Mechanical Design Technology

Why Mechanical Design Technology?

Mechanical designers turn ideas into reality by creating the blueprints and models that power modern manufacturing and engineering. In this program, you’ll learn to design, test, and improve mechanical systems using advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software and engineering principles. You’ll develop the problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills needed to thrive in a high-demand and high-earning career field.

At Mid-State, you’ll train in the state-of-the-art Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA^®) Center. With hands-on experience, internship opportunities, and input from local manufacturers, you’ll graduate ready to step into the workforce or continue your education through transfer options like UW-Stout’s BS in Engineering Technology.

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Program Facts

Total Credits

63-64 Credits

Degree Type

Associate in Applied Science (AAS)

Program Length

Two Years

Delivery Method

In Person, Hybrid

Location

AMETA^® Center

Start Dates

Fall, Spring

Estimated Program Cost

$11,907.17

View Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid Eligibility

Fully Eligible

View Types of Aid

Program Outcomes

Graduates leave ready to succeed in their careers. Each year, data from Mid-State's Graduate Survey and statewide reports show consistently high satisfaction and strong starting salaries. Here's a snapshot of what success looks like after graduation.

Career Opportunities

CAD Technician

Design Technician

Engineering Technician

Mechanical Design Technician

Product Designer

$64k Median Annual Salary

Recent program grads in Wisconsin earned a starting salary of $63,889. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Average Monthly Hires

81 of recent Wisconsin program grads landed jobs within six months of graduation. Source: Lightcast Data Set

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Program Courses

Following is the list of courses within the program. Your course plan may vary, and you'll get a recommended sequence once you're enrolled. See the program information guide below for full course details or talk with your advisor.

Program Information Guide (PDF)

Full-Time Curriculum (63-64 Total Credits)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) options are available for some courses.

Term 1: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10420101	Manufacturing Processes - Machining	No	2
10606163	Materials of Industry	No	2
10606164	Technical Detailing	No	2
10623106	Introduction to AutoCAD	Yes	1
10623114	Intro to Inventor	Yes	1
10801136	English Composition 1	Yes	3
10804118	Intermediate Algebra with Applications	Yes	4
10890102	GPS for Student Success	Yes	1

Term 2: (16 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10457119	Fabrication Fundamentals 1	No	1
10457120	Fabrication Fundamentals 2	No	1
10606165	Intro to Solidworks	No	1
10606114	Machine Design 1	No	2
10606131	Strengths of Materials	No	3
10606145	Applied Mechanics	No	2
10804196	Trigonometry with Applications	No	3
10809166 or 10809172	Introduction to Ethics: Theory & Application or Introduction to Diversity Studies	Yes	3

Term 3: (17-18)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10606115	Machine Design 2	No	3
10606117	Designing for Manufacturability	No	3
10606119	Mechanisms	No	3
10623176	Quality Assurance	No	1
10607106	Excel for Engineering	No	1
10801198 or 10801196	Speech or Oral/Interpersonal Communication	Yes	3
10806143 or 10806154	College Physics 1 or General Physics 1	No or Yes	3 or 4

Term 4: (14 Credits)

Course Number	Course Name	CPL	Credits
10462120	Industrial Hydraulics & Pneumatics	No	3
10606113	Tool and Fixture Design	No	2
10606166	Intermediate Solidworks	No	1
10623171	Lean Six Sigma	No	3
10809198 or 10809188	Introduction to Psychology or Developmental Psychology	Yes	3
32420325	Inspection with Geometric Dimensioning	No	2

Instructors

Meet our full-time 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.”

Program Outcomes

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

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

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

Technical Standards

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Degree

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

Credit for Prior Learning
High School Dual Credit
Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students

“I couldn't have asked for a better education. My instructors were some of the most incredible people, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to help everyone.”

- Leslie T.
Mid-State Grad
“Mid-State’s hands-on learning, convenient scheduling, updated technology, and instructors who can relate to the field have all helped me become successful and even advance in my career in under a year.”

- Stephanie B.
Mid-State Grad
“I value my experience at Mid-State tremendously. Even with a disability my education gave me the opportunity to join the workforce before I even graduated. Education equals opportunity.”

- Jake A.
Mid-State Grad
“My degree from Mid-State and the encouragement I received from my teachers gave me the skills and confidence to move forward in my life and excel in my career.”

- Sharon R.
Mid-State Grad
“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 B.
Mid-State Grad
“Most students go to college to find good-paying careers doing something they enjoy. Mid-State gave me that and so much more, as I discovered my passion and achieved more than I ever could have anticipated.”

- Bryce C.
Mid-State Grad