smiling man standing in manufacturing technology lab

Manufacturing Technology Program

The Manufacturing Technology program emphasizes basic engineering principles, technical skills, and identifying and resolving production problems in product manufacturing.

Degrees and certificates are available in automated manufacturing, drafting and design, manufacturing technology, manufacturing engineering technology, mold making and tool and die making. Students will take manufacturing technology courses in blueprint reading, industrial design, basic robotics, technical mechanics and quality control.

College of DuPage also has manufacturing technology transfer agreements available with other colleges and universities, enabling you to transfer to another institution to earn your bachelor's degree seamlessly and at a lower cost. 

Determine Your Path

Modern manufacturing jobs require a higher level of skill due to rapidly evolving technologies. The manufacturing industry now offers better pay, better working conditions and greater advancement opportunities than ever before. 

Whether you are preparing for a career in manufacturing, planning to transfer to a four-year institution or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. COD offers:

  • Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience, certification, and licensing.
  • Instruction in top-notch facilities and on cutting-edge equipment.
  • Flexible schedules with day, evening, weekend and online learning.
  • Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
  • Affordable programs that get you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
  • Partnerships with more than a dozen local manufacturing firms prepare students and workers for employment and advancement through apprenticeship programs, grants and tuition reimbursement for employees.
  • An Advisory Committee made up of industry professionals ensures that College of DuPage’s Manufacturing program offers up-to-date training on equipment and in skills that are relevant and in demand by today’s employers.

Automated Manufacturing Systems

The Automated Manufacturing Systems Associate in Applied Science degree is designed to prepare the student for careers in computer-aided manufacturing, robotics and numerical control.

Manufacturing Engineering Technology

The Manufacturing Engineering Technology Associate in Applied Science degree prepares students for entry-level engineering technician positions in manufacturing. 

Manufacturing Technology Drafting/Design

The Manufacturing Technology Drafting/Design Associate in Applied Science degree provides students with a broad background in the areas of machining, drafting and fluid systems so as to prepare them for entry level positions as machine operators, machine maintenance personnel and quality control personnel.

Manufacturing Technology

The Manufacturing Technology Associate in Applied Science degree program provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services.

Automated Manufacturing Systems

The Automated Manufacturing Systems certificate requires 35 credits.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Job Readiness

The CNC Job Readiness certificate will provide students with an introduction to and hands-on experience with workplace safety, precision measurement, print interpretation, and precision machining.

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operations

The CNC Operations certificate teaches students operations of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) controlled machining and turning centers. The CNC Operations Certificate requires 17 credits

Computer-Aided Design

The Computer-Aided Design certificate requires 24 credits.

Drafting/Design

The Drafting/Design certificate prepares students for careers in the drafting and computer-aided design areas. The certificate requires 38 credits.

Manufacturing Skills Standard

The Manufacturing Skills Standard certificate provides the technical knowledge required for achievement of the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification and requires seven credits.

Manufacturing Technology

The Manufacturing Technology certificate provides training in a wide variety of skill areas of product manufacturing and services. This certificate provides a foundation for the four degree options in the program: Automated Manufacturing Systems, Drafting/Design, Manufacturing Technology and Manufacturing Engineering Technology.

Mold Making

The Mold Making certificate requires 31 credits.

Tool and Die Making

The Tool and Die certificate requires 31 credits.

COD Stories

Filip Bednarz

"It was a journey for me, working full time and going to COD four days a week. But COD was there all the way with me, helping me and even helping me get a position in a company where I could have a career.” - Filip Bednarz

Filip's COD Story

COD Stories

Maria Rivera

"One of my goals was to begin a new career in the electronics field, and COD helped me meet all my goals by opening up opportunities with my current employer to work in the electronics department. The program was challenging and interesting, and COD has incredible, caring staff that assists students every step of the way.” - Maria Rivera

Maria's COD Story

COD Stories

Robert Fultz

"I get to work with machines that cost more than a house, computer software that is more expensive than a car and make parts that have tolerances smaller than a human hair.” - Robert Fultz

Robert's COD Story

Get Started Today

The first step to getting started in manufacturing technology is to apply for admission.

Manufacturing Technology Program graduates will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic OSHA requirements, general shop safety, and machine tool safety procedures
  • Interpret basic part prints and/or technical drawing including Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD & T) and apply the information as it relates to gauging, dimensioning, and tolerancing.
  • Apply a working knowledge of basic measuring and inspection tools and use appropriate measuring devises to confirm a part’s compliance to required specifications including GD&T symbols.
  • Perform mathematical calculations that result in production parts that meet specific industry standards and specifications.
  • Demonstrate entry-level skills to setup and operate machine tools.
  • Interpret CNC G & M code programs and apply editing procedures as needed.
  • Use basic communication skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to understand technical manuals and written work instructions while interacting within a team/group environment.
 

Contact Information

Tom Lanagan, Instructor
Email: lanagant@cod.edu

Peter Deeman, Program Advisor
Email: deemanp@cod.edu

Dan Jacobson, Program Support Specialist
Email: jacobsond@cod.edu

Business and Applied Technology Division
Technical Education Center (TEC), Room 1034
(630) 942-2592

College of DuPage has several manufacturing technology transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.

Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.

 

Tour the Manufacturing Lab

Manufacturing program chair displays equipment

The Manufacturing Lab offers state-of-the-art industry standard equipment. Watch a video to learn about the tools you'll be able to work with as a manufacturing student.

Career Information

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