Manufacturing Technology Program

The Manufacturing Technology program emphasizes basic engineering principles, technical skills, and identifying and resolving production problems in product manufacturing.

Degrees and certificates are available in automated manufacturing, drafting and design, manufacturing technology, manufacturing engineering technology, mold making and tool and die making. Students will take manufacturing technology courses in blueprint reading, industrial design, basic robotics, technical mechanics and quality control.

College of DuPage also has manufacturing technology transfer agreements available with other colleges and universities, enabling you to transfer to another institution to earn your bachelor's degree seamlessly and at a lower cost.

If you're still in high school, our Taking Back the Trades program lets you to take advanced manufacturing courses before you graduate. You’ll get hands-on experience with robotics, computer automation and design software to discover how technology and creativity come together. Learn how to get started with Taking Back the Trades.

Determine Your Path

Modern manufacturing jobs require a higher level of skill due to rapidly evolving technologies. The manufacturing industry now offers better pay, better working conditions and greater advancement opportunities than ever before.

Whether you are preparing for a career in manufacturing, planning to transfer to a four-year institution or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. COD offers:

Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
Flexible schedules with day, evening, weekend and online learning.
Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
Partnerships with more than a dozen local manufacturing firms prepare students and workers for employment and advancement through apprenticeship programs, grants and tuition reimbursement for employees.
An Advisory Committee made up of industry professionals ensures that College of DuPage’s Manufacturing program offers up-to-date training on equipment and in skills that are relevant and in demand by today’s employers.

Automated Manufacturing Systems, A.A.S.

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the students for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This degree requires 66 credits in program requirements, program electives and general education in the courses listed below.

Automated Manufacturing Systems, Certificate

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This certificate requires 35 credits in the courses listed below.

CNC Job Readiness, Certificate

The CNC Job Readiness Certificate will provide students with an introduction to and hands-on experience with workplace safety, precision measurement, print interpretation, and precision machining. Students successfully completing the certificate will obtain skills that will prepare them for an entry level CNC machining position.

CNC Operations, Certificate

Students will learn operations of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) controlled machining and turning centers. The CNC Operations Certificate requires 17 credits from the courses listed below.

Computer-Aided Design, Certificate

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This certificate requires 24 credits in the courses listed below.

Drafting/Design, Certificate

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This certificate requires 38 credits in the courses listed below.

Manufacturing Engineering Technology, A.A.S.

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This degree requires 65 credits in program requirements and general education in the courses listed below.

Manufacturing Skills Standards, Certificate

This certificate provides the technical knowledge required for achievement of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification and requires seven credits in the courses listed below.

Manufacturing Technology Drafting/Design, A.A.S.

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This degree requires 65 credits in program requirements, program electives and general education in the courses listed below.

Manufacturing Technology, A.A.S.

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry-level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. The Manufacturing Technology degree requires 65 credits in program requirements, program electives and general education in the courses listed below.

Manufacturing Technology, Certificate

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. This certificate provides a foundation for the four degree options in the program: Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology.

Mold Making, Certificate

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This certificate requires 31 credits in the courses listed below.

Tool and Die Making, Certificate

The Manufacturing Technology program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. The four degree options in the program are Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Automated Manufacturing is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control. Drafting/Design prepares the student for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. Manufacturing Technology provides the student with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel. The Manufacturing Engineering Technology degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. This certificate requires 31 credits in the courses listed below.

COD Stories

"It was a journey for me, working full time and going to COD four days a week. But COD was there all the way with me, helping me and even helping me get a position in a company where I could have a career.” - Filip Bednarz

Filip's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in manufacturing technology is to apply for admission.

Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.

Manufacturing Technology Program graduates will:

Demonstrate knowledge of basic OSHA requirements, general shop safety, and machine tool safety procedures
Interpret basic part prints and/or technical drawing including Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD & T) and apply the information as it relates to gauging, dimensioning, and tolerancing.
Apply a working knowledge of basic measuring and inspection tools and use appropriate measuring devises to confirm a part’s compliance to required specifications including GD&T symbols.
Perform mathematical calculations that result in production parts that meet specific industry standards and specifications.
Demonstrate entry-level skills to setup and operate machine tools.
Interpret CNC G & M code programs and apply editing procedures as needed.
Use basic communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to understand technical manuals and written work instructions while interacting within a team/group environment.

College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing technology. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.

For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.

Articulation Agreements

College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.

Transfer Guides

Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.

Tour the Manufacturing Lab

The Manufacturing Lab offers state-of-the-art industry standard equipment. Watch a video to learn about the tools you'll be able to work with as a manufacturing student.

Career Information

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