Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Advanced CNC Machining & Design

Technical Diploma 32-420-1

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2026

First Semester

Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-312 Machine Tool Operation Basics 3 Program student; Corequisite: 420-313, 420-316 This course introduces learners to the fundamental principles and safe practices of machine tool operations. Learners apply basic machining techniques. The course emphasizes hands-on experience and the development of essential skills for entry-level machining tasks. Learners demonstrate understanding through the completion of lab projects and performance-based assessments.
Course #: 420-312
Title: Machine Tool Operation Basics
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; Corequisite: 420-313, 420-316 This course introduces learners to the fundamental principles and safe practices of machine tool operations. Learners apply basic machining techniques. The course emphasizes hands-on experience and the development of essential skills for entry-level machining tasks. Learners demonstrate understanding through the completion of lab projects and performance-based assessments.
420-313 Machining Fundamentals 3 Program student; Corequisite: 420-312, 420-316 This course introduces and allows the leaners to demonstrate the practice and theoretical background of machine shop safety rules, policies, and procedures. Learners will be introduced to operations and production of parts on band saws, lathes and mills, and grinders.
Course #: 420-313
Title: Machining Fundamentals
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; Corequisite: 420-312, 420-316 This course introduces and allows the leaners to demonstrate the practice and theoretical background of machine shop safety rules, policies, and procedures. Learners will be introduced to operations and production of parts on band saws, lathes and mills, and grinders.
420-314 Intro to CAD/CAM 2 Program student This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of computer-aided manufacturing using Mastercam software. The learner develops skills in creating, editing, and verifying basic 2D toolpaths for machining operations. Emphasis is placed on understanding CAM concepts, toolpath strategies, and the workflow between design and manufacturing. The learner prepares projects that demonstrate the ability to generate accurate code for CNC machines.
Course #: 420-314
Title: Intro to CAD/CAM
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of computer-aided manufacturing using Mastercam software. The learner develops skills in creating, editing, and verifying basic 2D toolpaths for machining operations. Emphasis is placed on understanding CAM concepts, toolpath strategies, and the workflow between design and manufacturing. The learner prepares projects that demonstrate the ability to generate accurate code for CNC machines.
420-316 Blueprint Reading & Measuremnt 3 Program student; Corequisite: 420-312, 420-313 This course emphasizes the interpretation of blueprints and the use of precision measuring tools essential to the machining industry. The learner develops skills to identify dimensions, tolerances, and symbols found on technical drawings. The learner applies measurement techniques to inspect parts and ensure accuracy to specifications. This course prepares learners to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and verify part quality using industry-relevant tools.
Course #: 420-316
Title: Blueprint Reading & Measuremnt
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; Corequisite: 420-312, 420-313 This course emphasizes the interpretation of blueprints and the use of precision measuring tools essential to the machining industry. The learner develops skills to identify dimensions, tolerances, and symbols found on technical drawings. The learner applies measurement techniques to inspect parts and ensure accuracy to specifications. This course prepares learners to read and interpret manufacturing drawings and verify part quality using industry-relevant tools.
420-317 Intro to Machining 2 Program student This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of machining and shop safety. The learner explores basic machine tool operations, including setup and operation of equipment such as saws, drill presses, and manual mills and lathes. The learner develops foundational skills in measurement, tooling, and material handling. This course prepares learners to perform basic machining tasks while following industry safety and quality standards.
Course #: 420-317
Title: Intro to Machining
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student This course introduces the learner to the fundamentals of machining and shop safety. The learner explores basic machine tool operations, including setup and operation of equipment such as saws, drill presses, and manual mills and lathes. The learner develops foundational skills in measurement, tooling, and material handling. This course prepares learners to perform basic machining tasks while following industry safety and quality standards.
420-332 CNC Equations 1 1   This course will teach students foundational math skills of basic arithmetic. Including conversions, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, angles, and measurement. The calculations will build the basic foundation to plot points for CNC machining. This course will also cover basic calculations for spindle speeds and feed rates for machine tools.
Course #: 420-332
Title: CNC Equations 1
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course will teach students foundational math skills of basic arithmetic. Including conversions, whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, angles, and measurement. The calculations will build the basic foundation to plot points for CNC machining. This course will also cover basic calculations for spindle speeds and feed rates for machine tools.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Second Semester

Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-328 MasterCAM Programming 2 420-314 This course expands the learner’s skills in computer-aided manufacturing by focusing on advanced Mastercam programming techniques. The learner develops and edits complex 2D and 3D toolpaths for milling and turning applications. The learner applies machining strategies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and part quality. This course prepares learners to generate, simulate, and verify CNC programs for a variety of manufacturing scenarios.
Course #: 420-328
Title: MasterCAM Programming
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-314 This course expands the learner’s skills in computer-aided manufacturing by focusing on advanced Mastercam programming techniques. The learner develops and edits complex 2D and 3D toolpaths for milling and turning applications. The learner applies machining strategies to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and part quality. This course prepares learners to generate, simulate, and verify CNC programs for a variety of manufacturing scenarios.
420-329 CNC Mill Operations 3 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-335 This course develops the learner’s ability to operate and program CNC milling machines. The learner applies techniques for machine setup, tool selection, and operation to produce precision parts. Emphasis is placed on interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate cutting tools, and ensuring quality control throughout the machining process. This course prepares learners to effectively operate CNC mills while maintaining high standards of safety and accuracy.
Course #: 420-329
Title: CNC Mill Operations
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-335 This course develops the learner’s ability to operate and program CNC milling machines. The learner applies techniques for machine setup, tool selection, and operation to produce precision parts. Emphasis is placed on interpreting blueprints, selecting appropriate cutting tools, and ensuring quality control throughout the machining process. This course prepares learners to effectively operate CNC mills while maintaining high standards of safety and accuracy.
420-333 CNC Equations 2 1 420-332 This course will cover CNC equations to program CNC machine tools. Equations covered will be geometry, trigonometry, blending angles to arcs, and geometric entities using practical applications. The applications will directly relate to programming CNC machines. This course will also cover calculations for spindle speeds and feed rates for machine tools.
Course #: 420-333
Title: CNC Equations 2
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-332 This course will cover CNC equations to program CNC machine tools. Equations covered will be geometry, trigonometry, blending angles to arcs, and geometric entities using practical applications. The applications will directly relate to programming CNC machines. This course will also cover calculations for spindle speeds and feed rates for machine tools.
420-334 CNC Lathe Operations 3 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-336 This course develops the learner’s skills in operating CNC lathes for precision machining. The learner applies techniques for machine setup, tool selection, and operation to produce high-quality turned parts. Emphasis is placed on interpreting technical drawings, selecting appropriate cutting tools, and ensuring proper safety protocols. This course prepares learners to effectively operate CNC lathes while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in machining tasks.
Course #: 420-334
Title: CNC Lathe Operations
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-336 This course develops the learner’s skills in operating CNC lathes for precision machining. The learner applies techniques for machine setup, tool selection, and operation to produce high-quality turned parts. Emphasis is placed on interpreting technical drawings, selecting appropriate cutting tools, and ensuring proper safety protocols. This course prepares learners to effectively operate CNC lathes while maintaining accuracy and efficiency in machining tasks.
420-335 CNC Mill Programming 1 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-329 This course introduces the learner to CNC mill programming, focusing on creating and editing programs for milling operations. The learner develops skills in G-code programming, toolpath creation, and optimizing machining processes. Emphasis is placed on machine setup, part orientation, and understanding machine capabilities. This course prepares learners to generate and modify CNC programs to achieve accurate and efficient milling operations.
Course #: 420-335
Title: CNC Mill Programming
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-329 This course introduces the learner to CNC mill programming, focusing on creating and editing programs for milling operations. The learner develops skills in G-code programming, toolpath creation, and optimizing machining processes. Emphasis is placed on machine setup, part orientation, and understanding machine capabilities. This course prepares learners to generate and modify CNC programs to achieve accurate and efficient milling operations.
420-336 CNC Lathe Programming 1 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-334 This course introduces the learner to CNC lathe programming, focusing on creating and modifying programs for turning operations. The learner applies G-code and M-code to develop toolpaths and machining strategies. Emphasis is placed on understanding machine setup, part orientation, and optimizing cutting parameters for precision. This course prepares learners to write and troubleshoot CNC lathe programs for efficient and accurate part production.
Course #: 420-336
Title: CNC Lathe Programming
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317; Corequisite: 420-334 This course introduces the learner to CNC lathe programming, focusing on creating and modifying programs for turning operations. The learner applies G-code and M-code to develop toolpaths and machining strategies. Emphasis is placed on understanding machine setup, part orientation, and optimizing cutting parameters for precision. This course prepares learners to write and troubleshoot CNC lathe programs for efficient and accurate part production.
420-337 Manufacturing Job Skills 1   This course prepares the learner to develop essential skills for success in a manufacturing environment. The learner explores workplace expectations, communication, and teamwork. The learner demonstrates professionalism and a strong work ethic through real-world scenarios.
Course #: 420-337
Title: Manufacturing Job Skills
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course prepares the learner to develop essential skills for success in a manufacturing environment. The learner explores workplace expectations, communication, and teamwork. The learner demonstrates professionalism and a strong work ethic through real-world scenarios.
420-341 Materials for Machinists 2 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317 During this course individuals will learn the terminology relating to the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of materials used for Machine Tooling Technics. Materials covered will be the classification of steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and polymers. Lab activities will include hardening, annealing, case hardening, destructive test, non-destructive test, casting, molding, welding, and gluing of materials.
Course #: 420-341
Title: Materials for Machinists
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-312 and 420-313 and 420-317 During this course individuals will learn the terminology relating to the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of materials used for Machine Tooling Technics. Materials covered will be the classification of steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper, and polymers. Lab activities will include hardening, annealing, case hardening, destructive test, non-destructive test, casting, molding, welding, and gluing of materials.
420-357 GD&T 1 420-316 This course explores the principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). The learner applies GD&T concepts to interpret engineering drawings and verifies part dimensions using CMM technology. The learner develops skills in inspection planning, measurement techniques, and data analysis. This course prepares learners to ensure part accuracy and quality in accordance with industry standards.
Course #: 420-357
Title: GD&T
Credits: 1
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-316 This course explores the principles of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). The learner applies GD&T concepts to interpret engineering drawings and verifies part dimensions using CMM technology. The learner develops skills in inspection planning, measurement techniques, and data analysis. This course prepares learners to ensure part accuracy and quality in accordance with industry standards.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Third Semester

Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-338 Grinding Processes 3 420-329 and 420-335; Corequisite: 420-340 This course expands learner skills in advanced grinding operations and techniques. Learners examine precision grinding processes, interpret specifications, and apply methods to achieve high-tolerance finishes. The learner demonstrates competency through setup, operation, and evaluation of grinding equipment and part quality.
Course #: 420-338
Title: Grinding Processes
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-329 and 420-335; Corequisite: 420-340 This course expands learner skills in advanced grinding operations and techniques. Learners examine precision grinding processes, interpret specifications, and apply methods to achieve high-tolerance finishes. The learner demonstrates competency through setup, operation, and evaluation of grinding equipment and part quality.
420-339 Adv Master CAD/CAM Mill 3 420-328 This course strengthens learner abilities in performing advanced grinding operations. Learners explore precision grinding methods, analyze part specifications, and apply techniques to achieve tight tolerances and surface finishes. The learner demonstrates competency through setup, operation, and inspection of grinding processes.
Course #: 420-339
Title: Adv Master CAD/CAM Mill
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-328 This course strengthens learner abilities in performing advanced grinding operations. Learners explore precision grinding methods, analyze part specifications, and apply techniques to achieve tight tolerances and surface finishes. The learner demonstrates competency through setup, operation, and inspection of grinding processes.
420-340 Adv CNC Mill Operations 3 420-329 and 420-335 This course enhances learner proficiency in advanced CNC mill programming techniques. Learners develop complex programs, interpret technical drawings, and apply strategies to improve machining efficiency and precision. The learner demonstrates skill through hands-on programming, setup, and troubleshooting of multi-axis operations.
Course #: 420-340
Title: Adv CNC Mill Operations
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-329 and 420-335 This course enhances learner proficiency in advanced CNC mill programming techniques. Learners develop complex programs, interpret technical drawings, and apply strategies to improve machining efficiency and precision. The learner demonstrates skill through hands-on programming, setup, and troubleshooting of multi-axis operations.
420-342 Adv CNC Lathe Operations 3 420-334 and 420-336 This course builds on foundational CNC lathe programming skills and emphasizes advanced programming techniques. Learners explore complex operations, including multi-axis functions and toolpath optimization. The learner develops proficiency by applying industry-relevant strategies to produce precise and efficient machining outcomes.
Course #: 420-342
Title: Adv CNC Lathe Operations
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-334 and 420-336 This course builds on foundational CNC lathe programming skills and emphasizes advanced programming techniques. Learners explore complex operations, including multi-axis functions and toolpath optimization. The learner develops proficiency by applying industry-relevant strategies to produce precise and efficient machining outcomes.
420-343 MasterCAM for Lathe 2 420-328 This course develops learner skills in using CAM software to create CNC lathe programs. Learners explore programming strategies, apply toolpath operations, and generate code for turning processes. The learner demonstrates understanding by producing and evaluating programs that meet machining specifications and industry standards.
Course #: 420-343
Title: MasterCAM for Lathe
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-328 This course develops learner skills in using CAM software to create CNC lathe programs. Learners explore programming strategies, apply toolpath operations, and generate code for turning processes. The learner demonstrates understanding by producing and evaluating programs that meet machining specifications and industry standards.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Fourth Semester

Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
420-344 Multi-Axis CNC Operations 3 420-340 and 420-342 This course emphasizes the development of CNC lathe programming skills using industry-standard coding practices. Learners write, edit, and verify CNC programs to produce precision parts, applying knowledge of machine operations and tooling. The course focuses on interpreting technical drawings, selecting proper code, and ensuring accuracy through program validation and part inspection.
Course #: 420-344
Title: Multi-Axis CNC Operations
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-340 and 420-342 This course emphasizes the development of CNC lathe programming skills using industry-standard coding practices. Learners write, edit, and verify CNC programs to produce precision parts, applying knowledge of machine operations and tooling. The course focuses on interpreting technical drawings, selecting proper code, and ensuring accuracy through program validation and part inspection.
420-349 Machine Tool Capstone 3 420-340 and 420-342 This course prepares the learner to integrate and apply advanced machining skills in a comprehensive, project-based environment. The learner plans, sets up, and produces precision components using a variety of machine tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, quality control, and meeting industry specifications. Learners demonstrate competency through the completion of complex projects that reflect real-world manufacturing scenarios.
Course #: 420-349
Title: Machine Tool Capstone
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-340 and 420-342 This course prepares the learner to integrate and apply advanced machining skills in a comprehensive, project-based environment. The learner plans, sets up, and produces precision components using a variety of machine tools and techniques. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving, quality control, and meeting industry specifications. Learners demonstrate competency through the completion of complex projects that reflect real-world manufacturing scenarios.
420-350 Competitive Machining Techniqs 3 420-340 and 420-342 The focus of this course is productivity-based, using the machine tools available in the machine shop lab. The application projects will focus on applying advanced machining techniques to practice. The theories that will be applied in this course will include High Speed Machining (HSM), Hard Milling, Live Tooling on the Lathe, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), Fixture Creation, and Program Optimization. Another component of this course is time utilization. Time utilization is very important to you and your future employer which means that all projects will be time sensitive to reinforce productivity.
Course #: 420-350
Title: Competitive Machining Techniqs
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-340 and 420-342 The focus of this course is productivity-based, using the machine tools available in the machine shop lab. The application projects will focus on applying advanced machining techniques to practice. The theories that will be applied in this course will include High Speed Machining (HSM), Hard Milling, Live Tooling on the Lathe, Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM), Fixture Creation, and Program Optimization. Another component of this course is time utilization. Time utilization is very important to you and your future employer which means that all projects will be time sensitive to reinforce productivity.
420-385 Advanced Machine Concepts 3 420-326 and 420-331 and (444-367 or 420-367) This course will introduce the student to the Swiss screw machine concept and operations fundamentals. Emphasis will be placed on the skill development for basic Swiss processes and operation of the Citizen Swiss screw machine. This course will include performance competencies for machine setup, load proven part programs, setting tools, adjusting offsets, and the setup of an automatic bar feeder for automated manufacturing. Other advance machine concepts that the students will be exposed to is the Sinker and Wire EDM machines.
Course #: 420-385
Title: Advanced Machine Concepts
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-326 and 420-331 and (444-367 or 420-367) This course will introduce the student to the Swiss screw machine concept and operations fundamentals. Emphasis will be placed on the skill development for basic Swiss processes and operation of the Citizen Swiss screw machine. This course will include performance competencies for machine setup, load proven part programs, setting tools, adjusting offsets, and the setup of an automatic bar feeder for automated manufacturing. Other advance machine concepts that the students will be exposed to is the Sinker and Wire EDM machines.
444-352 Multi-Axis CAD/CAM 3 420-339 and 420-343 This course emphasizes the development of CNC lathe programming skills using industry-standard coding practices. Learners write, edit, and verify CNC programs to produce precision parts, applying knowledge of machine operations and tooling. The course focuses on interpreting technical drawings, selecting proper code, and ensuring accuracy through program validation and part inspection.
Course #: 444-352
Title: Multi-Axis CAD/CAM
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 420-339 and 420-343 This course emphasizes the development of CNC lathe programming skills using industry-standard coding practices. Learners write, edit, and verify CNC programs to produce precision parts, applying knowledge of machine operations and tooling. The course focuses on interpreting technical drawings, selecting proper code, and ensuring accuracy through program validation and part inspection.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 58

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 1/26/2026 12:00 a.m.  |  Printed: 2/12/2026 2:48 p.m.

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