Mechatronics Technology Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
$5,425* (estimated)

Operate, program and troubleshoot advanced industrial robots

The future is now! Automation transforms how we work—and CLC's 1-year Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics (A.R.M.) Technology Certificate program puts you at the forefront. You'll gain the cutting-edge skills employers are actively seeking and launch a career operating sophisticated automated systems and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical equipment in advanced manufacturing environments.

Train hands-on with the latest industrial equipment in our modern facilities. Choose the schedule that works for you: daytime courses at our Grayslake campus or evening classes at Lakeshore. This A.R.M. certificate opens doors to a high-demand career as an automation, robotics or mechatronics technician. Many students land jobs in the field before they even complete the program.

Get more information

Flexible pathway toward an associate degree

Take your education further. You can continue your education in the automation and robotics field by applying your certificate credits toward CLC’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics. The second year A.R.M. classes are offered in the evening. Six additional technical courses are needed in addition to the required general education courses for the A.A.S.

Highlights

*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 Outlook

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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

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ARM 110

    ARM 110 Mechatronics Math Fundamentals

    Class Description

    This is a basic review of arithmetic and fractions held the week before classes start during the fall and spring semesters. It is designed for 1st semester mechatronics students who have been out of school for a while or who just need brushing up on their basic math skills. It is held the week prior to the first week of classes for first semester students.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 111

    ARM 111 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing I

    Class Description

    This course will cover Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, industrial hazards, personal protective equipment, fire and emergency response, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and ergonomics.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 112

    ARM 112 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing II

    Class Description

    This course will cover basic manufacturing and production, basic measurement devices, manufacturing efficiency techniques and industrial supply chain systems.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 113

    ARM 113 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing III

    Class Description

    This course will cover simple machines, basic electrical and fluid power systems, basic troubleshooting and problem solving techniques, and basic preventive and total productive maintenance.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 115

    ARM 115 Photonics for Mechatronics

    Class Description

    The subject matter covered in this course includes topics such as laser welding; laser drilling, cutting and marking; test and measurement applications; forensic science and homeland security; and basic spectroscopy principles. Course topics have a strong manufacturing orientation.
         		3
    ARM 151

    ARM 151 Mechanical Systems I

    Class Description

    This course covers basic safety protocol, the role of mechanical components in complex mechatronic systems, the flow of energy in a mechatronic system, calculation of force, accelerations, speed, torque, etc. and basic maintenance and systems-level troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 152

    ARM 152 Mechanical Systems II

    Class Description

    This course covers gears and gear drives, chain and sprocket systems, power transmission, pulley drives, synchronous drives, lubrication requirements of mechanical components, analyzing technical data sheets, and basic troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 153

    ARM 153 Mechanical Systems III

    Class Description

    This course will cover mechanical shafts, couplings and bearings, lubrication, preventative and predictive maintenance of shafts, couplings, bushings, seals and bearings, alignment and troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 156

    ARM 156 Electrical Systems I

    Class Description

    This course will cover the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include electrical safety; current, voltage, resistance and power in AC and DC circuits; principles of resistance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, frequency, magnetism and transformers; basic function of AC/DC power supplies; operation of multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, wiggys, logic probes and amp clamps.
         		1
    ARM 157

    ARM 157 Electrical Systems II

    Class Description

    This course will cover fundamentals of parallel circuits, balancing bridges, reed switches, current dividers, voltage dividers, relays, indicators, solenoids and troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 158

    ARM 158 Electrical Systems III

    Class Description

    This course will cover electromagnetism; switches; photoelectric, capacitive, and inductive sensors; DC motor and generator introduction; AC motor and circuitry introduction; waveforms; instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
         		1
    ARM 171

    ARM 171 Automation I

    Class Description

    This course will cover electrical safety, fundamentals of DC motor operations, starting methods for DC motors, speed control, and troubleshooting DC motors, introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC terminology, hardware components and general classification of PLCs.
         		1
    ARM 172

    ARM 172 Automation II

    Class Description

    This course will cover fundamentals of AC motors, intro to 3-phase distribution, transformers, PLC architecture, peripheral support devices, analog and digital circuit structures, and Boolean algebra.
         		1
    ARM 173

    ARM 173 Automation III

    Class Description

    This course covers AC induction motors, AC motor starting methods, AC motor speed control, and PLC input/output module devices and symbols.
         		1
    • Course Code ARM 110
      Course Title

      ARM 110 Mechatronics Math Fundamentals

      Class Description

      This is a basic review of arithmetic and fractions held the week before classes start during the fall and spring semesters. It is designed for 1st semester mechatronics students who have been out of school for a while or who just need brushing up on their basic math skills. It is held the week prior to the first week of classes for first semester students.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 111
      Course Title

