Mechatronics / Industrial Automation

Why Study Mechatronics at CCC

Unlike a traditional two or four-year degree, learning a specialized trade can get you through college and into a job faster. With only twelve months of training, you can start your career with a Certificate of Achievement in Mechatronics/Industrial Automation. You also have the option to take GE courses to earn a two-year AS degree and transfer for a four-year bachelor’s degree. Alternatively, you can take three specified courses to receive an advanced job skills certificate.

If you enjoy working with your hands and using your mind to solve problems, this program could be a great fit for you. Each course is combined with a lab where you receive significant hands-on training in solving real-world situations. The lab contains a mini-factory equipped with standard industry equipment including Allen Bradley Programmable Logix Controllers (PLCs). PLCs are like the brain of an industrial automation system. As you learn how to program and troubleshoot PLCs and interconnected hardware systems, you will acquire essential skills that are in high demand.

Our Philosophy

Each course starts with the assumption of the student having no previous exposure to the subject. Students are instructed in basic foundations and then immediately put that gained knowledge into practice in the automation lab. Our training covers relevant skills specifically requested by local industry so that a student finishing our program is job-ready.

Courses and Programs

Mechatronics Courses:
Course	Course Title	Units
MECH 2	Mechanical Systems	3
MECH 3	Electricity and Electronics (AC & DC)	4
MECH 4	Electric Motors – Controls	4
MECH 5	Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)	5
MECH 19V	Cooperative Work Experience, Mechatronics/Industrial Automation	3
MECH 23	Instrumentation and Process Control	3
MECH 35	Industrial Communications Networks	3
MECH 45	Industrial Automation Systems	3

Mechatronics Degree and Certificate Programs:
Program	Type	Major Code
Mechatronics Advanced PLC Job Skills Certificate	CN	C.8391.CN
Mechatronics Electronic Job Skills Certificate	CN	C.8392.CN
Mechatronics/Industrial Automation: Certificate of Achievement	CA	C.8391.CA
Mechatronics/Industrial Automation: Associate in Science	AS	C.8391.AS

Career Opportunitites

There is a major workforce shortage in jobs related to industrial automation. The industry is especially looking for the multifaceted skill set found in this program. This is because mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electrical, software and control systems. Local industry is willing to pay very competitive wages to people with this multidisciplinary skill set. After finishing the program, we see students earning $20-$32 per hour without experience prior to starting the program.

This program will prepare you for a career in the design, operation, and maintenance of industrial systems found in local companies, including everything from food production, petroleum production, manufacturing, and logistics.

Contact Us

Mechatronics Contacts
Name	Discipline	E-mail
Matthew Graff	Mechatronics Instructor	matthew.graff@cloviscollege.edu
Brandon Huebert	Counselor	brandon.huebert@cloviscollege.edu

Learn more about mechatronics

Learn more about the Mechatronics Program at Clovis Community College.

For more information or get a glimpse of our lab, please see the following videos:

Here's what our students have to say:

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?

Standard community college fees plus textbooks. Assuming $46/unit tuition, with a total of 26 units, this puts the total cost at around $2000, or about 10% of what a private college would charge. We deliver quality training at a fraction of the cost you would find elsewhere.

What classes to take first?

You can take MECH 2, MECH 3, MECH 4, MECH 5 at any time. If your schedule is limited, you should take MECH 5 first because it is a prerequisite for all of the more advanced courses.

Are there prerequisites to start the program?

No, there is no prerequisite for the lower-level courses (i.e. MECH 2, MECH 3, MECH 4, or MECH 5), however, it is recommended that you are ready for college-level English and Math. One quick test to discern if you are ready for the math in these courses is to solve the following equation: Given A = B x C, if A = 5 and B = 10, determine C.

Are there jobs?

Yes! Search for: Industrial Technician, Maintenance Mechanic/Technician, DC Maintenance Mechanic, Control System Technician, Automation Technician, Automation specialist, and/or any of the terms listed in topics that are taught in this program including PLCs (Ladder Logic Rockwell Studio 5000 Allen Bradley CompactLogix), VFD (PowerFlex 4), Pneumatics, Hydraulics, Electrical Schematics, Multimeter, P&ID diagrams, Honeywell Process Controller & Indicator (UDC 3500 & UDI 1700), Industrial Networking ( EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP, CIP), HMI (Rockwell FactoryTalk View Studio), SCATA (Ignition software), Industrial Automation Systems Robotics (FANUC).

What are the prerequisites for the advanced courses?

The prerequisites for the advanced courses are:

MECH 23 (prerequisite MECH 3, co-requisite MECH 4 & prerequisite MECH 5)
MECH 35 (prerequisite MECH 5)
MECH 45 (prerequisite MECH 5)

Who would be a good candidate for this program?

If you like to work with your hands and use your mind, you are likely a good fit. Ideally you have interest in at least one of the following areas: electronics, mechanical things, robots, software/programming, automation or control systems. You should be willing to work hard and not be afraid of math.

Is this an engineering program?

No. Engineering programs offer much different training. But since you asked, we do see graduates receive job titles that may include the word engineer and top students are offered starting salaries competitive with starting engineering salaries. Companies are looking for engineering technicians who have the practical experience to run complicated systems. It is very possible that you could work on an engineering team.