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MTSU launches new master’s in Mechatronics Systems...

MTSU launches new master’s in Mechatronics Systems Engineering to boost tech workforce

Matthew Crist, right, director of Electronics Labs in the Engineering Technology Department at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., works with a student in one of the Applied Engineering Building labs used to train students in the mechatronics engineering program. (MTSU photo)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University has received approval to launch a new Master of Science in Mechatronics Systems Engineering, establishing a groundbreaking graduate program — the state’s first-ever master’s program in mechatronics — designed to prepare engineers for the future of advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, and intelligent systems.

Dr. Lei Miao, mechatronics professor, Engineering Technology.
Dr. Lei Miao

The idea for the program was conceived and championed by mechatronics professor Lei Miao, whose vision and leadership guided the initiative from its earliest stages through the entire approval process. Miao coordinated the development of the proposal, worked closely with stakeholders across the university and state, and oversaw every step required to bring the program to fruition.

“The successful approval of this program is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision,” Miao said. “We are grateful for the support we received throughout the process and are excited to provide students with an innovative graduate degree that meets the needs of Tennessee’s growing technology and manufacturing sectors.”

The program has been approved by both the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, or THEC, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, or SACSCOC, following an extensive review process involving university leadership, faculty members, state officials and external experts.

This undated photo shows a robotic arm preparing to move chess pieces as two students observe. Such equipment is available in the Applied Engineering Building at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and is used to train Engineering Technology students pursuing mechatronics engineering. (MTSU photo)
This undated photo shows a robotic arm preparing to move chess pieces as two students observe. Such equipment is available in the Applied Engineering Building at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and is used to train Engineering Technology students pursuing mechatronics engineering. (MTSU photo)

MTSU’s Vice Provost for Academic Programs Amy Aldridge expressed appreciation for the many individuals whose support made the approval possible, including College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Greg Van Patten, Associate Dean Samuel Haruna, Ken Currie, chair of the Department of Engineering Technology, and Racha Kadiri, associate dean of the College of Graduate Studies. 

The program also benefited from support throughout the state and beyond. During the approval process, THEC solicited public comments and appointed an external reviewer from the University of Cincinnati to evaluate the proposal. In addition, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and East Tennessee State University submitted letters of support, recognizing the program’s value and its potential to strengthen Tennessee’s workforce and economic development.

In this undated photo, Engineering Technology students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., operate equipment in the Applied Engineering Building used in the mechatronics engineering program. (MTSU photo)
In this undated photo, Engineering Technology students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., operate equipment in the Applied Engineering Building used in the mechatronics engineering program. (MTSU photo)
The Applied Engineering Building at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., shown here, will be home to a new master’s degree program in Mechatronic Systems Engineering launching this fall. (Submitted photo)
The Applied Engineering Building at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., shown here, will be home to a new master’s degree program in Mechatronic Systems Engineering launching this fall. (Submitted photo)

Flexible program designed for working professionals

A student at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., shows off some of the equipment available in one of the Applied Engineering Building labs used to train those pursuing degrees in the mechatronics engineering program, which is launching a master’s degree. (MTSU photo)
A student at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., shows off some of the equipment available in one of the Applied Engineering Building labs used to train those pursuing degrees in the mechatronics engineering program, which is launching a master’s degree. (MTSU photo)

The master’s in mechatronics systems engineering requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year, including summer terms. Many courses will be offered during evening hours, providing flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their careers while maintaining full-time employment.

Students will study topics spanning mechanical systems, embedded systems, controls, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and intelligent systems, equipping graduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge required in modern engineering environments and applications.

Preparing engineers for the future

Graduates of the program will benefit from:

  • Enhanced competitiveness in a rapidly evolving job market.
  • Preparation for emerging technologies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and intelligent systems.
  • Strong career prospects with opportunities for advancement and leadership roles.
  • Increased earning potential in high-demand fields.
  • Exposure to interdisciplinary research and innovation.
  • Preparation for doctoral studies and careers in academia.

“We believe that MTSU is uniquely positioned to offer this program, given its robust undergraduate mechatronics curriculum, industry partnerships, and strong faculty expertise,” stated Jeff Buck, co-president of Midstate-based Automation NTH. “Establishing a master’s program in mechatronics would not only serve regional needs but also attract talent and investment to Tennessee, enhancing the state’s reputation as a leader in advanced manufacturing.” 

Jeff Buck, president, Automation NTH.
Jeff Buck
Dr. Greg Van Patten, dean, College of Basic and Applied Sciences.
Dr. Greg Van Patten

“The approval of this program is an important milestone for MTSU and demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative programs that support workforce needs and economic growth across Tennessee,” said Van Patten.

“This achievement reflects the vision of Dr. Lei Miao, the leadership of Dr. Ken Currie and the hard work of faculty and staff in the Department of Engineering Technology, Academic Affairs and the College of Graduate Studies. Their efforts have created new opportunities for students and strengthened MTSU’s role in meeting the needs of our state.”

Applications for the Master of Science in Mechatronics Systems Engineering are open, and more details about the program can be found at: https://www.mtsu.edu/program/mechatronics-systems-engineering-m-s/.

A student at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., shows some of the unmanned aerial equipment and technology available at the Applied Engineering Building that Engineering Technology faculty use to train in the mechatronics engineering program, which is launching a master’s degree. (MTSU photo)
A student at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., shows some of the unmanned aerial equipment and technology available at the Applied Engineering Building that Engineering Technology faculty use to train in the mechatronics engineering program, which is launching a master’s degree. (MTSU photo)
Two students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., are shown with some of the unmanned aerial equipment and technology at the Applied Engineering Building that Engineering Technology faculty use to train in the mechatronics engineering program, which is launching a master’s degree. (MTSU photo)
Two students at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., are shown with some of the unmanned aerial equipment and technology at the Applied Engineering Building that Engineering Technology faculty use to train in the mechatronics engineering program, which is launching a master’s degree. (MTSU photo)
Matthew Crist, left, director of Electronics Labs in the Engineering Technology Department at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., demonstrates one of the robotic arms in the Applied Engineering Building used to train students in the mechatronics engineering program. (MTSU photo)
Matthew Crist, left, director of Electronics Labs in the Engineering Technology Department at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., demonstrates one of the robotic arms in the Applied Engineering Building used to train students in the mechatronics engineering program. (MTSU photo)
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