      ARM 111 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing I

      Class Description

      This course will cover Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards, industrial hazards, personal protective equipment, fire and emergency response, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and ergonomics.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 112
      Course Title

      ARM 112 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing II

      Class Description

      This course will cover basic manufacturing and production, basic measurement devices, manufacturing efficiency techniques and industrial supply chain systems.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 113
      Course Title

      ARM 113 Fundamentals of High Tech Manufacturing III

      Class Description

      This course will cover simple machines, basic electrical and fluid power systems, basic troubleshooting and problem solving techniques, and basic preventive and total productive maintenance.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 115
      Course Title

      ARM 115 Photonics for Mechatronics

      Class Description

      The subject matter covered in this course includes topics such as laser welding; laser drilling, cutting and marking; test and measurement applications; forensic science and homeland security; and basic spectroscopy principles. Course topics have a strong manufacturing orientation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 151
      Course Title

      ARM 151 Mechanical Systems I

      Class Description

      This course covers basic safety protocol, the role of mechanical components in complex mechatronic systems, the flow of energy in a mechatronic system, calculation of force, accelerations, speed, torque, etc. and basic maintenance and systems-level troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 152
      Course Title

      ARM 152 Mechanical Systems II

      Class Description

      This course covers gears and gear drives, chain and sprocket systems, power transmission, pulley drives, synchronous drives, lubrication requirements of mechanical components, analyzing technical data sheets, and basic troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 153
      Course Title

      ARM 153 Mechanical Systems III

      Class Description

      This course will cover mechanical shafts, couplings and bearings, lubrication, preventative and predictive maintenance of shafts, couplings, bushings, seals and bearings, alignment and troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 156
      Course Title

      ARM 156 Electrical Systems I

      Class Description

      This course will cover the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include electrical safety; current, voltage, resistance and power in AC and DC circuits; principles of resistance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, frequency, magnetism and transformers; basic function of AC/DC power supplies; operation of multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, wiggys, logic probes and amp clamps.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 157
      Course Title

      ARM 157 Electrical Systems II

      Class Description

      This course will cover fundamentals of parallel circuits, balancing bridges, reed switches, current dividers, voltage dividers, relays, indicators, solenoids and troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 158
      Course Title

      ARM 158 Electrical Systems III

      Class Description

      This course will cover electromagnetism; switches; photoelectric, capacitive, and inductive sensors; DC motor and generator introduction; AC motor and circuitry introduction; waveforms; instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 171
      Course Title

      ARM 171 Automation I

      Class Description

      This course will cover electrical safety, fundamentals of DC motor operations, starting methods for DC motors, speed control, and troubleshooting DC motors, introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC terminology, hardware components and general classification of PLCs.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 172
      Course Title

      ARM 172 Automation II

      Class Description

      This course will cover fundamentals of AC motors, intro to 3-phase distribution, transformers, PLC architecture, peripheral support devices, analog and digital circuit structures, and Boolean algebra.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 173
      Course Title

      ARM 173 Automation III

      Class Description

      This course covers AC induction motors, AC motor starting methods, AC motor speed control, and PLC input/output module devices and symbols.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

    Course options: Instead of ARM 115, students can choose ARM 116, ARM 117 and ARM 118.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ARM 155

    ARM 155 STEM Workplace Professional Skills

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to principles of professional behavior in the industrial workplace. It covers the individual attitude and behavioral skills that are important to a person's success in an industrial environment. Students are typically enrolled in STEM technical career areas such as mechatronics, environmental technology, machine tool trades and other similar career areas.
         		1
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ARM 174

    ARM 174 Automation IV

    Class Description

    This course will cover regenerative braking, National Electrical code (NEC) standards for installation and overload protection of motors, relay logic and ladder logic diagrams, circuit diagrams, scan time, and fundamentals of PLC programming.
         		1
    ARM 175

    ARM 175 Automation V

    Class Description

    This course will cover entering and editing a PLC program, monitoring a program, component addressing, analog to digital conversions, PLC program troubleshooting and troubleshooting codes.
         		1
    ARM 176

    ARM 176 Automation VI

    Class Description

    This is course will cover PLC data manipulation instruction, closed loop systems, arithmetic functions, and technical limits in implementation and how to overcome and improve them.
         		1
    ARM 181

    ARM 181 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration I

    Class Description

    This course is the first of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
         		1
    ARM 182

