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Mechanical Design Technology
Program Number: 106061
Your Degree: Associate Degree
Estimated Time to Complete: 70 Credits | Finish degree in 2 years
Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person
Area of Study: Architecture and Engineering
Estimated Program Cost: $12,793.90
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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 are offered at the Madison College Truax campus.
Mechanical Design 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.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
It is strongly recommended to meet with an academic advisor or faculty advisor upon admission to the program and prior to enrolling in courses.For students planning on transferring, consult your advisor for the best course choices when options are available.First Semester10-606-100Engineering Technology Communications
Develops skills in creating engineering sketches through the application of drafting standards and procedures. Principles covered include view selection, orthographic projection, section and auxiliary views, and their utilization in working drawings. The need for engineering sketching is reinforced through a hands-on project requiring measurement, inspection and sketching of orthographic views. In addition, materials, fabrication and assembly methods related to the project will also be explored.3 credits10-606-101Engineering Technology Fundamentals
Introduces the student to the knowledge and skills required to function in today’s engineering office environment. Engineering office format, procedures, standards, ethics and application level of engineering office related software is introduced. Students explore the engineering design process and participate in various problem solving and conflict resolution techniques. Career paths available to the Mechanical Design graduate will also be explored. Students utilize Net Meeting, video conferencing and Internet shared data.2 credits10-606-1202-D CAD (Computer Aided Drafting)
Introduces the basic capabilities of the current version of 2D CAD software as it applies to mechanical design. Emphasis is placed on basic commands and input required for their application in creating two-dimensional mechanical working drawings.1 credit10-606-130SolidWorks 1
Introduces the students to the concepts and commands of parametric solid modeling. Students create sketches and add relationships to the sketch segments, extrude the sketches to create models, and add features such as fillets, cut extrude, chamfers, holes, draft, shell, lofts and sweeps. Emphasis is placed on the design intent of the parametric solid models.1 credit10-606-131SolidWorks 2
This is the second course in the study of parametric solid modeling using SolidWorks as it applies to the mechanical design field. Students extract 2D documentation from the 3D models and add details to the drawings. Advanced software applications are explored including assembly modeling techniques, configurations, detail drawing generation, surfaces, multibody parts, additional work with sweeps and lofts, and preparation for the CSWA exam.2 credits10-606-160Fundamentals of Manufacturing/Engineering Materials
An introduction to the engineering materials and their properties used in industry. Material testing methods and their relevance to design applications are studied through various lab activities. In addition, this course begins the examination of various contemporary manufacturing processes used in industry today.2 credits10-804-115College Technical Math 1
Topics include: solving linear, quadratic, and rational equations; graphing; formula rearrangement; solving systems of equations; percent; proportions; measurement systems; computational geometry; right ans oblique triangle trigonometry; trigonometric functions on the unit circle; and operations in polynomials. Emphasis will be on the application of skills to technical problems.5 creditsSecond Semester10-606-132SolidWorks 3
Students are introduced to advanced modeling and design techniques for part design in sheet metal, weldments, and mold design. An introduction to the PDM interface for product data management will also be explored through collaborative drawing applications.2 credits10-606-140Dimensioning Practices
Mechanical Drafting dimensioning fundamentals are developed including conventional tolerancing practices using basic hole and shaft tolerancing methods. Standard dimensioning practices are applied on mechanical drawings in accordance with the current ASME Y14.5M standard.1 credit10-606-141Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
Students are introduced to the engineering practices of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, including an introduction to the symbols and terms, datums, material condition and boundary condition, and the common tolerances used in accordance to the current ASME Y14.5 standard. Application on mechanical drawings will be used to document the GDT requirements for a given part, then inspected in the quality lab using a CMM.1 credit10-606-150Rapid Prototyping
Students are introduced to rapid prototyping methods and the operation of various types of rapid prototyping equipment, available in the Mechanical Design Technology program's rapid prototyping center. Research and the use 3D printers including FDM, PolyJet, SLA, Composite printing technologies, and related material usage, will be explored through hands-on lab activities to develop a working prototype. Students will also be introduced to a reverse engineering scanner system and software, used for reverse engineering applications in the SolidWorks 3D modeling environment.2 credits10-606-155Statics And Mechanics
Introduces students to the basics of statics. Learners study and analyze forces and loading conditions applied to structures and mechanical devices. Areas of study include resultant and equilibrant of forces, moments, nonconcurrent-coplanar forces (trusses), concurrent-noncoplanar forces and static friction. Related engineering analysis software will be utilized throughout the course. Prerequisite: 10-804-114. Corequisite: 10-804-116.3 credits10-606-161Manufacturing Processes
