Mechatronics Engineering Technology

• Airplanes are complex mechanical systems with thousands of embedded computers and electrical systems that coordinate and monitor everything from the flight control system, navigational system, and air speeds to interior lights, wing flaps, and communication systems.
• Sorting and packaging systems on production lines combine manufacturing efficiencies with computer systems that can effectively scan, sort, and package products.
• Smart doorbells integrate motion sensing, real-time video capture, facial recognition, and voice control, all controlled by an app on your phone.
• Drones combine electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering with control systems and imaging technologies in order to take off and land, capture photos and videos, gather and communicate data, and accurately aim and launch projectiles.

These are just a sampling of the dynamic capabilities of mechatronic engineering. And students who earn a mechatronics engineering degree are at the forefront of developing and integrating the technologies that influence how we work, play, learn, and live.

What is Mechatronics Engineering?

Mechatronics engineering combines electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering along with systems integration and project management. It focuses on mechanics, electronics, robotics, automation, imaging and sensing technologies, and computing to design and develop smart products and smart manufacturing systems. Mechatronics engineering is the design and development of the entire system in mind, not just one component.

There is a growing need for mechatronic engineers who have a strong foundation in the key areas – electrical engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, programming, systems design, manufacturing processes, robotics, and automation – that influence the design and development of products with the whole system in mind, not just one component.

A degree in mechatronics engineering technology integrates these key areas into one program that prepares students for careers in designing and developing the products of the future. The degree takes a systems approach, analyzing the whole system and breaking it down into subsystems and their individual components to prepare graduates for the innovative design solutions that will be required of them.

RIT's Degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology

In the BS degree in mechatronics engineering technology, students develop skills in courses that build a foundation of knowledge in electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering. You'll also study circuits and electronics, computing and programming, manufacturing materials, microprocessors and digital systems, automation and robotics, and control systems.

Adding a minor in a complementary area of study deepens your expertise in a core area of mechatronics and broadens your skill set for a career in this dynamic field. These minors support the mechatronics engineering technology program:

• applied statistics
• business administration
• computer science
• computing security
• engineering management
• manufacturing systems
• plastics engineering and technology
• surface mount electronics manufacturing
• sustainable product development

Four blocks, or approximately one year, of cooperative education provides full-time, paid experience in industry. A senior design project in your final year is a team-based experience where you will combine your course work and co-op experiences to work on a design project focused on the development of mechatronic technologies, such as components and systems.

High-Performance Teams and Professional Organizations

Many of mechanical engineering students participate in high-octane performance teams, including the RIT Formula SAE Racing Team, the SAE Aerodesign Club, the RIT Baja SAE Team, RIT SAE Clean Snowmobile Team, and the Human-Powered Vehicle Competition team. They also are encouraged to participate in the student chapters of professional societies such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Women Engineers, the National Society of Black Engineers, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Society of Automotive Engineers.

Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees

Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.

+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.

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