CNC Manufacturing and Machining

Bradley Thompson, Department Chair
Email address: [email protected]

Did you know the average salary for a machinist in industry today is ranked the seventh highest among all American professions (including doctors, lawyers, etc.), and is higher than the average salary for all four-year college graduates?

If earning a high salary is on your list for selecting occupational opportunities, you need to look at CNC manufacturing and machining. More than 50 percent of all machinists in America today will retire in the next 10 to 15 years. This fact alone shows the tremendous opportunity that awaits the trained and well-qualified machinist.

The CNC manufacturing and machining program features instruction in the safe operation of all basic machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, drill presses, various saws, and grinding equipment, as well as proper measurement and inspection of parts. Interpreting engineering drawings and mathematical calculations required by all machinists is also presented.

The second year includes shop math and CNC (Computer Numerical Controls) programming with an emphasis on hands-on skills using advanced machine tools. A strong emphasis on shop safety is an integral part of the program. The AOS degree program includes operation of CNC lathes (turning centers), and CNC milling machines (machining centers). This includes set-up, as well as operation of the machines. Interpreting engineering drawings and control documents will also be emphasized. The understanding of quality control and how to conduct appropriate measurements and inspection will be integrated into the course work. The intent is to graduate someone with overall advanced machine shop skills.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate and apply safe operation of all machine tools.
• Student will be proficient in basic lathe operation.
• Student will be proficient in basic milling operation.
• Demonstrate mathematical operations using accepted mathematical applications.
• Demonstrate ability to perform advanced procedures on assigned projects.
• Student will be proficient in writing CNC programs for lathe.
• Student will be proficient in writing CNC programs for milling machine.
• Student will be proficient and apply GDT to all projects.
• Student will demonstrate ability to operate CNC equipment.
• Student will demonstrate all knowledge in capstone project.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at [email protected]  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Direct Entry Into Baccalaureate Degree Program

Occupational Opportunities

• CNC programmers, machinists, and engineers
• Tool and die makers
• Machine setters and operators
• Machinists
• Mold makers

Employment Statistics

Related Programs

Entrance Requirements/recommendations

Technical Standards

• Must be able to perform safely in the shop.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds up to eye level.
• Must be able to communicate orally with a person 6 to 10 feet away in a shop environment.
• Must be able to visually decipher an oscilloscope monitor and digital/analog meter, and scan tool displays.
• Must be able to diagnose mechanical failures that are distinguished audibly.
• Must be able to understand and retain information found in service repair manuals and use diagnostic flow charts.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Good eyesight is recommended. 

CNC Manufacturing and Machining – AOS Degree