Introduces students to computer aided design and manufacturing concepts through an integrated material removal project. Upon completing the project, students will use various measurement and inspection equipment to verify part conformance to engineering specifications. Prerequisite: 10-606-130 and 10-606-160.2 credits10-606-170Strength Of Materials
An analysis of the principles of strength of materials as they apply to various fasteners, welded joints, beams and shafts through practical design and analysis problems. Topics covered include simple stresses, mechanical properties of materials, center of gravity, moment of inertia, shear force and bending diagrams and beam design. Related engineering analysis software is utilized throughout the course. Prerequisite: 10-606-155.3 credits10-606-193Career Development - Mechanical Design Program
Acquaints students with the process and the development of a plan for securing employment in the mechanical design field. Includes letters of introduction, resume design, personal data sheets, portfolio design and job interview techniques. Presentations by industry professionals in the areas of human resources, management, design and job placement will overview the industry perspective and requirements for employment in the career of mechanical design. Prerequisite: third-semester standing.1 credit10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 creditsThird Semester (Summer)10-606-188Mechanical Design Technology Field Study Experience
MDT students will be placed in a local engineering office environment, where technical skills learned throughout the MDT program will be observed and practiced in collaboration with the participating company. Students will document the time spent at the company, while being mentored by participating engineering personnel and MDT faculty. In addition, soft skills required to satisfactorily work on the job will be emphasized.1 creditFourth Semester10-457-100Metal Repair Techniques
This course covers safety, layout and measurement, grinding, drill press, lathe operation, filing, threading, properties of metals, oxy-acetylene welding, brazing and cutting, and SMAW, GMAW and FCAW.2 credits10-462-104Fluid Power 1 for Industry
Provides students with the fundamentals of fluid power (hydraulic and pneumatic) and a considerable literacy in the principles of pneumatics and hydraulics. Students will attain an understanding of basic pneumatics principles and practical circuits applying the recently learned principles. The course is intended to gain a general understanding of components and terminology as well as principles and functions. This course has a heavy emphasis on recognizing fluid power components, component symbols, units, equations, and terminology.1 credit10-606-104Engineering Technology Practices
Focuses on the creation of complete sets of engineering detail and assembly drawings including the accompanying engineering documentation, bill of materials and the application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing standards. Emphasis is placed on product design analysis, the engineering change process, product data management and an introduction to stress analysis and rapid prototyping. Other areas of study include: threaded fasteners, non-threaded fasteners, springs and gears. Prerequisite: 10-606-140.3 credits10-606-116Machine Design
The principles of statics and strength of materials are reviewed and applied to the design of machine elements in this course. Topic areas studied include calculations, labs, and software to revolving around properly selecting machine components for force-work-power, stress, repeated loading, fasteners, springs, belts, chains, gears, bearings, keys and couplings. In addition, machine design principles will be studied and applied through software applications (SolidWorks) and hands-on labs in the mechanical systems training lab (Lab Volt Lab). Prerequisite: 10-606-170.3 credits10-606-125Plastics for Mechanical Design
This course is an introduction to the main plastics processing industries, techniques, and commonly used polymers. Plastic processing principles will be studied and applied through learning activities designed for hands-on classroom manufacturing processing training centers. Common processes to be studied include injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, and related manufacturing operations.3 credits10-606-163Engineering Technology Project Management
An introduction to Project Management and the Product Development Process, as they relate to the Mechanical Design Technology field. In this course, students will prepare a team Design Project Plan (DPP) for a future design project to be developed in the 10606186 Engineering Technology Applications course. Prior to the completion of the DPP, students will learn about interpersonal and leadership skills in team environments, as well as elements of the design process and project management including scope, time, cost, and quality of the design project.Note: Engineering Technology Applications, 10606186, should be taken the following semester.2 credits10-606-164Quality Systems
This course is an introduction to the foundational building blocks necessary for effective understanding and application of quality principles used today. The fundamentals of quality, measurement for quality, and statistics for quality will be explored as they relate to productivity, specifications, and inspections of processes. In addition, process capability and design of experiments is also explored. Prerequisite: Dimensioning/GDT, 10-606-140.2 credits10-809-166Intro to Ethics: Theory & App
This course provides a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of ethical thought. Diverse ethical perspectives will be used to analyze and compare relevant issues. Students will critically evaluate individual, social and/or professional standards of behavior, and apply a systematic decision-making process to these situations.3 creditsFifth Semester10-606-112Tool Design Technology
The fundamentals of tool design are presented to acquaint the student with the language and methods used in designing jigs and fixtures. Through the research and selection of standard tooling components, working tool design drawings are completed. Also explored are common plastic part design and tooling considerations through actual design problems. Prerequisite: 10-606-104.3 credits10-606-186Engineering Technology Applications
