Robotics Engineering Major in Pennsylvania
Are you interested in robotics and automated systems? The Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering degree (BSRE) at Messiah University will prepare you to solve complex engineering problems as you integrate your Christian faith in the classroom.
Study Robotics Engineering at a Christian University
As a robotics engineering major at Messiah University, one of the top Christian universities in the U.S., you will be prepared to enter the engineering or manufacturing workforce. Robotics engineering, also known as mechatronics, is a combination of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer programming. In this major, you will study in a Christian college environment and explore robotics and automation through the use of software strategically managing sensors and actuators in the system. If you are interested in designing, building and programming robotic systems, this major is right for you!
As a robotics engineering major or minor at Messiah University, you'll be able to:
- Study in a program that has been named an “Engineering College of Distinction” by Colleges of Distinction for 2023-2024 and a “Top Undergraduate Engineering Program in the U.S.” by U.S. News & World Report.
- Participate in the Integrated Projects Curriculum (IPC) in partnership with the Collaboratory, which provides all engineering students with a five-semester sequence of credit-bearing opportunities to use what you learn in the classroom to solve real-world problems for local and international clients. Students have created prosthetic limbs using biomedical engineering, designed and constructed multiple bridges in developing countries, created a low-cost filter system for drinking water and more!
- Learn to use industry-standard computer design tools.
- Experiment with new ideas and concepts in state-of-the-art laboratories intentionally designed for the undergraduate experience, including a newly renovated Robotics lab.
- Grow practical skills in an updated, undergraduate-focused in-house machine shop and use advanced manufacturing tools such as computer-numeric control (CNC) and rapid prototyping machines.
- Learn from caring, Christian and teaching-focused faculty.
- Take part in rigorous undergraduate research opportunities.
As a graduate of the robotics engineering program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:
- Automation engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Industrial engineer
- Systems engineer
- Product development engineer
- Control and instrumentation engineer
Our program takes very seriously our role in helping you with career preparation and your career search.
- Every Tuesday, we host a Professional Development Hour in which a professional from an engineering industry talks about his or her daily work, company and career preparation. This encourages students to become career-minded early in their education, and provides a networking opportunity if they choose to connect with the presenter.
- Each October, Messiah hosts a career expo that often includes many employers seeking to hire engineers.
- We actively coach students on how to share their Collaboratory Project experience with prospective employers so that they are equipped to represent well the project work they have done in a way that connects with industry professionals.
- We strongly encourage students to pursue internship opportunities, typically over the summer, during their engineering program. Faculty advisors assist with internship placement as able, including referring students to alumni and other professional contacts.
For more information on career planning for the engineering program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center.
Most students pursue a summer internship in their area of interest during their time in our program, and Messiah's nationally recognized internship program is happy to help. Students have recently interned with companies such as:
- Stanley Black & Decker
- Phoenix Contact
- TE Connectivity
- Johnson Controls.
Messiah University is currently accredited by ABET to offer the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree (BSE), along with discipline-specific degrees in Biomedical (BSBME), Civil (BSCE), Electrical (BSEE), and Mechanical (BSME) Engineering. The Robotics Engineering degree (BSRE) cannot be reviewed for accreditation until the first student cohort graduates. Program leadership has designed the new degree with accreditation expectations in mind. We anticipate an accreditation review for the BSRE program to follow graduation of our first class of students, anticipated to be May 2025.
Why study robotics engineering?
By studying robotics engineering, also known as mechatronics, you’ll learn to apply engineering principles to build, design and program robotic systems using the latest technology. You’ll take courses such as robotic systems, control systems and industrial automation to understand how to create machines that can interact with the environment using a combination of technical knowledge and engineering expertise. While gaining your education, you’ll also put your skills to use in the Collaboratory as you find solutions to technical, social, environmental and economic problems. Learn more about why Messiah’s engineering program is unique and how the Collaboratory helps prepare you for a successful career with these FAQ videos!
Test optional policy for undergraduates
Messiah University's test-optional policy enables first-year students to receive admission, secure scholarships and compete for the Messiah University Honors Program without submitting standardized tests.
Learn more when you check out our Test Optional Policy FAQ.
In the Robotics Engineering program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.
Course options for Robotics Engineering
Robotics Engineering (B.S.R.E.)
Careers and outcomes
Where our grads work
Graduates of this program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.
95% of the Class of 2024 respondents were employed or in graduate school within 6-9 months of graduation.
Our Alumni
Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.
Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning
Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.
Practical experience through The Collaboratory
Starting your second year, you’ll work on projects that meet the needs of a real-world client in a Christian missions context. You will be offered the opportunity to begin using your engineering skills right away, not only in Pennsylvania, but around the world. When you finish your degree, you’ll walk into your first job with a complete project management and technical application experience.
Participate in the Integrated Projects Curriculum (IPC) in partnership with the Collaboratory, which provides all engineering students with a five-semester sequence of credit-bearing opportunities to use what you learn in the classroom to solve authentic problems for local and international clients such as building prosthetics, wheelchairs and more. Don't want to wait until sophomore year? You can start volunteering in the Collaboratory as a first-year student!
Modern facilities
In addition, you’ll get to use our specialized facilities, including a professionally staffed machine shop; state-of-the-art mechanical, electrical, environmental, biomedical and robotics engineering labs; industry-standard engineering software and in-house circuit prototyping equipment.
Diverse coursework
To meet the engineering degree requirements, you’ll take 15 pre-engineering courses and eight upper-level engineering courses. Then, you’ll finish the degree with nine courses in the biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, environmental or mechanical concentrations.
Continually recognized as a top engineering degree program by U.S. News and World Report, our engineering courses provide a balance of technical knowledge, broad education and Christian faith, in addition to you getting the opportunity to apply your knowledge to service projects in real, tangible ways through the University’s unique Integrated Projects Curriculum (IPC).