Search | Menu Think design is just an artistic thing? No way! You can be a mechanical designer – the perfect blend of art and industry.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’d like to learn more about the Mechanical Design Technology program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Mechanical Design Technology
Program Number: 106061
Your Degree:
Associate Degree
Area of Study:
Architecture and Engineering
Delivery Method:
Some Online/Some In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
69 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Financial Aid Available
Program Transfers
Estimated Program Cost
$11,447.35
Financial Aid
Applying for financial aid and scholarships help you pay for your education.
-
Program Overview
As a Mechanical Design Technology student, you will:
- Apply skills that are used to assist in the design process for manufactured products used in everyday life.
- Analyze product reliability costs and design to meet customer needs.
- Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to design parametric part models.
- Use state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology when creating 3D printed or rapid prototyped parts.
- Acquire hands-on training in various manufacturing processes including machine tool operations, plastics processes, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), hydraulics and pneumatics.
- Interpret and apply American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) drawing standards when creating engineering drawings.
- Apply common industry quality practices when designing parts.
- Learn to work effectively in a team environment.
- Use project management principles when planning for projects, including scope, time and cost.
- Apply math, science and communication skills.
- Explore potential design career paths through field trips to high-tech companies.
Program Details
Students in the Mechanical Design Technology program can attend full or part time.
Mechanical Design Technology program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
Careers
Earning your Associate Degree in the Mechanical Design Technology program at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as:
- Mechanical Drafter
- Mechanical Design Technician
- Detailer
- CAD Drafter
- Mechanical Designer
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Senior Mechanical Designer
- Tool Designer
- Mold Designer
- CAD Specialist
- Design Engineer
- Project Manager
- Machine Designer
- Professional Engineer
- Engineering Consultant
- Director
Graduates of this program have excellent career potential.
- The average starting salary over the past two years for graduates of the Mechanical Design Technology program at Madison College ranges from $39,500 to $54,500.
- Opportunities exist for graduates to transfer to four-year engineering degree programs, which upon successful completion potentially enhance job potential and growth.
-
Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2023-2024 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
First SemesterSecond SemesterThird Semester (Summer)Fourth SemesterFifth Semester -
Admission
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
Spring 2024
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2024
Fall 2024
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2024
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:- High school transcript (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED transcript
- College transcript(s) showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Mechanical Design Technology career.
-
Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
Students who complete the applied associates degree in Mechanical Engineering may have up to 70-71 credits applied toward the BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Students interested in this path are strongly recommended to complete Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 and 2 at Madison College. Students must meet all UWGB degree requirements for graduation. At least 30 credits must be completed at UWGB to satisfy the UWGB residency requirement.The terms of the Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete an associates of applied science degree and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis of the Leadership and Organizational Studies at UW O. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.Madison College students with an associate of applied science in this program who transfer to UW-Platteville will transfer in with articulated general education transfer credit, 12 credits of 1000T Industrial Studies credits, and 15 credits of 3000T Industrial Studies credits. The 27 credits of Industrial Studies electives will be applied to the Industrial Technology Management (ITM) major. Students will then complete the baccalaureate degree requirements at UW-Platteville including all remaining general education requirements and major requirements.Wisconsin Private Schools
A student who completes an associate of arts, associate of science or associates of applied science is considered part of the ‘advanced core‘. The Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 64 credits of transfer. If students transfer prior to completion or with less than 64 credits they will be considered part of the standard core and credits will be evaluated on a course by course basis.Students who complete the Associate Degree of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design Technology, Electromechanical Technology or Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology at Madison College will be guaranteed admission to Edgewood College when students transfer directly from Madison College to Edgewood College within 5 years of completing the Associate Degree.Students will be granted admission to a bachelors degree program upon completion of an approved transfer program at Madison College. Students must have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater while at Madison College. Regardless of the number of credits transferred students must complete at least 25% of their baccalaureate degree credits at Herzing University University.Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Any Madison College student who has successfully completed an associate degree in applied science after 2015, and meets admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Technical Sales at MSOE by successfully completing the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Business Administration program. --- In particular, any Madison College student who successfully completes all technical courses and general education courses in their AAS program with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; successfully completes all other specified courses, as defined in this transfer agreement, with a grade of C or better (not C-) in each course; and meets the MSOE admission requirements for transfer students into the BBA Program at MSOE, minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative GPA from the last regionally accredited school will be admitted into the AAS to BBA Technical Sales Transfer Track in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Students who complete any associate degree at Madison Area Technical College will have no additional general education core curriculum requirements to meet but must satisfy the Kirkpatrick Signature Series requirement. This applies to students who are pursuing a bachelors of arts, bachelors of science or bachelors of fine arts at Bellevue University.Per the agreement, students must complete the associates of arts, associates of science or associates of applied science with an overall GPA of a 2.0 prior to transferring. Articulation agreement is for students who graduate from appropriate program and wish to pursue one of the following degrees at Capella: Bachelor of Science in Business specializations, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Science in Public Safety specializations, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (must hold a valid RN license) and Bachelor of Science in Psychology.Students graduating with an associate degree from MATC with a 2.0 GPA or higher are guaranteed admissions into CSU-Global and can transfer up to 64 semester credits from MATC to be applied toward earning a Bachelor’s Degree at CSU-Global.Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of all Madison College graduates with an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science or Associate of Applied Science. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer additional credits (up to a maximum of 94) toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
MATC Mechanical Design Technology program graduates are prepared to:
- Prepare detail and assembly drawings for documentation of mechanical components and products.
- Create computer-aid design (CAD) geometry, parts and assemblies.
- Design mechanical components and products.
- Analyze mechanical engineering problems.
- Select purchased parts.
- Work effectively and productively, both independently and within a team work environment to develop customer focused needs.
-
Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2020 2021 2022 Number of Program Graduates 14 12 11 Number of Surveys Sent 14 12 10 Number of Surveys Returned 11 9 7 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 11 9 7 Percent Available for Employment 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Available for Employment
2020 2021 2022 Graduates Employed 9 9 7 Percent of Graduates Employed 81.80% 100.00% 100.00% Employed in Related Occupation 7 8 6 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 77.80% 88.90% 85.70% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 2 1 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 22.20% 11.10% 14.30% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Seeking Employment 2 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 18.20% 0.00% 0.00% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2020 2021 2022 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.1 3 3.4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 11 9 7 Very Satisfied (4) 4 1 3 Percent Very Satisfied 36.40% 11.10% 42.90% Satisfied (3) 5 7 4 Percent Satisfied 45.50% 77.80% 57.10% Unsatisfied (2) 1 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 9.10% 11.10% 0.00% Very Unsatisfed (1) 1 0 0 Percent Very Unsatisfied 9.10% 0.00% 0.00% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2020 2021 2022 Number of Primary Reason Responses 11 9 7 Preparation for Getting a Job 5 5 1 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 45.50% 55.60% 14.30% Career Change 1 0 4 Percent Career Change 9.10% 0.00% 57.10% Improvement of Existing Skills 4 1 1 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 36.40% 11.10% 14.30% Preparation for Further Education 1 1 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 9.10% 11.10% 0.00% Personal Interest 0 2 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.00% 22.20% 14.30% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% When Employment was Obtained
2020 2021 2022 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 9 9 7 Before Enrollment 2 1 1 Percent Before Enrollment 22.20% 11.10% 14.30% While Attending the College 2 2 1 Percent While Attending the College 22.20% 22.20% 14.30% After Training at the College 5 6 5 Percent After Training at the College 55.60% 66.70% 71.40% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2020 2021 2022 Number of Employment Location Responses 9 7 6 In College District 8 7 5 Percent In College District 88.90% 100.00% 83.30% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 0 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Outside of Wisconsin 1 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 11.10% 0.00% 16.70% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Salary Trend 2020 2021 2022 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 7 7 6 Average Monthly Wage $4,370 $3,959 $3,882 Average Hourly Wage $25.41 $23.02 $22.57 Average Work Hours per Week 42.4 40 47 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count Average Hourly Wage Average Work Hours per Week -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2022 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Actalent Draftsman Aero Simulation Inc. Designer Tampa FL Milwaukee Tool Designer Brookfield Springfield Industries, Inc Mechanical Design Engineer Waunakee Sub Zero Wolff Mechanical Designer Fitchburg Sussek Machine Corp. Design Engineer Waterloo * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu