Design Technology

Design Tech

Design Technology General Info

This unique program bridges the gap between production and engineering by creating a well-defined graduate who has knowledge of machining and computer aided drafting. The Design Technology program offers extensive “hands-on” and “hands-off” machining applications in both manual and computer-aided manufacturing.

You will learn to prepare detailed working drawings for the manufacturing industry. These drawings will be created in both two-dimensional and parametric modeling software, abiding by industry recognized standards. This two-year program will provide many interactive scenarios between machining and drafting. The program prides itself in operating state-of-the-art equipment and software currently being used by area manufacturers. This program benefits the student by increasing the skills needed in the machining and drafting worlds, allowing for a diversified graduate.

Graduating from the Design Technology program prepares you to work as a drafting technician, machinist, CNC programmer, shop supervisor, or to start your own business venture. This degree will allow the graduate numerous employment opportunities throughout the United States.

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THIS PROGRAM QUALIFIES. Iowa needs people like you to fill exciting jobs in growing industries. To help keep Iowa moving forward, you can get free tuition for programs that lead to high-demand jobs and good-paying careers. Earn a one-year or two-year degree—all with free tuition. For a full list of every NCC program that qualifies for the Future Ready Iowa Scholarship – click here

Want to learn more about our Design Technology program?

Request your free information packet now

Award

  • Associate of Applied Science Degree
  • Diploma option is available after two semesters and one summer term
  • Option to earn Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology through Dordt College

Length

  • Four Semesters & One Summer Term
  • Fall semester entry

Student Profile

  • Likes to build
  • Able to figure out how things work
  • Problem solver
  • Good visualization skills
  • Accepts math challenges

Program Location

  • This program is available on campus. General education courses are available online.

Contact Admissions

Student Story Christian Krejci

“I started getting interested in it from my industrial arts classes in high school. I like the combination of working with my hands and being creative. We get to make something from nothing!”

Design Technology student
Spencer, IA

Christian Krejci

Requirements for this program

Course #TitleCredits
FIRST YEAR
FALL SEMESTER19-20
CAD167-EIntroduction to Parametric Modeling5
MFG150-CApplied Math for Manufacturing2
OR
EGR400-EIntro to Engineering PLTW3
MFG122-EMachine Trade Printreading I3
MFG185-EOSHA/Shop Safety2
MFG191-CManufacturing Processes5
MFG194-EInspection Processes2
SPRING SEMESTER19
CAD231-CGeometric Dimension & Tolerancing4
CAD246-CParametric CAD I3
CAD248-CParametric CAD II3
MFG325-ECAM I3
MFG263-ECNC Mill Programming & Setup3
MFG264-ECNC Lathe Programming & Setup3
SUMMER TERM9
ElectiveCommunications*3
ElectiveMath*3
ATR102-CIntroduction to Robotics3
SECOND YEAR
FALL SEMESTER16
EGR450-EPLTW—Computer Integrated Manufacturing CIM
3
OR
MFG146-CAutomated Manufacturing Systems3
MFG429-CTooling Design & Build4
CAD101-EIntroduction to CAD3
ElectiveHumanities**3
ElectiveGeneral Education**3
SPRING SEMESTER16
EGR470-EPLTW—Engineering Design & Development3
OR
MFG220-CDesign Technology Final Design Project3
MFG455-EIndustrial Plastic & Injection Molding4
MFG548-EFluid Power3
WEL265-CIntroduction to Welding & Fabrication3
ElectiveCommunications**3
Total Credits79

**You may select any math or communications course with A, C, or E suffix.
**You must take course with an A or E suffix.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is demand for employees with these skills here in northwest Iowa and throughout the U.S. You could work in a small or large company as a drafting technician, machinist, CNC programmer, shop supervisor; or you start your own business.

The expected salary range is between $66,000 – $68,000 per year.

You will start off in machining, with lots of hands-on projects. Then you will learn how to make a blueprint. You’ll take two classes of computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs as well as electives.
This is a comprehensive program, offering you a full drafting and a full machining course. NCC’s machine shop is high tech, so you’ll learn on equipment that’s up-to-date with that found out in industry.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office will work with you to reach the goal of attending college. Federal and state programs, scholarships and other funding sources, may be available to help you to afford college. We know there are a lot of questions and stress planning to pay for a college education. The Financial Aid Office staff administers aid programs and counsels students in planning individual methods of meeting college costs. Contact the Financial Aid Office for answers to any questions regarding financial aid. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started! Northwest Iowa Community College follows a nationally accepted philosophy in administering financial aid programs.

Your Instructors

Ryan Steffen

Willis Radtke