MECHATRONICS – Diploma Program

900 Hours – 9 Months

Admission Requirements

Application Fee, Application for Admission, Enrollment Agreement, High School Diploma or GED, Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearance.

Program Tuition:  $12,988

Start Date:  8/18/2025

Program Description

The Mechatronics Program equips students with the interdisciplinary skills needed to excel in modern automated systems and industrial environments. The curriculum includes foundational courses in basic electrical concepts, motor control, and mechanical drive systems, alongside advanced topics in variable frequency drives, process control, and fluid power. Students gain hands-on experience in programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and troubleshooting, preparing them to design, operate, and maintain sophisticated mechatronic systems. This comprehensive program aligns with industry standards, enabling students to earn Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) Industry 4.0 Electrical Systems, Control Systems, and Mechanical System Specialist certifications, with free testing available through CPI. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the program prepares graduates for dynamic careers in advanced manufacturing and automation.

Course Title: MEC-100 Introduction to Industrial Concepts

Course Description: Introduction to Industrial Concepts introduces key industrial concepts essential for careers in manufacturing and maintenance. Designed for newcomers to the industry or those seeking to enhance their technical knowledge, the course covers industrial safety, blueprint reading, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and the impact of automation on manufacturing efficiency. Topics include identifying and managing workplace hazards, interpreting technical blueprints, and applying TPM to improve equipment reliability through preventive and predictive maintenance. This course prepares students for the SACA Associate-Basic Operations certification test. (100 lecture hours)

Course Title: ECS-101 Fundamentals of Industrial Electricity

Course Description: Fundamentals of Industrial Electricity introduces the fundamental principles of electricity and their applications in industrial environments, preparing students for troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of electrical systems. Topics include basic electrical concepts (voltage, current, resistance, power), circuit analysis using Ohm’s and Kirchhoff’s Laws, and the operation of capacitors and transformers. Students will also learn to measure electrical parameters with multimeters, develop and analyze ladder logic diagrams for control systems, and apply knowledge of limit switches, timers, electronic sensors, valves, and relays in industrial automation. This course prepares students for the SACA Electrical Systems 1 certification test. (23 lecture hours, 54 lab hours)

Course Title: ECS-102 Electric Motor Control

Course Description: Electric Motor Control focuses on electric motor control systems in industrial settings, emphasizing practical skills and troubleshooting techniques. Topics include designing and operating control circuits for motors, overload protection, and the use of control relays and motor starters. Students will gain hands-on experience wiring, controlling, and troubleshooting 3-phase motor control circuits. Students will also learn to configure, program, and troubleshoot Variable Frequency Drives, (VFDs) and optimize control parameters. The course also covers VFD diagnostics, fault resolution, and advanced techniques such as ramping, start boost, reduced voltage starting, and servo motion control. This course prepares students for the SACA Electric Motor Control Systems 1 and Variable Frequency Drive Systems 1 certification tests.  (24 lecture hours, 57 lab hours)

Course Title: MEC-101 Mechanical Drive Systems

Course Description: Mechanical Drive Systems offers a practical introduction to mechanical drive systems, emphasizing their role in industrial applications. Participants will explore the principles and maintenance of belt, chain, and gear drives; lubrication techniques; and the use of couplings and precision shaft alignment to ensure reliable power transmission. Additional topics include ball and roller bearings, with hands-on training to enhance troubleshooting and maintenance skills. This course prepares the student for the SACA Mechanical Power Systems 1, Mechanical Power Systems 2, and Laser Shaft Alignment 1 certification tests. (35 lecture hours, 82 lab hours)

Course Title: FPS-121 Hydraulic Power Systems

Course Description: Hydraulic Power Systems offers a thorough introduction to hydraulic power systems, emphasizing the principles, components, and techniques required for efficient operation and maintenance. Students will gain the skills to troubleshoot and maintain hydraulic systems in industrial settings. Key topics include designing basic hydraulic circuits, hydraulic pressure and flow principles, speed control methods, and cylinder applications. The course also covers the use of direct and pilot-operated directional control valves, check valves, and accumulators. Additional emphasis is placed on hydraulic fittings, seals, and advanced troubleshooting methods. This course prepares the student for the SACA Hydraulic Systems 1 certification test. (33 lecture hours, 79 lab hours)

