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If you’d like to learn more about the Mechanical Design Technology program, we’d love to talk with you.
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Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
Financial Aid Available-
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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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 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.
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 SemesterSecond SemesterThird Semester (Summer)Fourth SemesterFifth Semester -
Admission
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 2025
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2025
Spring 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026
Fall 2026
- Application available on September 15, 2025
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2026
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.
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.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
Students who complete an approved transfer program may apply credits towards a degree at UWGB. 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 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.Wisconsin Private Schools
Students with an AA, AS or AAS are Advanced Core. Advanced Core requires students to have earned at least 60 credits. Students transferring prior to completion or with less than 60 credits are standard core and credits are evaluated course by course.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 College 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 College. 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 2015, 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
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.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.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 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
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 11 10 12 Number of Surveys Sent 10 9 12 Number of Surveys Returned 7 9 9 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 7 9 8 Percent Available for Employment 100.0% 100.0% 88.9% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 7 6 7 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 66.7% 87.5% Employed in Related Occupation 6 6 5 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 85.7% 100.0% 71.4% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 1 0 2 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 14.3% 0.0% 28.6% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 3 1 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 33.3% 12.5% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.4 3.8 3.4 Number of Satisfaction Responses 7 9 9 Very Satisfied (4) 3 7 5 Percent Very Satisfied 42.9% 77.8% 55.6% Satisfied (3) 4 2 3 Percent Satisfied 57.1% 22.2% 33.3% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 1 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 7 9 9 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 7 6 7 Before Enrollment 1 0 1 Percent Before Enrollment 14.3% 0.0% 14.3% While Attending the College 1 3 3 Percent While Attending the College 14.3% 50.0% 42.9% After Training at the College 5 3 3 Percent After Training at the College 71.4% 50.0% 42.9% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 7 6 7 In College District 5 6 4 Percent In College District 71.4% 100.0% 57.1% In Wisconsin, Not in District 1 0 2 Percent of In Wisconsin 14.3% 0.0% 28.6% Outside of Wisconsin 1 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 14.3% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 1 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 14.3% Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 6 5 5 Average Monthly Wage $3,882 $4,276 $4,785 Average Hourly Wage $22.57 $24.86 $27.82 Average Work Hours per Week 47.0 41.0 40.4 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: 2024 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions BW Papersystems Mechanical Designer Dane Manufacturing Mechanical Design Technician Waunakee Develop LLC Mechanical Engineer Verona Prolec GE Mechanical Designer Waukesha Switchgear Power Systems Mechanical Detailer Winneconne * - 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