    ARM 182 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration II

    Class Description

    This course is the second of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
         		1
    ARM 183

    ARM 183 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration III

    Class Description

    This course is the third of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
         		1
    ARM 191

    ARM 191 Pneumatics and Hydraulics I

    Class Description

    This course will cover basic safety rules and standards when working with mechatronic systems, introduction to fluid power, basic principles of hydraulics, fluid power components, hydraulic fluids and basic principles of pneumatics.
         		1
    ARM 192

    ARM 192 Pneumatics and Hydraulics II

    Class Description

    This course will continue coverage of basic pneumatics and will also cover power supplies, vacuum pumps, circuit diagrams and system tracing, pneumatic components, and system operation and troubleshooting.
         		1
    ARM 193

    ARM 193 Pneumatics and Hydraulics III

    Class Description

    This course will cover electronic controls, hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves, technical documentation, measurements and adjustments on a fluid system, troubleshooting and predictive/preventative maintenance.
         		1
    ARM 196

    ARM 196 Mechatronics Capstone I

    Class Description

    This is the first module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
         		1
    ARM 197

    ARM 197 Mechatronics Capstone II

    Class Description

    This is the second module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
         		1
    ARM 198

    ARM 198 Mechatronics Capstone III

    Class Description

    This is the third module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
         		1
    • Course Code ARM 155
      Course Title

      ARM 155 STEM Workplace Professional Skills

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to principles of professional behavior in the industrial workplace. It covers the individual attitude and behavioral skills that are important to a person's success in an industrial environment. Students are typically enrolled in STEM technical career areas such as mechatronics, environmental technology, machine tool trades and other similar career areas.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ARM 174
      Course Title

      ARM 174 Automation IV

      Class Description

      This course will cover regenerative braking, National Electrical code (NEC) standards for installation and overload protection of motors, relay logic and ladder logic diagrams, circuit diagrams, scan time, and fundamentals of PLC programming.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 175
      Course Title

      ARM 175 Automation V

      Class Description

      This course will cover entering and editing a PLC program, monitoring a program, component addressing, analog to digital conversions, PLC program troubleshooting and troubleshooting codes.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 176
      Course Title

      ARM 176 Automation VI

      Class Description

      This is course will cover PLC data manipulation instruction, closed loop systems, arithmetic functions, and technical limits in implementation and how to overcome and improve them.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 181
      Course Title

      ARM 181 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration I

      Class Description

      This course is the first of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 182
      Course Title

      ARM 182 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration II

      Class Description

      This course is the second of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 183
      Course Title

      ARM 183 Industrial Robot Programming and System Integration III

      Class Description

      This course is the third of a three-course sequence that will cover traditional robotic programming using teach pendants, collaborative robot programming, and the complete integration of robots within a flexible manufacturing system. Students will have rotated between all three topics by the completion of all three modules (ARM 181, 182, and 183)
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 191
      Course Title

      ARM 191 Pneumatics and Hydraulics I

      Class Description

      This course will cover basic safety rules and standards when working with mechatronic systems, introduction to fluid power, basic principles of hydraulics, fluid power components, hydraulic fluids and basic principles of pneumatics.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 192
      Course Title

      ARM 192 Pneumatics and Hydraulics II

      Class Description

      This course will continue coverage of basic pneumatics and will also cover power supplies, vacuum pumps, circuit diagrams and system tracing, pneumatic components, and system operation and troubleshooting.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 193
      Course Title

      ARM 193 Pneumatics and Hydraulics III

      Class Description

      This course will cover electronic controls, hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves, technical documentation, measurements and adjustments on a fluid system, troubleshooting and predictive/preventative maintenance.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 196
      Course Title

      ARM 196 Mechatronics Capstone I

      Class Description

      This is the first module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 197
      Course Title

      ARM 197 Mechatronics Capstone II

      Class Description

      This is the second module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ARM 198
      Course Title

      ARM 198 Mechatronics Capstone III

      Class Description

      This is the third module of a three-module, one-credit hour capstone course which will provide students with the skills and knowledge to operate, repair, program, and troubleshoot an entire mechatronics system.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

31


Female student taking notes in class

Meet your instructors

More than 1,000 full-time and part-time faculty teach at CLC. Nearly all of them have post-graduate degrees.

CLC faculty teach the same materials you’d learn at a big school. They bring real-world experience into the classroom so you can gain job-ready skills and help you become the very best version of yourself.


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.

Frequently asked questions

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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Excel in a high-demand field

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

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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Related programs

This certificate is just one possible way to study Automation, Robotics and Mechatronics. Keep exploring your options—degrees, credentials and more.

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