Western Technical College
Published on Western Technical College (https://www.westerntc.edu)

Home > Mechanical Design Technology

Mechanical Design Technology

  • Associate Degree
Mechanical Design Technology image

Program Number: 

106061

Program Credits: 

62.00

Estimated Total Cost: 

$10,100.00

Typical Start: 

Fall
Financial Aid Eligible

Would you like to be part of a team that develops new products and designs solutions to technical problems? Using the mathematical and scientific problem-solving techniques you learn in this program, you could work with engineers to create new, more reliable, more sophisticated products, in less time.

You will create 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) models of parts and assemblies to meet design requirements; produce working drawings that include dimensions, technical details, and materials to be used; evaluate materials and processes; produce engineering documentation; use CAD models for strength and motion analysis, machining and rapid prototyping; and develop organizational skills to keep projects on track.

There are many career opportunities for mechanical design technicians in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance.

Career Opportunities

Mechanical Designer
CAD Designer
Engineering Technician
Mechanical /Product Designer
Drafter
Design Engineer

Program Outcomes

  • Living responsibly
  • Refining professionalism
  • Cultivating passion
  • Prepare detail and assembly drawings for documentation of mechanical components and products
  • Create CAD geometry, parts, and assemblies
  • Design mechanical components and products
  • Analyze mechanic engineering problems
  • Select purchase parts
  • Produce and revise supporting engineering documentation
  • Evaluate manufacturing processes and materials for product development
  • Demonstrate awareness of product liability and industry standards
  • Meet design and production deadlines
  • Interpret and communicate technical concepts, designs, and documentation

Admission Requirements:

College Requirements

Application: 

Yes

Application Fee: 

$30 Application Fee

Software and Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form [1].

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

  • Western uses the Blackboard Learning Management System. Some courses may use Zoom or Microsoft Teams to meet and work virtually. Visit our website for guidance on how to access and use these tools [2].
  • Office 365 (available to download for free once you have a student email)
  • Recommended web browsers: Chrome or Firefox

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes [3] on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

  • Western has several computer labs available. Visit our website to find open hours and locations on the La Crosse campus [4]. Or find information on how to access resources on our Regional Locations web page [5].
  • The Learning Commons has computers, webcams, and microphones available for in-house use. Our librarians recommend checking your local public library for computer access on the weekends. Staff members can also provide information on free, off-campus Wi-Fi spots. Contact them at LearningCommons@westerntc.edu [6] or call 608-785-9198.

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons [7]! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Courses

The following list is not the official course list for this program. It is intended to give students an idea of what coursework will be required.

Current students should use the MyWestern [8] self-service portal when registering for class.

First Term

Geometric Dim & Tolerance
Course Number: 10606165
Credits: 3.00
Mfg and Eng Materials
Course Number: 10420119
Credits: 3.00
Parametric Design 1
Course Number: 10606115
Credits: 3.00
Sketching & AutoCAD Level 1
Course Number: 10606137
Credits: 2.00
Sketching & AutoCAD Level 2
Course Number: 10606147
Credits: 2.00

Second Term

College Technical Math 1A
Course Number: 10804113
Credits: 3.00
English Composition 1
Course Number: 10801136
Credits: 3.00
Fund Of Elecs&Fabrication
Course Number: 10605138
Credits: 2.00
Mfg Processes/Machining CAM
Course Number: 10420120
Credits: 3.00
Parametric Design 2
Course Number: 10606133
Credits: 4.00
Solidworks
Course Number: 10606184
Credits: 2.00

Third Term

Economics
Course Number: 10809195
Credits: 3.00
General Physics 1
Course Number: 10806154
Credits: 4.00
Intro to Psychology
Course Number: 10809198
Credits: 3.00
Mechanisms and Dynamics
Course Number: 10606156
Credits: 3.00
Statics/Strength Of Materials
Course Number: 10606124
Credits: 4.00

Fourth Term

Design Analysis
Course Number: 10606158
Credits: 3.00
Design Problems
Course Number: 10606164
Credits: 4.00
Fluid Power Fund
Course Number: 10620112
Credits: 2.00
Intro to Sociology
Course Number: 10809196
Credits: 3.00
Technical Reporting
Course Number: 10801197
Credits: 3.00

Western Technical College
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, Wisconsin
54601

608-785-9200
800-322-9982


Links
[1] https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DniDXv9HckGZ5BpZ1xtAINzEPDqm29RGnADqdoibRwxUM0ZIV0tLRE1OS0NaOTY5U01aOFNVNDdVUS4u
[2] https://westerntc.libguides.com/blackboardforstudents/
[3] https://kb.westerntc.edu/112380
[4] https://www.westerntc.edu/computer-labs
[5] https://www.westerntc.edu/regional-locations
[6] mailto:LearningCommons@westerntc.edu
[7] https://www.westerntc.edu/learning-commons
[8] https://mywestern.westerntc.edu/