Course Title: PCS-101 Process Control

Course Description: Process Control introduces process control systems and their application in industrial automation. Students learn to operate and configure control systems regulating flow, level, and pressure processes. Key topics include PID control strategies, loop controllers, final control elements, and ultrasonic level and differential pressure flow measurement. Practical exercises involve wiring and configuring On/Off and Continuous Control circuits using sensors, analog controllers, valves, and pumps. Students also work with multimeters and 4-20 mA and 3-15 psi signal generators to analyze and calibrate process components. (24 lecture hours, 58 lab hours)

Course Title: FPS-131 Pneumatic Power Systems

Course Description: Pneumatic Power Systems provides a practical introduction to pneumatic power systems, emphasizing essential principles, components, and maintenance techniques. Participants will learn to design and analyze basic pneumatic circuits, understand pneumatic pressure and flow principles, and implement speed control using flow control valves. The class covers applications of directional control valves (DCVs), air logic for automated processes, and best practices for pneumatic system maintenance. Additionally, students will develop troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve common issues in pneumatic and vacuum systems. This course prepares the student for the SACA Pneumatic Systems 1 certification test. (20 lecture hours, 48 lab hours)

Course Title: PLC-201 Programmable Controller Systems

Course Description: Programmable Controller Systems provides an in-depth introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their applications in industrial automation. Students will learn the fundamentals of PLCs, including component operation, system configuration, and programming techniques. Key topics include project creation and organization, timers and counters, event sequencing, math and data move instructions, motor control, and subroutines. Through hands-on lab exercises utilizing Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLCs and Studio 5000 software, students will design and program control systems for real-world scenarios. This course prepares the student for the SACA Programmable Controller Systems 1 certification test. (26 lecture hours, 62 lab hours)

Course Title: ECS-202 Electrical System Installation

Course Description:  Electrical System Installation is a hands-on course that provides a foundational understanding of electrical system installation, preparing students for careers in the electrical industry. Key topics include industrial control wiring, grounding systems, panel connections, motor wiring, and raceway systems. Students will also learn basic conduit bending and sizing, as well as the wiring and configuration of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs). Emphasis is placed on safety, overcurrent protection, and interpreting electrical diagrams. Through practical lab sessions and real-world scenarios, students will gain the skills to install electrical systems in industrial settings. This course prepares the student for the SACA Electrical System Installation 1 certification test. (22 lecture hours, 53 lab hours)

Course Title: PLC-202 Programmable Controller Systems II

Course Description: Programmable Controller Systems II builds on the foundational PLC concepts introduced in Programmable Controller Systems I by focusing on advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and analog configuration techniques. Students will gain practical experience designing and editing dynamic PanelView applications using FactoryTalk View Studio, including programming alarms and diagnostic messages. The course also emphasizes configuring and operating PLC analog inputs and outputs. Students will learn to calculate sensor and transducer sensitivity, configure analog input and output modules, scale analog input data, establish efficient tag structures, and implement comparison instructions to enhance process optimization. (12 lecture hours, 29 lab hours)

Course Title: PLC-203 Programmable Logic Controller Troubleshooting

Course Description: Programmable Logic Controller Troubleshooting introduces the essential skills and techniques for troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and their connected components. Students will learn to diagnose and resolve common faults in PLC systems, including power supplies, processors, and input/output (I/O) devices. Key topics include testing and troubleshooting I/O devices, identifying faults in analog modules and sensors, and ensuring system reliability. Through hands-on exercises, participants will develop practical skills to analyze and resolve PLC issues effectively, preparing them for real-world industrial automation challenges. This course prepares the student for the SACA Programmable Controller Troubleshooting 1 certification test. (9 lecture hours, 26 lab hours)

Course Title: MEC-400 Mechatronics Capstone Project

Course Description: The Mechatronics Capstone Project course provides students with the opportunity to showcase their mastery of mechatronics knowledge and skills through a comprehensive, hands-on project. Students will design and install a PLC-controlled system on equipment that emulates an industrial machine. This project involves wiring and configuring various real-world industrial components, including a PLC, variable frequency drive, pressure switch, solenoid valve, motors, sensors, limit switches and magnetic motor starters. By completing this confidence-building project, students validate their readiness to excel in the workforce and tackle the challenges of modern industrial automation. (24 lab hours)