Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering (MRE) is the area of engineering that integrates mechanical, electrical, computer, and control systems. Some examples of mechatronic and robotic systems include self-driving vehicles, homes, farms, medical and industrial robots, drones, high-speed trains, etc. Each of these products is essentially mechanical in nature but could not function without the integral design of the electrical and computer control systems that are critical to their operation. MRE revolves around the design, construction, and operation of the types of systems stated above (i.e., automated systems, robots, and intelligent products), which result from the integration of mechanical systems, hardware, and software. MRE can be viewed as modern mechanical engineering design in the sense that the design of a mechatronic or robotic system must be performed within intertwined mechanical, electrical/electronic, and computer control imposed constraints.
Mechatronics and Robotics Engineers (MRE) will be able to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of computer-controlled electro-mechanical systems and products with embedded electronics, sensors, and actuators; these systems and products include but are not limited to, automata, robots, and automation systems. NAU’s Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering graduates will be able to secure positions in industry, national labs, or academia, to design, manufacture, and maintain a wide range of computer-interfaced electro-mechanical systems such as autonomous vehicles, drones, medical instrumentation and medical equipment, automated assembly lines, automated sorting lines, farming equipment, etc.
The Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering graduates will have a broad spectrum of engineering career opportunities to choose from, including Design and Analysis, Product Development, Technical Support, Product Evaluation, Manufacturing, Sales, Automation, and Control, to just name a few. The fields in which such positions are available include Defense, Renewable Energy, Biotechnology, Medical Equipment and Instrumentation, Transportation, Manufacturing, etc.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 239 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-S | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | Not Available |
Purpose Statement
Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering (MRE) is the area of engineering that integrates mechanical, electrical, computer, and control systems. Students learn the fundamental principles of mechanical, electrical, software, instrumentation, and controls engineering and gain hands-on experience in the laboratory courses that are part of the proposed curriculum. Students will be able to develop effective analytical, technical, problem-solving, programming, teamwork, technical writing, experimental, and computational modeling skills through the MRE program. This will be done by formulating and solving complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, conducting experiments, computational simulations, analyzing, and interpreting data, writing numerical codes to solve complex problems, applying engineering design to real-life engineering problems, and writing engineering reports. Students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the integrated design of mechanical, electrical, and software systems and get involved in state-of-the-art research in different areas of Mechatronics and Robotics engineering. In addition to our course requirements, it is important for students to seek out extracurricular practical experience. MRE undergraduate programs at NAU offer students the chance to be exposed to real-world work environments through internships or research opportunities. Several faculty members in our department already carry out research in the realm of mechatronics and robotics, and the research opportunities will be immediately available to incoming students in their laboratories. The MRE program includes courses in engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics. In addition, students will take classes in technical writing, English, and humanities.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 97 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 97 units:
Additional Engineering and Math/Science Electives (12 units)
*Pre and/or corequisites to Engineering coursework that must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better in each. In addition, ENG 105 must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.