21 Credits CERT3090, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Designed for individuals to enter agribusiness careers related to the growing demand for installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, reconfiguring, and/or replacement of mechatronic systems and components used in agricultural settings. This type of automation technology reduces input costs, decreases manual labor, improves safety and/or increases efficiency and accuracy within agribusiness.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 21 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $4,503
Tools and Equipment: $1,300
Total Estimated Cost: $5,803 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (6 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses:
MEAG1001 Mechatronics Applications in Agriculture (3 credits)
This class is designed to introduce students to agricultural practices that have used automation technology to reduce input costs, decrease manual labor, improve safety, and/or increase efficiency and accuracy. Students will get a historic perspective of technological advances in agriculture, a sense of the current reality of mechatronics use in agribusiness, and evaluate areas ripe for automation upgrades. (Prerequisite: None)
MEAG1610 Ag Equipment Maintenance (3 credits)
This course covers basic harvesting, tillage and planting equipment. The student will learn all component parts and proper adjustments of equipment. Machine adjustment may be accomplished on demonstration units, operator manual examples, actual equipment or field trips. In the machinery operation, set-up, and reconditioning portion, the student identifies preventative maintenance, set-up and reconditioning procedures, follows the set-up and operators manual, uses a check sheet and torque chart. (Prerequisites: None)
OR
MECA2123 Mechanical Systems 2 (3 credits)
This course includes an introduction to mechanical drives, bearing mechanisms, shaft alignment, shaft coupling, clutches and brakes. Also included is an introduction to industrial rigging using slings, hoists, cranes, scaffolds and ladders. Troubleshooting of mechanical systems will be emphasized. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: MECA 1223 and PHYS 101 or equivalent)
MEAG1700 Agricultural Industry Machinery Maintenance (3 credits)
This course covers theory and service competencies necessary to maintain small engines, gasoline-powered vehicles, and diesel-powered vehicles. Students will gain an awareness of equipment maintenance programs. The course includes field trips and instruction in maintaining equipment found in feed mills, fertilizer plants, and grain elevators. The course will also cover tillage, crop protection and planting equipment. Students will learn all component parts and proper adjustment of the particular units. Machine adjustment maybe accomplished on demonstration units, operator manual examples or on actual industry equipment. The course will also cover chemical, fertilizer, pesticide handling considerations. (Prerequisites: None)
OR
MECA1223 Mechanical Systems 1 (3 credits)
This course includes an introduction to mechanical drawings, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing and simple machines. The student will study the application and kinematic motion of simple machines elements. In addition, lab work will emphasize the safe use of hand tools, portable power tools and mechanical measuring tools and instruments. Troubleshooting of mechanical systems will be emphasized. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: None)
MECA1222 Electricity - Devices and Circuits II (3 credits)
This course provides an exploration of the basics in electricity and electronics. Topics include an overview of alternating current, circuit laws, components, and use of test equipment. Students learn the basic technique of troubleshooting electric circuits, including measurement techniques, analysis of faults, and repair procedures. Teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisites: MECA 1122))
OR
AGME1861 Tractor Electrical Systems (3 credits)
This course covers the fundamentals of electricity and its application to farm equipment electrical systems. The content includes wiring diagrams, batteries, test equipment, charging systems, cranking systems, ignition systems, and diagnostic service procedures. (Prerequisites: None)
MECA2110 Sensors and Control (3 credits)
This course will provide students with the principles of measurement and control systems. The student will gain an understanding of different sensor technologies used to measure and detect physical properties used in a variety of electro mechanical, electro hydraulic and electro pheumatic systems. The student, through lab work, will also learn how to use and troubleshoot sensors used in open and closed loop control systems. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. This course assumes the student understands basic electrical, mechanical, and programming concepts. (Prerequisites: MECA 1122)
PLSC1205 Precision Agriculture (3 credits)
This course covers the basics of precision agriculture high-tech equipment and strategies. Students will gain an understanding of the hardware, software, and management strategies of precision agriculture. Areas of study will include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), remote sensing, differential correction, yield monitoring, and grid mapping. (Prerequisite: None)
Technical Electives (3 Credits)
Choose 3 credits from the following options:
Option #1
AGME1891 Hydraulic Theory (1 credits)
This course covers basic hydraulic systems used with modern agricultural equipment. This course will focus on the basic principles and the study of hydraulic components that make up the modern hydraulic systems. Students must read and sign the safety eyeglass form required by the state. (Prerequisite: None)
AGME2832 Hydraulic Assist/Hydrostatic Transmissions (2 credits)
This course covers speed change, powershaft, and hydrostatic transmissions. The student identifies transmission operation, traces powerflow, and diagnoses problems. The student performs disassembly, repairing, reassembly, testing, and adjusting of various transmissions. The transmissions covered in the course include John Deere 8 and 16 speed, International Harvester TA, White 3 speed, Case RPS-34, Case-IH Magnum, and Sunstrand/Eaton hydrostatic. (Prerequisites: AGME 1821, AGME 1831)
Option #2
MECA2120 Fluid Power 1 (3 credits)
This course provides the basics of fluid powered devices and systems found in modern industrial machinery and automation. Topics include proper safety procedures, basic laws of fluid mechanics, standard symbols, pumps, control valves, control assemblies, actuators, maintenance procedures, and switching and control devices. At the completion of this course, the student will be able to apply basic laws of fluid mechanics to design and specify characteristics of a pneumatic system; select and size actuators and control valves, and match the pneumatic components with its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) symbol. Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to identify long-term symptoms associated with a lack of preventive maintenance of pneumatic components while demonstrating good safety practices including lock out procedures. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: None)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
