Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Associate's Degree in two years. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). The plan includes four semesters, each with an average course load of 15 units, and follows the Plan 1 General Education pattern. You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

This program prepares students for employment as a MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN or as an engineering technician in the related areas of electro-mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, industrial, or manufacturing.  The program focuses on mechatronics – mechanical systems controlled with electronics or computer technology.  The program emphasizes hands-on learning and covers: robotics, automation, PLC (programmable logic control), rapid prototyping, micro-controllers like Arduino, sensors, actuators, control systems, testing, measurement, programming, and basic circuits.

Employment is mainly in private manufacturing industries such as the mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, or industrial areas.

This program also develops essential job skills for ENGINEERS.  Many university engineering programs may not include these job skill courses as part of their curriculum.  Other courses in this program may transfer to the university.

If more units are needed to complete the associate degree, it is suggested students also select from the following list: Cmpr 120 (C programming), Cmpr 121 (C programming), Engr 250L (circuits lab), Engr 131, 104, and Weld 101.

design, fabricate, program, and operate mechatronics systems

program and operate micro-controllers to obtain sensor data and to control various actuators

use various rapid prototyping and/or automation equipment

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

First Semester

15-16 units

Second Semester

16 units

Third Semester

17 units

Fourth Semester

13 units