Mechanical Design Technology

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster Icon

Why choose Mechanical Design Technology?

  • A great start to pursuing a pathway in engineering.
  • High earning potential with room for growth.
  • Perfect for those with interest in design and design process.
  • Manufacturing careers are in high demand in central Wisconsin.
Mechanical designers are on the forefront of product innovation. They combine design skills and mechanics to develop the visual plans engineers need to create specific parts, products, and systems.

Program Locations

AMETA™ Center
5000 Coye Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481

What You'll Learn

This program prepares graduates to work with engineers to design, prepare, develop, and test all types of machines and products. Students learn to apply knowledge of mechanical engineering technology and use 2D and 3D computer-aided design applications. They also learn about manufacturing processes, material strength, basic mechanisms, and three-dimensional modeling.

You’ll gain an understanding of complex systems and how parts and pieces work together. You will also learn about and use research and development (R&D) processes, such as prototyping, testing, and QA, and how these are applied in the world of manufacturing. Hands-on projects include building parts to make mechanical systems as well as first-hand experience with scanning and modeling parts, 3D printing parts, and additive manufacturing.

Outcomes

  • Prepare detail and assembly drawings of mechanical components and products.
  • Analyze mechanical engineering problems.
  • Design mechanical components, products, and systems.
  • Create CAD (computer-aided design) geometry, parts, and assemblies.

Employability Skills

  • Behave Responsibly: Ethical Behavior, Self-Responsibility, Conflict Resolution, Collaboration
  • Communicate Effectively: Writing, Technical Documentation, Listening, Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Reading
  • Critical & Creative Thinking: Inquiry, Evidence Collection, Analysis, Reasoning, Reflection (Metacognition)
  • Cultural, Social, & Global Awareness: Global Awareness, Social & Cultural Awareness, Social Responsibility
  • Use Appropriate Technology: Use of Technology, Confidentiality, Security, Digital Civility

Learn more about employability skills at Mid-State.

Estimated Entire Program Cost

Cost based on the 2024/25 academic year.

  • Tuition & Fees: $10,276.92
  • Books: $2,000.00
  • Supplies, Uniforms, and/or Exams: $0
  • Total Estimated Cost: $12,276.92

Financial Aid Eligibility

This program is eligible for full Financial Aid

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about Cost of Attendance, an estimated budget that includes categories of expenses a student can expect to incur while attending. 

This course has options available to receive credit for prior learning (CPL) or work experience.

Term: 1
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10804118 Intermediate Algebra with Applications  4
  10801136 English Composition 1  3
  10623106 Introduction to AutoCAD 1
  10623114 Intro to Inventor 1
  10420101 Manufacturing Processes - Machining 2
  10606163 Materials of Industry 2
  10606164 Technical Detailing 2
  Term Total   15 Credits
       
Term: 2
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10804196 Trigonometry with Applications 3
  10809166 Introduction to Ethics: Theory and Application  3
-or- 10809172 Introduction to Diversity Studies  3
  10606106 Intermediate AutoCAD 2
  10606145 Applied Mechanics 2
  10606114 Machine Design 1 2
  10457119 Fabrication Fundamentals 1 1
  10457120 Fabrication Fundamentals 2 1
  10606131 Strengths of Materials 3
  Term Total   17 Credits
       
Term: 3
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10806143 College Physics 1 3
-or- 10806154 General Physics 1  4
  10801196 Oral/Interpersonal Communication  3
-or- 10801198 Speech  3
  10606117 Designing for Manufacturability 3
  10606115 Machine Design 2 3
  10606165 Intro to Solidworks 1
  10606119 Mechanisms 3
  10623176 Quality Assurance 1
  Term Total   17-18 Credits
       
Term: 4
  Catalog# Title Credits
  10809198 Introduction to Psychology  3
-or- 10809188 Developmental Psychology  3
  10606113 Tool and Fixture Design 2
  10462120 Industrial Hydraulics & Pneumatics 3
  10623171 Lean Six Sigma 3
  10606166 Intermediate Solidworks 1
  32420325 Inspection with Geometric Dimensioning 2
  Term Total   14 Credits
       
  Program Total   63-64 Credits

Instructors

JACOB DENNY, BS

Jacob holds a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology from Michigan Technological University. He comes to Mid-State with five years of experience as a design engineer for Gamber-Johnson. He stays current in the mechanical design field by continuing to do design work and through professional development. He also maintains strong industry connections.

“Teaching at Mid-State allows me to blend my industry experience with my passion for mentoring. It’s exciting to see students apply what they learn in the classroom to solve real-world problems.”

Careers

  • Mechanical Design Technician
  • Product Designer
  • CAD Technician
  • Engineering Technician
  • Drafter
  • Design Technician

Fast-Track

High school students are eligible to enroll in this program and all courses required. Learn more about Mid-State Fast-Track.

"The education I received at Mid-State has been invaluable. It built a foundation that is endlessly improving, providing excellent growth opportunities in my career."

KEVIN BELLA
GRADUATE

Choose Your Path

Career pathways help you take your education one step at a time to maximize your investment and make college fit your life. Earn a credential and start using it in the workforce. Continue with another stack of related courses to gain a more advanced diploma or degree. Explore this program’s pathway in the graphic below. For an even quicker first step to a degree or diploma, check out our short-term certificates.

TransferDual CreditCredit for Prior Learning

Mechanical Design Technology Pathway