The Joint NC State/UNC Asheville “Engineering – Mechatronics Concentration Joint” program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org
Mission
The Mechatronics program provides engineering students with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate principles of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineering into the design of complex systems.
The program, which is offered jointly by UNC Asheville and NC State College of Engineering on the campus of UNC Asheville, utilizes both live instruction and distance education technology, and blends a rich liberal arts tradition with cutting-edge engineering preparation.
The goal of the program is to produce broadly educated engineers who contribute effectively in the diverse and global modern world.
Mechatronics Curriculum – entering Fall 2022 or later
This revised curriculum applies to all students entering during or after Fall 2022.
Visit UNC Asheville’s course catalog for course descriptions and major requirements.
Mechatronics Curriculum – entering prior to Fall 2022
This curriculum applies to all students entering prior to Fall 2022.
Visit UNC Asheville’s course catalog for course descriptions and major requirements.
Application Process, Admissions Requirements, and Transfer
Prospective students should apply to UNC Asheville and express an interest in engineering. Upon completion of the matriculation requirements, students will be admitted to the Joint Engineering Mechatronics (JEM) Degree program. Transfer credits from other universities, majors, and community colleges are accepted as appropriate. Many courses from NC community colleges are transferable, but care must be taken in selecting applicable courses for the mechatronics curriculum.
This link will assist NC Community College students in choosing courses which transfer into the Joint Programs:
Relevant NC Community College Courses for Mechatronics
Transfers
Transfer students should submit a Transfer Application to UNC Asheville. The student will meet with the Engineering advisor to determine transfer credit and appropriate course scheduling. Students should be aware that UNC Asheville and NC State University may evaluate transfer courses differently. For an engineering student, the NC State University evaluation takes precedence. For prospective students, the Joint Engineering Program Associate Director can advise you prior to transfer or provide a preliminary transfer evaluation.
Peer Tutoring and Facilitation
Students have access to faculty members in both Raleigh and Asheville. Assistance is also available from student TAs and local faculty coordinators. Advanced students act as peer tutors and course facilitators. While providing assistants with employment and valuable teaching experience, this also promotes a strong sense of community within our engineering student body.
Internships
Many mechatronics students obtain employment within industry while earning their degree. There is no formal requirement in the curriculum for an internship, but students are encouraged to gain real world experience prior to graduation.
This can be full-time during the summers or part-time at any time during the year. Employers contact the department directly or submit postings through the career centers of both NC State and UNC Asheville. Internship opportunities range from locally-based companies to national and international companies and locations.
Freshman Design Experiences
The freshman year in the Mechatronics curriculum has a design class in the spring semester, JEM 180: Introduction to Mechatronics Laboratory. Among the project assignments is the design of an autonomous sumobot.
Industrial Advisory Board
The Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) of the Joint BS in Engineering – Mechatronics Concentration (JEM) consists of a select group of industrial leaders who form a partnership between industry and academia. The IAB is a forum where ideas are exchanged and recommendations are made. It provides a direct link and communication between the academic department and industry. The IAB is composed of members from various industries that have a vital interest in the purpose of the JEM program. IAB members have demonstrated leadership and professional success in their career, and are fully dedicated to advancing and growing a highly competitive program.
The IAB serves as the primary source of external guidance to the program by providing counsel and direction for JEM’s educational and economic development plans. Members serve as a powerful tool to help the program in the accreditation process. IAB members provide leadership to the program by helping to improve the program’s capacity to meet its short-term and long-term goals, and to further promote the program to the profession and general public.
Members can also serve as mentors on industry-sponsored projects and assist in finding internship opportunities for students. IAB participation in curriculum development ensures that our students are taking the necessary courses to obtain the skills needed to compete globally with other engineering graduates. Finally, the IAB can also serve as a fund raising mechanism providing a margin of excellence by having its industrial partner give grants for scholarships for incoming freshmen, monies to help purchase equipment and supplies for laboratory enhancement, and funds to support discretionary spending.
Current IAB Members:
- Dave Mannebach, Plant Manager, Eaton Corporation
- Jim Oliver, Owner and CEO, AvL Technologies
- Peter Schaper, President and Founder, Odbond LLC
- Joe Hungerford, Engineering Leader, GE Aviation
- Melissa Atallah, Director of Quality and Program Management, BorgWarner
- Andrew Scott, MRO Engineering Deputy Department Head, NAVAIR