Major Details
Times are changing in the field of maintenance. Facilities are running with both manual and automated equipment and both need to be maintained and repaired. If you like to troubleshoot, work with your hands, and have an interest in repairing equipment, a career in maintenance is for you. Your expertise and knowledge is needed in today's modern, automated facilities.
At Minnesota State College Southeast, the Electromechanical Technology diploma spans AC and DC electricity, digital electronics, mechanical power, hydraulics, pneumatics, and more. The 31-credit diploma takes only two semesters to complete -- and if you want to continue your education, the diploma serves as a foundation for earning a two-year Associate of Applied Science in Mechatronics.
Whether you are studying electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation systems, the instructors in our electromechanics and mechatronics programs will be able to draw a line from each lecture to what is taking place in today's most advanced industries.
See your future in electromechanical technology! Apply now for admission to MSC Southeast.
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Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
MECH1000
Intro to Mechatronics
In this course, students will learn of the varying skills a Mechatronic Technician will utilize across multiple sectors of Industry. Students will be provided with several broad industry overviews, research local companies, discuss and discover day to day operations, and then compare and contrast those ideas after a tour. The course is focused on exploring less advertised company positions in the maintenance sector, preparing for interviews, creating a resume, and becoming comfortable with the interview process. (Prerequisite: None) (1 Credit: 0 Lec/1 lab)
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1 cr
MECH1010
Problem Solving
In this course, students will learn how a well-rounded Mechatronics Technician is able to solve a wide variety of manufacturing problems using a combination of today's classroom learning, critical listening, and what to look for in tomorrows on the job training. This course is only the start of a lifelong learning process and the basis for information retention where we will discover the basic needs to become an effective manufacturing problem solver. The course covers a variety of soft skills, industrial maintenance applications, and standardized problem-solving techniques found within industry. (Prerequisite: none) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MECH1202
DC Electricity
This course covers the general information, theory, and problem-solving techniques required for an analysis of DC circuits with emphasis on taking meter measurements, current flow, voltage division, and troubleshooting failed parts. (Prerequisite: None) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
MECH1204
AC Electricity
In this course, students will gain general information, theory, and problem-solving techniques required for an analysis of AC circuits with an explicit focus on how AC functions within Industry. Topics include: AC waveforms, oscilloscope operation, meter measurements, AC vs. DC comparisons, 3 phase electricity for delta and wye circuits, step-up and step-down transformers as well as their specific application. (Prerequisite or Concurrent: MECH 1202) (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
MECH1212
Digital Electronics
In this course, students will learn what a digital circuit is and how digital circuits are used in electronic equipment. This course will focus on the digital aspects within a PLC including necessary number systems, conversions, Boolean equations, gates, bits, bytes, and words. (Prerequisite: None) (1 Credit: 1 Lec/0 Lab)
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1 cr
MECH1610
Basic Industrial Controls
This course introduces students to industrial control components and systems. Digital industrial electrical devices such as switches, sensors, relays and motor starters are used in hands on labs. 3Ø motors and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) are also covered. Ladder diagrams will be a focus of this course and students will use equipment manuals and diagrams to build industrial electrical circuits. Students will also be introduced to residential electrical wiring. Prerequisite: None) (Corequisite: MECH1202) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
MECH1620
Programmable Controllers
This course covers the operation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The hardware and software aspects of the PLC will be explored. Basic communication between the PC, PLC and Human Machine Interface (HMI) will be covered. Ladder logic instructions including; bit instructions, timers, counters, bit shifting, and sequencer instructions will be covered. Additionally, discrete and modular I/O integration will be applied to basic programs. HMI development and basic HMI applications will be developed and demonstrated. (Prerequisite: MECH1610 Basic Industrial Controls) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
MECH1700
Mechanical Power Transmission
This course will introduce students to various types of mechanical power transmission systems. As the student is introduced to the various systems, they will study the design, operation and maintenance of these systems. The students will perform labs that will demonstrate their ability to install and troubleshoot mechanical transmission systems including belts, gears, shafts and couplings. Motor mounting and alignment including the alignment of system components are an emphasis of this course. (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
MECH1710
Fluid Power
This course introduces students to industrial fluid power. Students will complete labs where they identify and utilize basic components. Students will assemble and troubleshoot fluid power systems up to and including electrical control. (2 Credits: 1 lecture/1 lab)
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2 cr
MECH1720
Machining for Maintenance
This course covers the fundamental elements of basic machine shop theory that would be applied to shop applications. Students taking the course will be able to apply skills learned in the classroom to the lab where they will have hands on experience on basic machine shop equipment. Topics of study include safety, measuring parts to print, proper set up, speeds & feeds, and cutting tool usage. (Prerequisites: None) (3 Credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
WELD1455
Trades Enhancement Welding
Students will be introduced to different welding and cutting processes. Covered in this course will be proper weld fusion, heat distortion, penetration, and their effects to the parent material. Students will learn the basics of proper welding and cutting machine set up from turning the machine on and off and identification of machine parts to demonstrating and identifying the differences between good quality welds and poor quality welds. Students will be introduced to and demonstrate weld shop safety and practice, and proper compressed cylinder transport and storage. (3 credits: 2 lecture/1 lab)
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3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 31 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $6,614 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $1,200 |
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| Estimated Total: | $7,814 |
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Career Opportunities
- Electromechanical Technician
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Machinery Maintenance Workers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers for Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
- Perform work safely
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical systems and devices
- Repair electrical and mechanical systems
- Communicate technical information
- Integrate electrical and mechanical systems and devices
Highlights
- Gain hands-on skills that will directly apply to a career in advanced manufacturing
- Start a new high paying career after only two semesters
- Obtain skills that are in high demand in our local area
Instructors
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Andy George
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Andy George began teaching at Minnesota State College Southeast when the Mechatronics program was launched in 2020. Previously, he taught in the Mechatronics /Electromechanical/Automation field at Western Technical College in La Crosse since 2011. Before becoming an instructor, Andy was an electromechanical technician in Machine Build at Hutchinson Technology in Eau Claire, WI. Andy holds an AAS in Electromechanical Technology from Western Technical College and a BS in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
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Christopher Schwertel
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Chris Schwertel has more than 15 years of workforce experience in production facilities, maintaining state of the art equipment concerning a wide range of pneumatics, hydraulics, PLC programming, electrical, motors, drives, coolant systems, robotics, and more. He graduated with high honors from Western Wisconsin Technical College in La Crosse in 2020, majoring in Electromechanical Technology.