State ranking · 2026

Best Mechatronics Programs in California, Ranked (2026)

A state-level comparison of mechatronics, automation, and robotics programs headquartered in California. Each listing links to the school’s own program page, so you can verify curriculum, tuition, delivery format, and admissions details before applying.

Quick answer

14 maintained school records are currently linked for California. Use the links to verify practical requirements and current program details directly with the institution.

The best current program matches in California

These 14 school-linked records are ranked through the Mechatronics Guide Index and were reviewed August 14, 2026. The institution’s own page remains the primary source for current facts.

How the state order works: Each record receives credit for the same seven documented signals used across Mechatronics Guide: accreditation, program leadership, advancement pathways, practical delivery, employer connection, affordability, and reputation. Decimal values reflect partial credit for evidence in a record, not a promise of outcomes.

best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Mechatronics

Chaffey College · Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Chaffey College's Mechatronics program is one of three Industrial Electrical Technology (IET) tracks (Industrial Electrical, Electromechanical, Mechatronics) housed in the same department. Chaffey's InTech Center runs a registered apprenticeship pipeline funded by a $500K mechatronics grant, with regional manufacturing/logistics employer partnerships in the Inland Empire.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Mechatronics

Sierra College · Rocklin, CA

Sierra College's AS in Mechatronics emphasizes robotics and industrial automation through industrial-quality labs. Feeder program for the Sacramento-area manufacturing corridor in Placer County. AA/AS degree available plus shorter stackable certificates within the same pathway.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Mechatronics/Industrial Automation

Clovis Community College · Fresno, CA

Clovis Community College's Mechatronics/Industrial Automation AS uses an Allen-Bradley/Rockwell-equipped 'mini-factory' lab. Six stacked credentials (job-skills, certificate, AS) let students earn-then-stack credentials throughout the pathway. Clovis cites graduates landing $20-32/hour starting wages with local Fresno-area manufacturers.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best abet eac mechatronics engineering programs

BS in Mechatronics Engineering

California State University, Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA

CSU Monterey Bay's BS in Mechatronics Engineering is one of only three Mechatronics Engineering programs in the entire California State University system. The interdisciplinary curriculum fuses mechanical engineering, electronics, and computer science with strong emphasis on embedded systems, robotics, automation, and control theory. Hands-on training, internships, and a required year-long senior capstone project anchor the experience. Central California location puts graduates within commuting distance of Silicon Valley and the broader Bay Area employer base. CSU public tuition (~$7,200/year in-state) keeps EAC-accredited mechatronics engineering accessible.

Published tuition
$7,236/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
EAC
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best mechatronics certificate programs

Mechatronics Certificate of Achievement

Cuyamaca College · El Cajon, CA

Cuyamaca College's Mechatronics Certificate of Achievement is unusually housed in the Computer Science department (most mechatronics programs sit in industrial tech or engineering). Positioned for students designing automatic electromechanical devices in advanced manufacturing across the San Diego corridor.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best mechatronics certificate programs

Certificate of Achievement: Automation Technician - Mechatronics

San Joaquin Delta College · Stockton, CA

Shorter certificate of achievement at San Joaquin Delta College that stacks into the Automation Technology - Mechatronics AS. 12-18 month timeline for fast entry into Central Valley manufacturing.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation

Cypress College · Cypress, CA

Cypress College's AS in Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation prepares students for smart-operator and system-technician roles inside the North Orange County CCD. Sits in the engineering catalog (not industrial tech), so credits transfer cleanly into BS pathways at CSU campuses. California Community College residents pay around $1,380/year at $46/unit.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best abet eac mechatronics engineering programs

BS in Mechatronic Engineering

California State University, Chico · Chico, CA

California State University Chico runs one of California's three EAC-accredited standalone mechatronics BS degrees (alongside CSU Channel Islands and CSU Monterey Bay). Housed in the Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing Department, with the MECA 440 capstone design and fabrication sequence anchoring the senior year. Serves Sacramento Valley and North State manufacturers.

