39 Credits DIP3485/DIP2477, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Mechatronics is a relatively new and rapidly growing field that integrates electronics, mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and computer control systems to create new and improved automated manufacturing production systems. This program is designed for people who are interested in plant maintenance, set up, installation, and assembly. These jobs are found in medical, electronics, agriculture, biotechnology, and automotive industries.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 39 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: $8,364
Tools and Equipment: $1,300
Total Estimated Cost: $9,664 *
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 (12 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)
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))
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)
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)
MECA2130 Fluid Power II (3 credits)
This course provides the basics of hydraulically operated 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 design and specify characteristics of a hydraulic system, select and size actuators, and match the hydraulic component name with its American National Standards Institute (ANSI) symbol. Additionally, the student should be able to identify long-term symptoms associated with a lack of preventive maintenance of hydraulic components while demonstrating good safety practices including lock out procedures. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: MECA 2120)
MECA2150 Mechatronics Systems Operations II (3 credits)
This course will focus on advanced principles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The student will become familiar with interfacing input and output with automation motion control systems used in manufacturing. Introduction of analog inputs and outputs, internal registers and tables, comparison functions, computational functions, data move functions, subroutines, data manipulation and sequencing functions, high speed counting, analog functions, trigonometric and advanced math functions. Technical writing skills and safety procedures will be implemented throughout the course. (Prerequisite: MECA 1250)
Required Arts and Sciences (2 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
MATH120 College Algebra (4 credits)
College algebra studies functions and their applications. This course focuses on linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and related equations, inequalities, and graphs. Additional topics include inverse functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, and the Binomial Theorem. MATH 120 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisites: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0098 OR Completion of MATH 0098 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher OR Accuplacer score of 56+ in Arithmetic and 76+ in Elementary Algebra and 50+ in College Math OR Next Gen Accuplacer score 250-300 AAF OR ACT Math score 22-36 OR MCA score 1158-1164)
PHYS101 Introductory Physics (3 credits)
A one semester course covering the basic principles of physics at a conceptual level and with a minimal amount of math. Topics generally included mechanics, simple machines, atomic structure, heat, light, and sound. Lecture and laboratory. (Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 250 to 300 AND Next-Generation Accuplacer QAS score of 200 to 236 or Classic Accuplacer Arithmetic score of 56 or higher AND Elementary Algebra score of 0 to 75 or completion of MATH 0075 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher.) (MNTC 3: Natural Sciences)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
