From robotics and automation technology to prosthetic limbs and jet navigation systems, engineering does more than solve problems. It changes the way we live.
Why Study Mechatronics Engineering through the Joint NC State and UNC Asheville Program?
Design, Program, Create
Ground your education at UNC Asheville in a liberal arts core that sets the foundation for advanced coursework in your major. In addition to what you learn in the traditional classroom setting, you have ample opportunities to put your skills to the test in the lab. Freshman mechatronics majors take JEM 180, a design class with hands-on project assignments that include the design and creation of an autonomous SumoBot.
Student Spotlight
Unlike other engineering programs, at UNC Asheville, our strong liberal arts foundation paves the way for innovation, creation, and impact. These aspects come to life through student work, like the “Wake” project, a collaborative effort between art and engineering students.
“UNC Asheville gives you the freedom to make what you want of its resources. It helped me build award-winning robots + homebrewed electric race cars from scratch … You’re going to be given hard problems, but it’s up to you to take what you can find and meet your deliverables.”
Robert Brenneman
UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio presented an exhibition featuring a diverse collection of STEAM Studio works “6 years in the making,” intersecting science, engineering, art, and math.
McCullough Fellow Owen McDonald partnered with Land of the Sky to create an algorithm for optimizing electric vehicle charging infrastructure and determining how to meet expected demands.
“I knew coming out of high school I liked engineering, but I didn’t exactly know what industry I wanted to work in,” he says. “This work gave me a glimpse of the future. It helped affirm for me that I want to apply engineering to something that benefits the world. Using engineering to better the environment seems like a noble way to spend your life.”
Trevor Goldston, Class of ’25
Asheville is a small town where you can go downtown for an evening or go hiking for an afternoon. It’s a great place nestled in the mountains with a lot of energy between the town and the university environment.”
Robert Brenneman, Class of ’23
“I have known that I wanted to work in space exploration for a long time, so I hope to one day either be a driving force in space exploration or to even be in space,” says Theriault.”
Halle Theriault, Class of ’24
Outside the Classroom
Outside the classroom, students are strongly urged to acquire practical experience before completing their studies. While there is no mandatory internship built into the curriculum, students can find opportunities for internships with assistance from UNC Asheville and NC State.
Student Clubs & Orgs
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest technical association, consisting of 39 technical societies involved in publications, conferences, and building technical communities. These groups focus on member outreach both locally and globally and cater to members’ specialized interests. Being a part of these societies helps you stay up-to-date in your chosen profession, connect with your peers, and invest in your future. [INSERT IEEE ’22 INFO]
At UNC Asheville, a group of students are part of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) collegiate chapter. Recently, members of SAE worked on a vehicle to compete at the Michigan International Speedway during the 2023 Formula SAE Series. UNC Asheville’s STEAM Studio at the RAMP, an 11,0000-square-foot innovation center located near campus, is where SAE conducts many of its exciting activities.
Mechatronics Engineering Ambassador Program
The Mechatronics Ambassadors Program (MAP) is another way students learn beyond the classroom. MAP organizes skill-sharing sessions, community service events, and joint meetings with professionals from the Carolina Section of SAE. MAP is a group of outstanding students in a position held with high honor at the University. Those chosen for the program have the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills through outreach programs to Advisory Board members, prospective students, community members, and guests at UNC Asheville, as well as attend special events on behalf of the program and the University.
Conduct Original Research
Beyond the projects you tackle within the major, you also have the opportunity to complete an original research project through UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research Program (URP). During the program, embark on a self-directed project exploring a topic or challenge in your discipline, working alongside faculty as you prepare research that may eventually be published or presented. This experience can help boost your résumé for graduate school or your career.
Admissions
Ready to get started on your application to the Joint NC State and UNC Asheville mechatronics program? You can begin by applying to UNC Asheville and expressing your interest in engineering. We can then assign an academic advisor, who will ensure you are enrolled in the correct engineering classes.
Once you complete the requirements, you can declare your major as mechatronics in the Joint NCSU/UNC Asheville Engineering Program.
Meet the UNC Asheville and NC State Faculty
Expert faculty from NC State and the University of North Carolina Asheville nurture mechatronic engineering students through their education at every step. Faculty bring a range of background knowledge from experience in engineering firms, software development, product development, NASA, Bell Labs, and more.
David Ramsey, Ph.D.
Director of Engineering
| Office: 204 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6944 |
| Email: dramsey2@unca.edu |
Linnea Linton
Associate Director of Engineering
| Office: 204G Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6943 |
| Email: llinton@unca.edu |
Karen Braswell
Program Assistant
| Office: 204 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6641 |
| Email: kbraswel@unca.edu |
Eli Buckner, Ph.D.
Lecturer of Engineering
| Office: 204D Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6744 |
| Email: ebuckner@unca.edu |
James Dale
Engineering Design Studio and Lab Manager
| Office: 052 Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3836 |
| Email: jdale2@unca.edu |
Eugene Ungar, Ph.D.
Adjunct Instructor of Engineering
| Office: 204F Rhoades/Robinson Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-7659 |
| Email: eungar@unca.edu |
Mechatronics Bachelor’s Degree Careers & Outcomes
Many engineering students find full-time employment through internships while earning their degree. Careers in engineering can be both challenging and rewarding as new machines and technologies emerge and innovative solutions drive progress. Students can also pursue roles related to sales, research, management, and more.
While some students may pursue graduate studies after completing their mechatronics degree, many leave with the educational preparation necessary to understand how their work affects society in the areas of ethics, and sustainability. This makes them excellent candidates for employment as mechatronics engineers. Using sensors, actuators, and microprocessors, mechatronics engineers design and develop high-performance systems in exciting industries ranging from mechanical and aerospace to automation and robotics.
Related Programs
Forge a Bright Future in the Joint Mechatronics Engineering Degree Program
Join the Joint NC State and UNC Asheville mechatronics engineering program and embark on a journey that transforms your passion for technology into real-world solutions. Here, your passion for engineering and sense of discovery fuel innovation. When you graduate, you enter the workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge to make your mark on the world.
Contact Us
| Engineering Department |
| Phone: 828.251.6749 |
| Email: engineering@unca.edu |
