2023-2024

Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering, Bachelor of Science

Department of Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering, Informatics, and Applied Sciences

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.

  • 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.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

  • 63 units of math, science, and engineering requirements
  • 34 units of mechatronics and robotics engineering requirements.
  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
  • For this major the liberal studies prefix is MRE
  • Elective courses to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

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

  • An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex, coupled electro-mechanical engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • An ability to apply engineering design to produce mechatronic and/or robotic solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • An ability to deploy appropriate experimentation and computer programming techniques for the analysis and design of electromechanical systems.
  • An ability to engage in effective written and oral communication with a range of audiences.
  • An ability to function effectively in a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

  • This major requires 97 units distributed as follows:

    • Mathematics and Science Requirements (22 units)
    • Computer Science and Engineering requirements (29 units)
    • Mechatronics and Robotics Requirements (34 units)
    • Additional Engineering and Math/Science Electives (12 units)


    Take the following 97 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.

Additional Information

  • 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.