A comprehensive application of the Mechanical Design Technology program, in which student design teams will ultimately complete a Design Portfolio through the implementation of the Design Project Plan, previously developed in the Engineering Tech. Project Management course. The DPP will be carried out through the MDT program Design Process model, and the final design project work for this course will be documented in a Design Project Notebook. Student design teams will make a formal team design project presentation at the conclusion of the semester, which may include the actual working product prototype.3 credits10-801-197Technical Reporting
Prepare and present written, oral, and visual communication products, including instructions, proposals, informal and formal reports. Produce clear, usable communication by incorporating information design principles, arranging content to satisfy diverse audience needs, and presenting visuals for various contexts. Designed as an advanced course to develop collaborative communication practices, information literacy skills, and ethically responsible professional communication strategies.3 credits10-806-154General Physics 1
General Physics presents the applications and theory of basic physics principles. This course emphasizes problem-solving, laboratory investigation, and applications. Topics include unit conversion and analysis, vectors, translational and rotational kinematics, translational and rotational dynamics, heat and temperature, and harmonic motion and waves.4 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 credits -
How to Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Apply Now – Secure Your Spot!
This program has a limited number of seats available. We encourage early applications to secure your spot, but the program has not historically reached full capacity.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
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
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience 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
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the program.
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.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherAssociate in Science from MC to Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering at UW Platteville.Madison College A.A.S. in MDT students will be guaranteed admission to UW‐Platteville towards a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Students must complete the Madison College A.A.S. in the MDT program and meet UW-Platteville’s admission requirements for the agreement to apply.Wisconsin Private Schools
Upon completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Mechanical Design Technology, Electromechanical Technology, or Automated Manufacturing Systems Technology, students will be guaranteed admission to Edgewood University and be able to complete the Bachelor's Degree in Physics with a concentration in Applied Science in as little as 2 years at Edgewood University. Completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in one of the above programs guarantees up to 64 general/transfer credits based on course selection.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.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits 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.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 10 12 13 Number of Surveys Sent 9 12 13 Number of Surveys Returned 9 9 9 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 9 8 7 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 88.9% 77.8% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 11.1% 11.1% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 6 7 7 Percent of Graduates Employed 66.7% 87.5% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 6 5 6 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 71.4% 85.7% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 2 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 28.6% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 1 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 14.3% Seeking Employment 3 1 0 Percent Seeking Employment 33.3% 12.5% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 3.4 3.3 Number of Satisfaction Responses 9 9 9 Very Satisfied (4) 7 5 3 Percent Very Satisfied 77.8% 55.6% 33.3% Satisfied (3) 2 3 6 Percent Satisfied 22.2% 33.3% 66.7% Unsatisfied (2) 0 1 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 11.1% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 9 9 9 Preparation for Getting a Job 5 4 4 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 55.6% 44.4% 44.4% Career Change 4 2 2 Percent Career Change 44.4% 22.2% 22.2% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 1 2 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 11.1% 22.2% Preparation for Further Education 0 2 0 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 22.2% 0.0% Personal Interest 0 0 1 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 6 7 6 Before Enrollment 0 1 3 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 14.3% 50.0% While Attending the College 3 3 1 Percent While Attending the College 50.0% 42.9% 16.7% After Training at the College 3 3 2 Percent After Training at the College 50.0% 42.9% 33.3% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 6 7 8 In College District 6 4 5 Percent In College District 100.0% 57.1% 62.5% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 2 0 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 28.6% 0.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 3 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 14.3% 37.5% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 5 5 5 Average Monthly Wage $4,276 $4,785 $4,873 Average Hourly Wage $24.86 $27.82 $28.33 Average Work Hours per Week 41.0 40.4 40.8 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 Average Hourly Wage $23.00 Average Work Hours per Week 24.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Dashiell Corp CAD Technician Fitchburg Hooper Service VDC Designer DeForest Madison Gas & Electric CAD Technician Milwaukee Valve Company Product Engineer Prairie du Sac PME Lathe Technician * - 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