AAS in Robotics and Mechatronics Technology
Spokane, USA
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
27 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
17 Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
USD 3,700 / per quarter *
STUDY FORMAT
Blended, Distance Learning, On-Campus
* for international students | 4112 USD additional fees
Introduction
We look forward to becoming a part of your educational journey. If you are interested in machine automation, and you enjoy learning about science and technology, a career as a fluid power technician could be an excellent path for you.
In this program, you’ll learn to repair, maintain, and help design pneumatics (compressed air) and hydraulics (pressurized oil) systems. Through hands-on learning in the lab, you’ll develop skills in advanced fluid power circuits and circuit design, machine shop tools, component repair, programmable controllers, arc welding, hydraulic component testing, and fluid line fabrication.
As a graduate of the program, you’ll be ready to take the test to become nationally certified by the Fluid Power Society. Whether you want to stay in the Northwest or work overseas, this program positions you for opportunities in manufacturing, mining, fishing, wood products, food processing and other industries that use automated technologies.
Program Outcome
- A thorough knowledge of individual hydraulic and pneumatic components, the application and proper installation of each, preventative maintenance procedures, and potential service problems.
- Read and understand hydraulic and pneumatic schematics as they relate to machine operation.
- Have hands-on experience in hydraulic systems fluid line layout and installation.
- Read and interpret electrical schematics as they relate to machine sequence of operation.
- Working knowledge of the use of electrical control to sequence solenoid valves and control machine functions.
Students who successfully complete the second year of this program will:
- Repair hydraulic and pneumatic components.
- Lay out manifolds and understand the use and application of cartridge-type valves in manifolds.
- Understand complex automated machine operation using programmable controller and relay logic.
- Troubleshoot automated machinery using electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
- Use a computer for word processing and a database for parts inventory control, invoicing, and back-ordering.
- Use CAD programs for making schematic drawings and designing hydraulic manifolds.
- Understand the uses of programmable controllers to sequence and monitor machine functions on automated equipment.
- Install and maintain complex electronic controlled hydraulic equipment.
- Write and troubleshoot PLC programs for precision machine operation.
- Understand basic motion control.
Program delivery
Activities in sales and distribution vary from warehousing, inside sales, purchasing, outside sales, power unit fabrication to field service work. Each area offers challenging work, with most employers providing on-the-job training for product familiarization and developing the special skills required for sales and service in pneumatic automation products.
Activities include equipment or circuit design, shop assembly, installation of complex electro-hydraulic systems, field installation of new equipment or servicing existing equipment. Field service can involve world travel with a lot of time away from home. Activities in industrial plant maintenance vary from installing new equipment to troubleshooting and repairing existing equipment. This requires developing analytical procedures and certain mechanical abilities or skills to improve equipment performance and reliability.
A 2.0 GPA or better must be maintained in all hydraulic and pneumatic automation technology coursework before advancing to the subsequent quarter. Students not meeting this minimum requirement may repeat the course(s) one time before progressing. A student who is below the minimum 2.0 GPA may seek a one-time waiver with the approval of the division dean.
Curriculum
First Quarter
- Computer Applications for Robotics
- Pneumatic Theory
- Machine Controls
Second Quarter
- Hydraulic Calculations
- Hydraulic Basics and Theory
- Blueprint Reading
- Basic Hydraulics Lab
Third Quarter
- Applied Written Communication
- Hydraulic Systems
- Fluid Line Fabrication
- Fluid Line Connectors
- Shop Drawing
Fourth Quarter
- Employment Preparation
- Hydraulic Circuits
- Hydraulic Component Repair
- Fluid Line Layout and Assembly
- Advanced Hydraulics Lab
- Proportional Values
Fifth Quarter
- Leadership Skills for Business and Industry
- Advanced Pneumatics Theory
- Advanced Pneumatics Lab
- Mechanical Drive Systems Theory
- Mechanical Drive Systems Lab
- Velocity and Load Calculations
- Advanced Machine Controls
Sixth Quarter
- Fluid Power Computer Applications
- Hydraulic Circuit Design
- Fluid Power Application and Sales
- Hydraulic Manifold Design
Program Tuition Fee
Gallery
Faculty
Career Opportunities
Hydraulic and Pneumatic Automation Technology positions exist with companies all over the world, and there are more jobs than graduates to fill them. Women and nontraditional students have excellent placement in the fluid power industry.
Although the job market in Spokane is highly competitive, most of our graduates remain in the Northwest and work in manufacturing, mining, fishing, wood products and food processing industries.
Graduates may specialize in distributor sales, system design, plant maintenance and troubleshooting, and the manufacture and installation of automated machinery.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
College doesn't have to break the bank. Quality education at a fraction of the cost.
Spokane College Foundation
Last year, Spokane Colleges Foundation awarded scholarships to 203 students to cover the costs of tuition and books, as well as 452 emergency aid awards to help with testing costs, program fees, and emergency needs.
The Foundation has over 100 scholarships that open each January, as well as others that open for applications in the summer.
The first step to applying for scholarships is to complete our general scholarship application.
Once completed, you’ll be entered into our general scholarship pool to be considered for those scholarships open to all SCC and SFCC students. You’ll also be alerted to additional scholarship opportunities which you may qualify for based on the responses you provided. Many of these opportunities require additional information but have fewer applicants because they have very specific criteria. We encourage you to take the time to apply for all scholarships for which you qualify to increase your chances of receiving an award.
Grants & Sponsored Research
Some of the most innovative programs at Spokane Colleges are made possible through grant and sponsored research funding. We’ve cultivated opportunities in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, provided middle school girls with STEM summer camps, served our community through sustainable environmental science projects, and collaborated with rural K-12 partners on college and career readiness initiatives. Take a look at the stories and learn about opportunities for students and faculty to create new and innovative programs with help from Grants & Sponsored Research at Spokane Colleges.
Student Employment Program
The Student Employment Program provides experiential learning opportunities for students as they work. A variety of student employment positions are available each year. Jobs exist through various funding sources.
Some of the benefits of student employment include:
- Flexible Scheduling – Work hours are designed to fit around your class schedule.
- Time Management – Develop skills in balancing work, academics, and personal responsibilities
- Professional Connections – Build relationships with supervisors and mentors that can support your career growth.
- Real-World Experience – Gain valuable work experience to enhance your resume and develop new skills.
- Financial Support – Earn money to help cover college expenses and reduce reliance on loans.
- Career Exploration – Discover your strengths, interests, and potential career paths through hands-on experience.
Military/Veteran Benefits
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) provides tuition for college courses taken by active-duty personnel. TA requirements, rules, and restrictions can vary by branch of service. SCC encourages all students interested in using TA to contact their respective military branch’s education center, or education and training office before contacting SCC.