College of DuPage Offers New Mechatronics Technology Certificate

College of DuPage is offering a new Mechatronics Technology certificate that will help students develop multidisciplinary skills in mechanics, electronics, industrial electronics and computer control.

Recently approved by the Illinois Community College Board, the certificate was created to provide an entry-level credential that will help students apply for such positions as systems and automation technicians, maintenance technicians, automation specialists, human/machine interface programmers and controls specialists.

"We worked with our INAM (Illinois Network for Advanced Manufacturing) committees to build this credential," said John Kronenburger, Associate Dean of Technology. "The new certificate provides basic training in a number of areas - circuits and electrical theory, mechanical theory, hydraulics, and controls."

According to the National Council on Competitiveness, an estimated 100 million new jobs will be created this century that bridge disciplines rather than within individual disciplines. This will require new industry employees to understand how whole systems work as technology advances and be multitask-oriented.

"Over the last five years, College of DuPage has established nearly 70 new ICCB-approved certificates and degree programs," said COD Board of Trustees Chairman Erin Birt. "Students are looking for a very strong return on their educational investment more than ever before, so it is critical that COD maintains a pulse on local and national in-demand careers such as Mechatronics."

The 16 credit-hour certificate consists of one new class, "Electricity and Electronics for Mechatronics," and five existing courses. Students will receive a broad industry overview that will help them gain access to the workplace while providing a foundation for future education, Kronenburger said.

"These classes are all stackable, which means the Mechatronics Technology Certificate can be a springboard to other certificates and associate's degrees within the electronics and electro-mechanical fields," he said.

For more information, call (630) 942-8419, email mcfarl@cod.edu or visit www.cod.edu/programs/electronics.