Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics: Programs & Pathways

Work alongside intelligent systems

A career in automation and robotics puts you at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies, transforming industries. Professionals in this field design intelligent systems and tackle diverse projects—from self-driving vehicles to automated healthcare equipment.

Through CLC's automation, robotics and mechatronics programs, you'll develop hands-on skills in designing, programming and troubleshooting advanced automated systems, positioning yourself to shape the future of how machines interact with our world. Explore your program options, and then let us know which one interests you. We'll help you get started.

Earn SACA industry-recognized certifications

You will gain hands-on experience and qualify for Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) certifications, which give you industry-standard recognition for what you’ve learned. Current plans are to offer the following SACA certifications:

  • Electrical systems
  • Mechanical systems
  • Pneumatics and hydraulic systems
  • Programmable logic controllers
  • Robotics

Highlights

  • Metallica Scholarships

    View the available heavy metal scholarships.

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Career Certificates Available

    Refine your skills into an in-demand career by earning a career certificate in 1 year or less.

  • Career Degrees Available

    Gain in-demand technical skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.

Choose your automation, robotics and mechatronics program



*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.



Career degrees & certificates: What's the difference?

For degree-seeking students who want to start a new career or advance their current career.

Full-time students can earn an Associate Degree in Applied Science (A.A.S.) at CLC in two years. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses can even earn college credits, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university to apply toward a bachelor's degree.

For certificate-seeking students who want to earn job skills for entry-level occupations or increase their career opportunities.

You can complete a certificate in less than two years. Many certificate programs include career degree courses, allowing you to stack certificates toward an A.A.S. degree.

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN


Career-focused courses

Develop skills in mechanical, electrical and control systems and then progress to the latest high-tech Industry 5.0 smart system skills.

line drawing of check mark on paper

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Excel in a high-demand field

Discover what students love about the automation, robotics and mechatronics program at CLC.

High-tech labs for hands-on learning

Get career-ready skills by mastering the same equipment used by major manufacturers and distributors in the region.

You'll train on an extensive array of robotic, automation and smart-technology systems at CLC labs in Grayslake, Waukegan and Gurnee. Equipment includes:

  • Fanuc 6-axis industrial robotic arms
  • Delta industrial spider robot
  • Automation training stations with industrial-grade sensors and Siemens programmable logic controllers
  • Pneumatic training stations featuring valves, cylinders and electrical control integration
  • AC/DC electrical training stations
  • Industrial motor control, mechanical drive and conveyor systems for modern manufacturing
  • The Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics Lab at Grayslake Campus

    A.R.M. Lab at Grayslake Campus

    Learn hands-on to manage hydraulic, pneumatic and automation control systems. Code programmable logic controllers (PLCs) for robotic equipment. Grow your knowledge of smart and collaborative technologies training on Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) smart sensors and a Baxter humanoid collaborative robot.

    The Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics Lab at Grayslake Campus
  • Student working on high-tech equipment in Mechatronics lab in Waukegan, Ill.

    Mechatronics Lab at Lakeshore Campus, Waukegan, IL

    Train on industrial robotic arms, sensors and conveyor systems for modern manufacturing. Gain job-ready skills working with mechanical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic system equipment. Evening classes at Lakeshore Campus accommodate students who work during the day. 

    Student working on high-tech equipment in Mechatronics lab in Waukegan, Ill.
  • Female student working in the Industrial Technology Lab at the ATC.

    Advanced Technology Center, Gurnee, IL

    Some of your courses may take place at the ATC. The 170,000-square-foot center is home to CLC's Industrial Technology lab and the largest welding and fabrication lab in Illinois. Get hands-on with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), automated logistical systems, process control systems and more.

    Female student working in the Industrial Technology Lab at the ATC.
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Flexible pathway to a high-quality education

At CLC, you have options—go to class during the day or the evening. Earn your associate degree, with its wider knowledge base, or pursue the 1-year certificate, which puts you in the workforce faster. Your path forward is up to you.

Day classes meet at Grayslake Campus and evening classes meet at Lakeshore Campus. Each campus has current industry equipment in dedicated, up-to-date automation labs. The 1-year certificate courses are the same as the first-year courses of the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program. The A.A.S. degree requires an additional 6 technical courses beyond the first-year courses, along with the typical general education requirements.

Small classes and personalized attention

Your CLC instructors know you by name. At CLC, instructors are teachers first and researchers second. They dedicate their careers to helping you learn and understand the significance of mechatronics technicians to our daily lives.

You learn the same material studied at 4-year colleges, while you receive the personal attention and feedback possible only in small class sizes.

What students say about CLC


  • Kylie Kundert in the ARM lab

    Kylie Kundert

    Student

    "I knew I would come out of it with the skills necessary to enter into the workforce."

    Kylie is earning a degree in automation, robotics and mechatronics. After touring the lab at CLC, she knew advanced manufacturing was her future. And that she'd gain the skills here to succeed.

    Learn about manufacturing careers

    Kylie Kundert in the ARM lab
  • Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria in the ARM lab

    Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria

    Student

    "We want to live in a society where everyone's taken care of and I think robotics could push that forward."

    Gabewil is earning a degree in automation, robotics and mechatronics. He sees opportunity for robotics to advance the caregiving profession. Eventually, he plans to start his own business.

    Learn about manufacturing careers

    Gabewil Mattheau Chan Sanoria in the ARM lab
  • Chad Holt, CLC student

    Chad Holt

    Adult Learner

    "I have a lot of technical skills, but I didn't have the formal education side. I've connected a lot of dots (in this program), and it's really helped me to polish and hone my skills."

    Chad is a full-time employee striving to earn associate degrees in automation, robotics and mechatronics and mechanical engineering technology. His goal is to upskill and advance in his field.

    Read Chad's story

    Chad Holt, CLC student
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Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction.

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Faculty




CLC A.R.M. programs in the news

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