Best Mechatronics Bachelor's Programs in Oklahoma, Ranked (2026)

The best mechatronics bachelor's program in Oklahoma, ranked

OSU's BSET in Mechatronics and Robotics is the only mechatronics-titled four-year degree in Oklahoma. The program launched in 2022 and is part of OSU's broader School of Materials, Mechatronics and Manufacturing Engineering.

Why Oklahoma is becoming a mechatronics state

Oklahoma's engineering employment has historically clustered around oil-and-gas and aerospace defense work, both of which use mechatronics-trained engineers but without dedicated state-level training programs. Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City is the largest single employer in Oklahoma (about 26,000 employees), with major engineering operations in aircraft sustainment, weapons systems, and software. Boeing Oklahoma City supports B-1 and B-52 modifications and has hundreds of engineering positions.

What's changing the OK mechatronics picture: emerging EV manufacturing investment. Canoo's planned Oklahoma manufacturing operations, plus GMC Hummer EV battery cell manufacturing at the MidAmerica Industrial Park, are creating new mechatronics-engineering demand. OSU's 2022 launch of the BSET MERO program was directly tied to this demand signal, Oklahoma's economic development agencies pushed for dedicated mechatronics training to feed the emerging EV-and-battery hiring wave.

OSU's BSET MERO: how the first mechatronics BS in Oklahoma came about

Oklahoma State announced the BSET in Mechatronics and Robotics in 2022, structured as a 121-credit interdisciplinary engineering-technology degree. The program lives inside the School of Materials, Mechatronics and Manufacturing Engineering, which itself was reorganized to support the new mechatronics-and-robotics focus.

Curriculum design draws from electrical, mechanical, control systems, and computer engineering technology disciplines, with heavy emphasis on industry-oriented hands-on projects. The program is positioned to feed Tinker AFB engineering hiring, Boeing OK City modifications work, the broader OK aerospace supply chain, plus the emerging EV-and-battery manufacturing employer base.

Because the program is new (just a few years old), the alumni network is still building. Early cohorts have placed into Oklahoma-area aerospace and manufacturing positions, with placement expected to expand as the EV employer base matures through 2030.

Top Oklahoma employers hiring mechatronics engineers

Tinker Air Force Base (Oklahoma City)

The largest single employer in Oklahoma at about 26,000 employees. Tinker is the depot for B-1 Lancer, B-52 Stratofortress, KC-135 Stratotanker, and E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft, plus engine maintenance for multiple platforms. Mechatronics engineering positions span aircraft maintenance automation, testing equipment, weapon systems, and aerospace electronics. Federal government employment with strong job security and retirement benefits.

Boeing Oklahoma City

Boeing OK City supports B-1 and B-52 sustainment programs plus other Air Force modifications. Engineering positions across mechanical and avionics systems integration. Located adjacent to Tinker AFB to support shared aerospace operations.

Spirit AeroSystems (just over the KS border)

Spirit AeroSystems Wichita is functionally part of the OK-area aerospace employer market. Builds Boeing 737 fuselages and other major aerostructures. Tulsa-area OK residents have reasonable access to Wichita engineering positions.

OG&E and OK energy sector

Oklahoma Gas & Electric, plus the broader OK oil-and-gas sector. Mechatronics engineering positions in power generation automation, refinery process control, and pipeline monitoring. Stable employment with strong overtime opportunities.

Devon Energy, Chesapeake Energy (Oklahoma City)

Oil-and-gas headquarters with engineering operations supporting upstream and midstream automation. Mechatronics-adjacent work in production engineering and pipeline systems.

Emerging EV employers

Canoo planned Oklahoma manufacturing operations. GMC Hummer EV battery cell manufacturing planned for MidAmerica Industrial Park (south of Tulsa). These are still ramping but represent the future of OK mechatronics employment through 2030.

American Airlines (Tulsa Maintenance Base)

One of American Airlines' largest aircraft maintenance bases. Mechatronics engineering positions in aircraft maintenance tooling and automation.

Mechatronics engineer salary in Oklahoma

• Mechanical Engineers (SOC 17-2141) in OK: median around $85,000 to $95,000.
• Engineers, All Other (SOC 17-2199, includes mechatronics engineers) in OK: median around $87,000 to $97,000.
• Electrical Engineers (SOC 17-2071) in OK: median around $90,000 to $100,000.
• Entry-level BS graduate wages: $62,000 to $75,000 typical in OK aerospace and manufacturing. Tinker AFB federal positions plus oil-and-gas engineering pay at the upper end.
• Cost of living in Oklahoma City and Tulsa runs around 86-90 percent of US average, giving Oklahoma engineering wages strong purchasing-power outcomes.

Paying for OSU's mechatronics bachelor's

• OSU in-state tuition: around $10,500 per year. Out-of-state about $26,000.
• Oklahoma's Promise: covers full tuition at OK public colleges for income-eligible OK residents who commit during 8th-10th grade and complete required coursework. Major value for OK families.
• Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG): need-based state aid for OK residents.
• Academic Scholars Program: OK merit-based state scholarship for top-tier in-state students.
• Federal Pell Grants: up to $7,395 per year for eligible students.

Best Oklahoma cities for mechatronics careers

Stillwater

Home to Oklahoma State University. College town with limited local mechatronics employer base, but most graduates relocate to OKC, Tulsa, or out-of-state for first jobs.

Oklahoma City

State capital. Tinker AFB, Boeing OK City, Devon Energy, Chesapeake. Highest engineering employment density in Oklahoma.

Tulsa

American Airlines Tulsa Maintenance Base. NORDAM (aerostructures). ONEOK energy. Plus diversified manufacturing base. Second-highest engineering employment in OK.

MidAmerica Industrial Park (Pryor, south of Tulsa)

Emerging EV-and-battery manufacturing site. Major mechatronics hiring wave expected through 2030.

How we ranked Oklahoma mechatronics programs

Every program scored on our 7-factor methodology: accreditation (25 percent), program leadership (15 percent), pathways and laddering (15 percent), delivery format (15 percent), employer signal (15 percent), cost and affordability (10 percent), reputation (5 percent). See the full methodology breakdown. OSU's MERO program is new (2022) so the leadership factor scores lower than older established programs, but accreditation (ETAC) and cost (public tuition) score well.

Oklahoma mechatronics bachelor's: frequently asked questions

Sources

• BLS OEWS for SOC 17-2141, 17-2199, 17-2071 in Oklahoma, May 2024 release.
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce: state manufacturing employment and EV investment data.
• Oklahoma State BSET in Mechatronics and Robotics program page.
• OSU MERO program launch announcement (2022).
• ABET Accredited Program Search: OSU MERO ETAC accreditation status.
• HLC: Higher Learning Commission institutional accreditation for Oklahoma State.
• Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education: Oklahoma's Promise, OTAG, and Academic Scholars eligibility rules.