A Master’s degree in Mechatronics is a research-intensive program that brings together electrical, mechanical and computer engineering concepts to design cameras, pacemakers, automobiles, home appliances and many other devices/gadgets. In most cases, post-graduate studies in mechatronics focus on providing hands-on experience in hydraulics, pneumatics, manufacturing of mechanical and electrical parts/equipment, etc.
Coursework in a Master’s in Mechatronics program tends to include areas like mechanical systems, microcontrollers, applied mechanics, sensors and instrumentation, mechatronic systems control, process control, robotics, conveyor belts, etc. If this is something that interests you, then this piece will be useful for you. Read on to find out more about the Master’s in Mechatronics degree program.
What Is Mechatronics?
One of the most attractive emerging fields of engineering, mechatronics, is a combination of various engineering sub-disciplines. It brings together concepts from electrical, mechanical and computer engineering to create industrial machinery as well as gadgets of common/special use.
Specifically programmed robots, movable prosthesis and conveyor belts are just few of the countless examples of mechatronics applications in modern life. It is a challenging yet dynamic and exciting field for anyone who wants to join in the coming years.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Mechatronics?
After completing your Master’s in Mechatronics, you will be able to pursue various kinds of occupations such as Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologist and Technician, Robotics Technician, Communication Systems Specialist, Defense Systems Technician, Industrial Engineering Technologist/Technician, Automotive Service Technician/Mechanic, etc. The latest salary data for some of the professions is given below:
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians are responsible for testing, operating and maintaining electro-mechanical equipment of different kinds. These include various automated, unmanned and robotic devices in use.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $58,350
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $61,420
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Projected Growth, 2018-2028: 1%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Georgia - $77,180
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: California - 2,370
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians provide assistance to certified industrial engineers in devising systems that integrate the workforce, machines, information, materials and energy for the creation of vital products and services.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $56,550
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $59,400
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Predicted Growth Rate, 2018-2028: -1%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: Alaska - $89,780
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: Texas - 6,250
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
The job of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics involves repairing and maintaining vehicles of all kinds.
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Annual Median Salary, 2019: $42,090
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Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $44,890
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Predicted Growth Rate, 2018-2028: -1%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: District of Columbia - $61,350
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State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019: California - 66,270
Note: These figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What to Expect from a Master’s in Mechatronics Degree Program?
A Master’s in Mechatronics program will teach you about Electrical and Mechanical Systems Manufacturing, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Applied Mechanics, Industrial Electronics, Robotics, Conveyor Belts, Conduits, Sensors and Instrumentation, Microcontrollers, Devising Control Systems, Communication Systems, Process Control, Vehicular Manufacturing and Mechatronic Systems Control, etc.
How to Choose a Master’s in Mechatronics?
You must take some factors into consideration before deciding which Master’s in Mechatronics program to get into. These include curriculum, accreditation, type of lab work and projects available, thesis requirements, program duration, cost of study and location feasibility.
The program’s accreditation should be considered first and foremost. Most institutions have their Mechatronics degrees accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Many options are available for students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in Mechatronics. These include the Rochester Institute of Technology, University of California – Berkeley (UC Berkeley), Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the California Institute of Technology among others.
Master’s in Mechatronics Admission Requirements
Admission/enrollment criteria might have variations from one school to another. However, some common prerequisites for getting into a Master’s in Mechatronics degree program include an undergraduate degree in the field along with a GPA that fulfills any minimum threshold set by the particular institution. Standardized test scores like the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) may also be needed.