the scholarships website for information regarding use of the Lottery Scholarship for the summer term.)

NOTE: Learning Support courses will alter the sequences on this map. Missing milestones could delay your program.

Mechatronics Engineering Academic Map

Department of Engineering Technology 
Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro

Suggested Fall/Spring and Summer/Fall/Spring Four-Year Schedule

Click here for printer friendly academic map.

TOTAL HOURS IN PROGRAM: 128

TOTAL HOURS IN PROGRAM: 128

Graduation information may be accessed here.

Mechatronics Engineering