BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology: Mechatronics Emphasis
BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology: Mechatronics Emphasis
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Some of the topics include the following:
In addition, you will complete two capstone projects. These provide hands-on opportunities to work in teams and with a mentor to tackle applied research and design projects in your area of interest. You may participate in internships and assigned projects in collaboration with engineering professionals. GCU also offers extensive STEM resources to support you throughout your program.
The BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology program begins by examining foundational knowledge in science and mathematics, with a focus on physics and computer science. Advanced topic areas include static and dynamic loading conditions in mechanical systems, 2D and 3D design modeling in CAD software, and the analysis of fluid and heat transfer.
The mechatronics curriculum integrates math, natural sciences and computer programming with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, practical applications and project management experience.
The mechatronics curriculum was developed with industry guidance to address the broad foundational knowledge and skills required in fields such as:
Within this emerging field, you can prepare for mechatronics-related careers in development and manufacturing. Employers need qualified mechatronics engineers to work in industries such as:1
These industries, among others, typically offer positions focused on product design, development, manufacturing and quality. Although there are many positions mechanical engineering mechatronics graduates can pursue with a bachelor’s degree, you may choose to enhance your career qualifications by pursuing one of GCU’s many STEM master’s degrees.2
Estimated increase of jobs in the mechanical engineering field from 2022 to 2032.3
This BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program Criteria. When considering your choice of degree programs and your intended career, it’s important to verify that the school you choose is accredited. Accreditation serves as a benchmark for education quality. GCU takes pride in its institutional accreditation, endorsed by the Higher Learning Commission.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Sept. 8). Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 5, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023, Feb. 6). How to Become a Mechanical Engineer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 5, 2023.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2023, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineers, retrieved in Sept. 2023.
4 Plavicheanu, P. (2016, Aug. 4). Mechatronics Efficiency Achieved by Designing for Functional Excellence. Control Engineering. Retrieved on Sept. 14, 2023.
5 Martin, S. (2018, Oct. 18). Robotics vs. Mechatronics: Knowing the Difference. Electronics 360. Retrieved Sept. 5, 2023.
6 Indeed. (2022, Aug. 12). 19 Mechatronics Careers with Salaries and Duties. Indeed. Retrieved Sept. 5, 2023.
In mechanical engineering, mechatronics is a multidisciplinary subfield that combines the principles and applications of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, control systems and even robotics. In this Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology with an Emphasis in Mechatronics program at Grand Canyon University, you will be taught the practical applications of mechanical engineering principles alongside mechatronics techniques.
The mechanical engineering mechatronics subfield may be an ideal career option if you have a passion for problem-solving and creative innovation. Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to apply the principles of engineering to hands-on projects.
Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
Any decision that will impact your future career is a significant one. Take the time to research potential career paths so that you can make an informed decision for your future. The following frequently asked questions and answers can help you get started.
The fusion of mechanical engineering with electronics offers the opportunity for businesses to create better efficiencies and reduce overall costs.3 Employers in manufacturing and high-tech fields can turn to these specialized engineers for forward-looking innovations and improvements to existing technologies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not offer job growth data for mechatronics specialists alone, but it does offer a projected job growth rate for all types of mechanical engineers combined. The BLS estimates job growth for mechanical engineers to be 10% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 28,500 jobs in the field.4
No degree program can guarantee any particular career outcome. However, there are various types of mechatronics careers you may have the opportunity to pursue with this degree. Industries such as automotive and pharmaceutical manufacturing, agricultural, biotechnology and aerospace often hire qualified mechatronics degree graduates to work with smart technologies and complex machines.5 Job titles may include:
To become a qualified mechatronics engineer, a bachelor’s degree in a field such as mechatronics engineering or mechanical engineering technology is typically required for this field. Entry-level engineers will then need to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) licensure exam to be called engineer interns (EIs) or engineers in training (EITs).
After meeting professional work requirements, you can then be eligible to sit for the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. Although these are national exams, specific engineering licensure requirements can vary from state to state.2 You should research the requirements for the state in which you plan to work.
Robotics engineering is a subfield of mechatronics engineering, which is itself a subfield of mechanical engineering. Mechatronics engineers often work on all types of automated machinery. Their work fuses together the disciplines of mechanical engineering, computer science and electrical/electronic engineering. Robotics technology is a type of automated system. Robotics engineers design robotic devices to perform tasks.6
Although it’s a specialized subfield, mechatronics offers a broad spectrum of possibilities. A mechatronics engineer may pursue work across a range of industries — from agriculture to automotive design to biotechnology, and many more. Some of the types of projects that a mechatronics engineer might work on include:5
The mechatronics curriculum teaches the skills necessary to design, build and operate smart machines, including automated systems, intelligent products and robots, as well as the software and hardware needed to make it all work. The bachelor’s in engineering technology degree with a mechatronics emphasis is offered by the College of Engineering and Technology.
This program integrates computer programming and electrical and mechanical engineering principles in the following areas:
Computerized design and manufacturing tools
Fluid and thermal transport
Materials and processes
Controls and instrumentation
Industrial automation
Electrical troubleshooting
Electromechanical systems principles
Explore the exciting intersection of mechanical engineering and electronics in mechatronics courses at GCU. Apply today for enrollment in our mechanical engineering mechatronics emphasis program and prepare to pursue a future on the forefront of scientific innovation.
Earning a degree from GCU can provide more than just a career-focused education. As a Christian university, GCU emphasizes the role of professional ethics in all its classrooms with faith-integrated courses. As a student, you are taught and encouraged to apply Christian principles of stewardship and discipline in all areas of life, including your professional career.
Mechanical engineering mechatronics students can develop skills to communicate effectively while working on diverse teams. They may also position themselves to pursue advanced learning and potential leadership roles.
