CNC Technologies A.A.S. Degree
Career Description
Computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool programmers and operators develop and operate programs to control the machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. Most jobs are in manufacturing settings in a variety of industries including machine shops, aerospace, medical, automotive, and metalworking machining. Math, computer, and engineering skills are important in this field, but machinists also use a creative side to solve problems and make new designs. Examples of career titles in this field include numerical control machine operator, CNC programmer, robotic machine operator, numerical control drill press operator, lathe operator, automated cutting machine operator, machinist tool and die, precision instrument maker, and tool maker.
Program Information
In the Machine Tool Technology program students learn how to use hand tools, laths and mills, computer-aided-drafting and design software, power machinery, and computerized equipment. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree curriculum includes geometric tolerancing, advanced CAD/CAM, and advanced CNC milling and turning operations. Instruction takes place in a well-equipped shop for a hands-on, practical experience.
Program Outcomes
- Read and interpret a mechanical working drawing;
- Perform precision measurement, layout, drilling, sawing, turning, milling, and precision grinding safely;
- Perform shop calculations;
- Program, setup, and operate a computer numerical control (CNC) turning center and machining center;
- Anticipate, choose, and troubleshoot the proper tooling based on manufacturing requirements;
- Manufacture assemblies to specification; and
- Apply effective communication and interpersonal skills in the machining industry.
Special Program Requirements
In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:
- College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
- College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
- Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.
Employment Statistics
For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:
https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com

Program Course Requirements
Fall Semester – 1st Year (16 credits)
CMAE 1528 OR
CMAE 1529 Career Success Skills, 1 cr
MATH 1500 Applied Mathematics, 3 cr
MTTS 1110 Principles of Machine Operations I, 2 cr
MTTS 1120 Machine Operations I, 3 cr
MTTS 1121 Machine Operations II, 3 cr
MTTS 1130 Print Reading, 2 cr
RAST 1109 Computers in Industry, 2 cr
Spring Semester – 1st Year (16 credits)
MTTS 1111* Principles of Machine Operations II, 2 cr
MTTS 1122* Machine Operations III, 3 cr
MTTS 1124 Introduction to Engineering Graphics, 2 cr
MTTS 1131* Print Applications, 2 cr
MTTS 1134* CNC Operations, 3 cr
MTTS 1135 CNC Programming and Process Planning, 2 cr
MTTS 1140 CAD/CAM I, 2 cr
Fall Semester – 2nd Year (16 credits)
MTTS 2110 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, 1 cr
MTTS 2112 Metallurgy, 1 cr
MTTS 2116* Introduction to EDM, 2 cr
MTTS 2118* Jigs and Fixtures, 1 cr
MTTS 2130* CNC Milling and Turning, 4 cr
MTTS 2134* CNC Operations Theory, 2 cr
MTTS 2140* CAD/CAM II, 2 cr
General Education, 3 cr
Spring Semester – 2nd Year (16 credits)
MTTS 2155 Capstone Project, 4 cr OR MTTS 2190 Internship, 4-6 cr
ENGL 1422 Practical Writing, 3 cr
PHYS 1407* Principles of Physics, 3 cr
General Education, 6 cr
GRADUATION REQUIREMENT – 64 credits
*Denotes Prerequisite
Program Instructors
Photo | First Name | Last Name | Position | Department | Phone | Alt. Phone: | URL | wdt_ID | Details | |
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Aubrey | Beadell | Advisor | TRIOStudentSupportServices | 218-855-8014 | aubrey.beadell@clcmn.edu | 1 | More details | ||
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Nick | O'Reilly | Occupational Skills Program College Lab Assistant | OccupationalSkills | 218-855-8077 | Nicholas.oreilly@clcmn.edu | 2 | More details | ||
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Kevin | Lomax | College Lab Assistant | Automotive Faculty | 218-855-8000 | KLomax@clcmn.edu | 3 | More details | ||
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Jody | Flynn | Accessibility Services Assistant | Accessibility | 218-855-8056 | jody.flynn@clcmn.edu | 5 | More details | ||
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Deana | Bobzien | Instructor | CollegeCareerStudies - Mathematics - Supportive Services | 218-855-8339 | deana.bobzien@clcmn.edu | 7 | More details | ||
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Brianna | Rajkowski | Advisor | TRIOStudentSupportServices | 218-855-8228 | brianna.rajkowski@clcmn.edu | 8 | More details | ||
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Cynthia | Dionysius | AD Nursing Faculty | NursingASDegree | 218-855-8133 | cindy.dionysius@clcmn.edu | 9 | More details | ||
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Tajia | Anderson | PSEO Specialist | Admissions - CollegeCreditInHighSchool- PSEO | 218-855-8079 | tajia.anderson@clcmn.edu | 10 | More details | ||
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Brent | Balmer | Audio Visual Education Specialist | Videography | 218-855-8727 | brent.balmer@clcmn.edu | 13 | More details | ||
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David | Gray | Instructor | History | 218-855-8276 | david.gray@clcmn.edu | 14 | More details | ||
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Jim | Nagy | Adjunct Instructor | GraphicDesign | 218-855-8157 | james.nagy@clcmn.edu | 15 | More details | ||
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Brandon | Schneider | Instructor | HeavyEquipment | 218-894-5179 | brandon.schneider@clcmn.edu | 16 | More details | ||
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Natalia | DePauw | Director of Dual Enrollment | Advising - PSEO - CollegeCreditInHighSchool | 218-855-8263 | natalia.depauw@clcmn.edu | 18 | More details | ||
Amy | Disterhaupt | Admissions Specialist | Admissions | 218-855-8250 | amy.disterhaupt@clcmn.edu | 20 | More details | |||
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Nick | Heisserer | Instructor | BusinessFaculty | 218-855-8089 | nick.heisserer@clcmn.edu | https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/CentralLakesCollege6@MinnState.edu/bookings/ | 21 | More details | |
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Matthew | Krueger | Environmental Health and Safety Officer | Maintenance - Security - Safety | 218-855-8115 | matthew.krueger@clcmn.edu | 22 | More details | ||
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Mark | Lindquist | Instructor | Music | 218-855-8203 | mark.lindquist@clcmn.edu | 23 | More details | ||
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Joy | Larson | Emergency Management and Security Coordinator | Security | 218-855-8143 | joy.larson@clcmn.edu | 24 | More details | ||
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Jeremy | Goddard | Bookstore/Print Shop | Bookstore Supportive Services | 218-855-8146 | Jeremy.Goddard@clcmn.edu | 25 | More details | ||
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Sarah | Jennissen | Instsructor | NursingAssistant - PracticalNursing - TrainedMedicationAid | 218-894-5308 | sarah.jennissen@clcmn.edu | 26 | More details | ||
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Cash | Robinson | Raider Connect Coach | TRIOUpwardBound - RaiderConnectCoach | 218-855-8076 | cash.robinson@clcmn.edu | 28 | More details | ||
Anne | Radspinner | Instructor | WomensStudiesCertificate | aradspinner@clcmn.edu | 29 | More details | ||||
Jean | Mershon | Instructor | HealthDepartment | jean.mershon@clcmn.edu | 30 | More details | ||||
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Ryan | Wright | Enrollment Representative | Admissions - CampusTours | 218-855-8013 | ryan.wright@clcmn.edu | 31 | More details | ||
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Steve | Wenzel | Instructor | PoliticalScience | 218-855-8073 | stephen.wenzel@clcmn.edu | 32 | More details |
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