We are excited to announce that the automation and electrical technology (AET) program has transferred to the Department of Technology Management and Mechatronics (TMM) as of July 1, 2025.
Dear Students and Community Members,
Utah Valley University (UVU) takes great pride in aligning its educational programs with the needs of local businesses and industry. We are excited to announce that the automation and electrical technology (AET) program has transferred to the Department of Technology Management and Mechatronics (TMM) as of July 1, 2025.
Although the AET program is scheduled by the Utah System of Higher Education to discontinue as it exists now due to our current institutional mission and overlap with technical colleges, current and future students can still receive the same industry skill sets that the AET program formally delivered.
Beginning in fall 2026, the mechatronics engineering technology (MECH) program will offer an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in mechatronics engineering technology with an emphasis in automation and electrical technology. Relevant courses from AET are being combined with those of MECH to create a stronger core skill set. The updated MECH programs are well-positioned to integrate applied artificial intelligence (AI) due to MECH’s collaboration with Technology Management, which is leading many applied AI initiatives on campus, in our service area, and in the state. This can be particularly attractive to industry as the AI trends move from pure information processing to AI-driven programmable automation like AI robots.
The A.A.S. in mechatronics engineering technology with an emphasis in automation and electrical technology prepares students to work with electrical and mechanical systems in industrial automation environments, including programmable controllers and industrial motor control technology. Students gain practical experience in system design, troubleshooting, wiring, repair, and configuration of industrial devices and control systems. Coursework emphasizes applied electrical mathematics, industrial wiring, and mechanical drafting, while introducing automation topics such as control devices, basic networking, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) connectivity. Graduates are prepared for careers as automation technicians, control systems specialists, and industrial maintenance technologists, or may continue into UVU’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in mechatronics engineering technology.
We recognize that the rebranding of the AET program may bring uncertainty. Students, businesses, and industries can continue to expect well-prepared graduates in the disciplines of automation and electrical technology, as well as mechatronics. For additional information or concerns, please contact the program coordinator, Rawan Al-Nsour, Ph.D.
Dr. Susan L. Thackeray
Associate Professor
Department Chair
Technology Management
Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Smith College of Engineering and Technology
Utah Valley University
800 West University Parkway
Orem, Utah 84058-6703
Office: 801.863.8906
Mobile: 801.360.4484
[email protected]
Dr. Anne Arendt
Associate Dean – Student Affairs
Smith College of Engineering and Technology
Utah Valley University
800 West University Parkway
Orem, Utah 84058-6703
Office: 801.863.5418
[email protected]
