Program Description

The Robotics/Mechatronics Technology Program trains students to be robotics/ automation/manufacturing/electronics technicians who can program, troubleshoot, and repair robots or mechatronics devices in different applications.

A robotics/ mechatronics technician is a highly skilled person who works with industrial/ manufacturing specialists in the rapidly expanding and dynamic industry of automated manufacturing. The robotics/mechatronics student receives extensive training in electronics, computer controls, data acquisition, mechanical controls, pneumatics, electrical power, motors, and hydraulics relative to industrial robots.

The graduates of the Robotics/Mechatronics Technology Program can also transfer to Morgan State University to pursue a BS degree in Engineering with a concentration in Robotics or transfer to Capitol College to pursue a BS degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.

As technology and communication are increasingly becoming the driving forces of the 21st century, the demand for well qualified professionals in the field of engineering is increasing. The number of electrical engineering jobs in the state of Maryland is expected to increase by 4% from 2012 to 2022 with approximately 110 new electrical engineering jobs becoming available each year. Nationwide, the number of electrical engineering jobs is expected to increase by 5% from 2012 to 2022 with approximately 4410 new electrical engineering jobs becoming available each year. The median starting salary for those who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is approximately $64,000.

Data sources:

• http://www.careerinfonet.org/
• http://www.payscale.com/

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities for electrical engineers are listed below: 
Knowledge:

• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Skills:

• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Abilities:

• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Data sources:

• http://www.careerinfonet.org/