25 Credits CERT3603/CERT2493, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
This certificate is designed to prepare learners to enter the Industrial Maintenance field in an entry-level position and to enhance the skills of those already employed in the field. This certificate will allow successful learners to be proficient in many different areas including plant safety, reading technical drawings, mechanical drives, bearings, lubrication, alignment, pneumatics, industrial electricity, motor controls, boilers and welding. This stackable certificate allows a pathway for learners to continue their education in Mechatronics.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 25 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: $5,361
Tools and Equipment: $1,300
Total Estimated Cost: $6,661 *
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 (10 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
CMAE1518 Manufacturing Process and Production (2 credits)
This course is designed to align with the National Skill Standard assessment and certification system for Manufacturing Processes. The course curriculum is based on federally-endorsed national standards for production workers. The course emphasizes Just-In-Time manufacturing principles, basic supply chain management, communication skills, and customer service. (Prerequisites: None)
CMAE1514 Safety Awareness (2 credits)
This course is designed to align with the National Skill Standard assessment and certification system for Safety Awareness. The course curriculum is based on federally-endorsed national standards for production workers. This course will introduce OSHA standards relating to personal protective equipment, Hazard Communication, tool safety, confined spaces, electrical safety, emergency responses, lockout/tagout, and others. (Prerequisites: None)
CMAE1526 Maintenance Awareness (2 credits)
This course is designed to align with the National Skills Standard assessment and certification system for Maintenance Awareness. The course curriculum is based upon federally-endorsed national standards for production workers. The Maintenance Awareness course introduces the concepts of Total Productive Maintenance and preventative maintenance. Students will be introduced to lubrication, electricity, hydraulics, pneumatics, and power transmission systems. (Prerequisites: None)
CMAE1522 Quality Practices (2 credits)
This course is designed to align with the National Skills Standard assessment and certification system for Quality Practices. The course curriculum is based upon federally-endorsed national standards for production workers. Emphasis is placed on continuous improvement concepts and how they relate to a quality management system. Students will be introduced to a quality management system and its components. These include corrective actions, preventative actions, control of documents, control of quality records, internal auditing of processes, and control of non-conforming product. (Prerequisites: None)
MECA1122 Electricity - Devices and Circuits I (3 credits)
This course provides an exploration of the basics in electricity and electronics. Topics include an overview of direct 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: Must have a score of 56 or higher on the Arithmetic portion of the Accuplacer test or Instructor approval)
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)
MECA1250 Mechatronics Systems Operations I (3 credits)
This course will provide the student with the principles of programmable logic controllers (PLC) hardware and fundamental sequence control systems. The student will gain essential knowledge necessary to create and edit basic PLC programs that will include timers, counters and special function blocks. As well as gaining an understanding of interfacing discrete input-output (I/O). The student will also perform fundamental PLC troubleshooting procedures. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisites: MECA 1122)
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)
MECA2240 Senior Project (1 - 5 credits)
The Senior Project at South Central College (SCC) is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they know and to showcase their achievement. The project must be successfully completed as a component of the Mechatronics program, which is a required course for all graduating seniors. The Senior Project is a fitting conclusion to a student's education because through this endeavor, one is able to demonstrate accumulated skills in reasoning, research, problem solving, human interaction, organization, and public speaking. This course may also include an internship and will follow the SCC internship guidelines. This course may also be taken in variable increments of 1 to 5 credits. (Prerequisite: MECA 2150 - Mechatronics Systems Operations I or consent of Instructor)
MATH1050 Mathematics for Technical Careers (3 credits)
Designed primarily for those entering the technical fields, this course develops a number of essential mathematical techniques in algebra, trigonometry and geometry. Among other things, the participant will learn how to simplify and factor algebraic expressions, solve linear and quadratic equations and systems of linear equations, evaluate and use the six trigonometric functions in computing triangle results, and apply geometric concepts to the measurement of both two- and three-dimensional objects. This course is not a prerequisite for college level math courses. (Prerequisite: Next-Generation Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 250 to 300 and a Next-Generation Accuplacer QAS score of 200 to 236 or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher or completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