Published tuition
$7,200/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
EAC
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best abet eac mechatronics engineering programs

BS in Mechatronics Engineering

California State University Channel Islands · Camarillo, CA

CSU Channel Islands is one of only three California State University campuses offering a Mechatronics Engineering BS, alongside CSU Monterey Bay and a small handful of other CSUs. Public-tuition pricing under $7,500/year in-state makes this one of the most affordable EAC-accredited mechatronics engineering bachelor's degrees in the country. The program is housed inside the Computer Science department and emphasizes small-cohort delivery (~24 students) with strong access to faculty. Coursework spans computer hardware, electronics, and mechanical engineering integration toward robotics and automated-systems design careers.

Published tuition
$7,218/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
EAC
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most affordable mechatronics bachelors programs

BS in Electromechanical Systems Engineering Technology

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona · Pomona, CA

Cal Poly Pomona's BS in Electromechanical Systems Engineering Technology is one of only a handful of ETAC-accredited electromechanical/mechatronics-flavored BS programs in California. Housed in CPP's Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology Department. Strong placement into Southern California manufacturing and aerospace cluster including SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon.

Published tuition
$7,200/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ETAC
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best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Mechatronics

Solano Community College · Fairfield, CA

Solano Community College's Mechatronics AS curriculum spans digital electronics, process control, PLC programming, SCADA, and alarm management. Markets explicit Industry 4.0 framing. Bay Area / Sacramento delta industrial corridor placement, including Travis AFB civilian work.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best abet eac mechatronics engineering programs

BS in Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronics Concentration

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo · San Luis Obispo, CA

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a Mechatronics Concentration inside its EAC-accredited BS in Mechanical Engineering. Concentration is not a standalone degree, but the EAC mechanical engineering credential combined with mechatronics-focused upper-division coursework prepares students for intelligent product design in factory automation, robotics, hybrid vehicles, and alternative energy. Bently Center industry partnerships.

Published tuition
$10,800/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
EAC
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best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Automation Technology - Mechatronics

San Joaquin Delta College · Stockton, CA

San Joaquin Delta College's Automation Technology - Mechatronics AS chains AC/DC analysis to robotics/automation/mechatronics systems (ELECT 17 to ELECT 18), plus PLC and motors. Central Valley food-processing and logistics feeder. Stockton-area location with strong cost-of-living advantages.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
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best mechatronics associate programs

AS in Engineering Mechatronics Technology

Santa Ana College · Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana College's Engineering Mechatronics Technology AS is housed in the engineering department (not industrial tech), covering Arduino microcontrollers, sensors/actuators, PLC, rapid prototyping. Preps for mechanical or electro-mechanical technician roles across the Orange County aerospace/defense supplier corridor.

Published tuition
$1,380/yr
Format
on-campus
Accreditation
ACCJC
Visit official program

How should you compare options in California?

Choose the responsibility level first: a short credential, an associate pathway into maintenance and automation work, or an engineering-focused bachelor’s or graduate degree. Then compare the current curriculum, lab access, employer-connected learning, total cost, and your ability to complete practical requirements.

Related rankings and accreditation guidance

Degree level

Mechatronics Certificates

Shorter certificate pathways can help a working learner build specific skills, but they are not interchangeable with an accredited degree or a documented apprenticeship.

Degree level

Best Mechatronics Associate Degree Programs

A mechatronics associate degree is commonly the practical entry point for automation and maintenance roles. Look closely at lab time, industrial controls exposure, and local employer partnerships.

Degree level

Best Mechatronics Bachelor’s Degree Programs

A mechatronics bachelor’s degree typically adds calculus, engineering analysis, design, and systems thinking to the applied automation core.

Accreditation

ABET-EAC engineering programs

Compare engineering-focused programs using a separate, source-linked ranking.

Delivery format

Online mechatronics programs

Review the practical requirements behind “online” claims.

Work pathway

Programs with apprenticeships

Explore documented earn-while-you-learn signals.

Availability note: This page does not claim that every online program can enroll residents of California. State authorization, lab/residency requirements, and professional requirements must be verified with the institution before enrollment.