Do you dream of creating products that will change the world? Look no further than Snead State Community College!
Earn your Associate in Applied Science degree in Machine Tool Technology for skills training for the real world that will lead to a high-demand career. Machine tooling is a method for handling or machining metal or other rigid materials, usually by cutting, boring, grinding, shearing, or other forms of deformations.
Machine tools employ some sort of tool that does the cutting or shaping. This can be completed manually or with the use of Computer Numerical Control (CNC). CNC is the automated control of tools by means of a computer. It is used to operate tools such as drills, lathes, mills, grinders, routers, and 3D printers. The Machine Tool Technology pathway is a skilled career focus program with short-term credentials built into the Associate in Applied Science curriculum.
Job Outlook in Machine Tool Technology
Machine technicians have endless opportunities to design and improve products, analyze situations, and find creative solutions. With this training, graduates have the option to work in aerospace, architecture, automotive, manufacturing, and more. The average salary for those working in Machine Tool Technology is about $49,000-$77,000 per year. Positions for Machine Tool Technicians are expected to increase 7.8 percent through 2030. Within a 60-mile radius of Snead State’s campus, 284 unique job postings were available from January 2023 to April 2024 in Machine Tool Technology.
Potential Careers Include:
- Mill & Lathe Technician
- Tool & Die Maker
- Millwright
- Machine Operator
- CNC Programmer
- CNC Machinist
Master Schedule for Associate in Applied Science
Below is the recommended schedule for students pursuing a Machine Tool Technology AAS degree. Following the master schedule will ensure degree completion within two academic years (five semesters). Because courses aren’t offered every semester, it’s important for students to follow the recommended schedule to stay on track for completion.
Required Academic Hours: 15-16
Required Core Hours: 55
Total Degree Hours: 70-71
Fall First-Year Students
| COURSE TYPE | COURSE NAME | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Core | MTT 121 Basic Print Reading for Machinists | 3 |
| Core | MTT 127 Metrology | 3 |
| Core | MTT 128 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing I | 3 |
| Core | MTT 139 Basic Computer Numerical Control | 3 |
| Academic | MTH 100, 110, 112, 113, 116, or 125 | 3 |
Spring First-Year Students
| COURSE TYPE | COURSE NAME | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Core | MTT 147 Introduction to Machine Shop I | 3 |
| Core | MTT 148 Introduction to Machine Shop I Lab | 3 |
| Core | MTT 202 Machine Maintenance and Repair | 3 |
| Core | MTT 108 Machine Handbook Functions I | 3 |
| Academic | AST, BIO, CHM, GEO 101, MTH 100, PHS, OR PHY | 3-4 |
Summer First-Year Students
| COURSE TYPE | COURSE NAME | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Core | MTT 149 Introduction to Machine Shop II | 3 |
| Core | MTT 150 Introduction to Machine Shop II Lab | 3 |
| Core | MTT 162 Precision Grinding | 3 |
| Core | MTT 154 Metallurgy | 3 |
Fall Second-Year Students
| COURSE TYPE | COURSE NAME | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Core | MTT 123 Engine Lathe Lab I | 3 |
| Core | MTT 137 Milling I | 3 |
| Core | MTT 138 Milling I Lab | 3 |
| Academic | ENG 101 | 3 |
Spring Second-Year Students
| COURSE TYPE | COURSE NAME | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Core | MTT 140 Basic Computer Numerical Control Turning Programming I | 3 |
| Core | MTT 219 Computer Numerical Control Graphics: Turning | 3 |
| Core | MTT 141 Basic Computer Numeric Control Milling Programming I | 3 |
| Core | MTT 241 CNC Milling Lab I | 3 |
| Academic | Hum/Fine Arts – ART, FRN, HUM, MUS, PHL, THR | 3 |
| Academic | ANT, ECO, GEO 100, HIS, POL, SOC | 3 |
Certificates
The Machine Tool Technology pathway has built-in certificate credentials that students can use to add to their skill set to aid in finding employment. The certificate options include a short-term certificate in Machine Tool that can be completed in one semester (12 credit hours) and a short-term certificate as a Machine Tool Technician, that can be completed within two semesters (24 credit hours).
Earn As You Learn
A valuable resource for students within the Machine Tool Technology pathway is the option to earn as they learn through Snead State’s apprenticeship program. Students who qualify to work as apprentices are paired with participating industries to work within their field of study for a competitive wage, gaining practical experience that will aid them in securing employment after completing their AAS degree.
For More Information
For more information about the Machine Tool Technology Associate in Applied Science Degree Pathway, contact Machine Tool Technology Instructor Dewayne Harris at dewayne.harris@snead.edu or Dean of Career and Technical Education/Workforce Development Dr. Greg Randall at greg.randall@snead.edu or (256) 840-4166.