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Mechanical Design Overview

The need for innovative products across all industries triggered a rising demand for people trained in the design field. CVTC is meeting these needs with a Mechanical Design program. If you enjoy working with a team to design and develop new products and prepare them for the manufacturing process, CVTC’s new Mechanical Design program is right for you!

Utilize the newest technology, like laser engraving, 3D printing, and industry-utilized software while developing the basic skills and knowledge required to design products and solve problems.

Throughout the two year program students will learn:

  • An understanding of manufacturing processes, machines and their mechanisms, including hydraulics, circuit design, and electrical systems
  • Application of principles of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
  • Drafting and design software including CAD and SOLIDWORKS
  • The selection, set-up, and calibration of measurement tools and instrumentation
  • How to prepare laboratory reports and systems documentation associated with development, installation, or maintenance of mechanical components and systems
  • A basic familiarity and use of industry codes, specifications, and standards
  • Utilization of all the skills they’ve acquired throughout the program in a capstone project.

Part of a career pathway, you will already have credits toward the Mechanical Design program if you completed the Design & Drafting Technology technical diploma at CVTC. Call us at 715-833-6300 to learn more.

Program Objectives & Student Outcomes

The Mechanical Design program is committed to providing the best curriculum and education to its students. Read the program's mission statement, program objectives, and student learning outcomes.

Career Opportunities

CAD Operator

Design Drafter

Design Engineer

Engineering Drafter

Mechanical Design Engineer

Graduate Employers

Dimension X Design

Midwest Manufacturing

Just the Facts

Mechanical Design
61 Credit Associate Degree

Length of Program //
Two Years

Delivery Method //
,

Program Location //
Eau Claire and Online

Program Location //
August

Start Months //
August

Start Dates //
August

 

Financial Aid Eligible

 

Non-Traditional Occupation

Estimated Program Cost 

Term 1

$

2,803

Term 2

$

2,304

Term 3

$

2,467

Term 4

$

2,548

Tools/Materials

$

2,146

Books

$

1,800

 Estimated Total: $14,068

  Earn credit for prior learning! Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning. Explore your options today!

Program Courses

These are a few of the courses you can take in the Mechanical Design program.

Manufacturing Materials and Processes
Manufacturing materials includes the study of metals, plastics, elastomers, woods, ceramics, glass, composites, cement, and concrete properties. Manufacturing processes include mechanical tool cutting, machining, electrochemical milling, photochemical etching, laser machining, casting, fabricating, joining, heat treating, and secondary finishing operations. Automation applications such as robotics, and computer integrated technologies are also included with local case studies of industry. Applications and fundamental inspection techniques associated with the various materials are explored.

Solid Modeling I
This course introduces the student to the concepts and commands required to develop 3-D solid models using SolidWorks software. Students will learn to constrain models and develop parametric models. Students will also produce 2-D working drawings from the models. Topics will also include dimensioning, orthographic views, and section views.

Tool Design Practices
This course provides a fundamental background in the design and application of jigs, fixtures, rapid prototyping equipment and gauging devices that are used in the manufacturing process. Classroom work is done through design work on CAD and Solidworks and research of standard tooling components from a variety of resources.

Earn Credentials Along the Way

Career Pathways 

Career Pathways are a clear, manageable way to access education that provides employer-recognized, stackable credentials tied to specific jobs, education, and career progression. Career Pathways are beneficial to high school students and teachers, parents, adult students, and employers.

Technical Diplomas

Design & Drafting Technology

Associate Degree

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Design Outcomes

CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking where they are working, whether it is in their degree field, and several other questions related to employment. Below are the program outcomes and job data.

// Program Outcomes
 

100%
Employed

100% of our recent Mechanical Design graduates got a job in the industry.

 

$51K
Yearly Salary

Our recent Mechanical Design graduates reported an average starting salary of $51,397.

 

21
Regional Jobs

There are 21 job openings in the CVTC district for the Mechanical Design industry.

 

Transfer
Credits to Other Institutions

Transfer your CVTC credits to another institution to continue your education. Explore transfer agreements.

 

Focus On Student Success

I felt more like a person here rather than a number at a big school. I have good relationships with my instructors and they teach so efficiently. I’m very happy here with the personal relationships with the instructors.

Josh, Mechanical Design Student

Related Programs & Certificates

Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.
 

Degrees & Diplomas

Architectural Structural Design, Associate Degree

Design & Drafting Technology, Technical Diploma

Manufacturing Engineering Technologist, Associate Degree

Continue Your Learning

CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.

// Explore Continuing Ed Opportunities

  Unsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.

A Program You Can Trust

Program Accreditation

ABET - Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission

This program is accredited by the ABET Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission. ABET accreditation assures confidence that a collegiate program has met standards essential to prepare graduates to enter critical STEM fields in the global workforce.