Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mission StatementThe Alamance Community College Mechanical Engineering Technology Department is dedicated to educating current and future generation professionals in our industry through quality instruction, practical application of knowledge, innovative techniques and advanced technology. We are committed to supporting local industry, providing equal opportunity education for all students, sharing industrial knowledge, and encouraging/challenging students to think creatively and critically to solve design problems. |
What you can earn
- Associate in Applied Science Degree: Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Diploma: Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology Certificate
- Mechanical Engineering Technology Quality Control Certificate
Program Overview
The Mechanical Engineering Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students through the study and application of principles from mathematics, natural sciences, and technology and applied processes based on these subjects.
Graduates should qualify to obtain occupations such as technical service providers, materials and technologies testing services, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial and technology managers, or research technicians.
This course of study prepares the students to use basic engineering principles and technical skills to design, develop, test, and troubleshoot projects involving mechanical systems. Includes instruction in principles of mechanics, applications to specific engineering systems, design testing procedures, prototype and operational testing and inspection procedures, manufacturing system- testing procedures, test equipment operation and maintenance, computer applications, critical thinking, planning and problem solving, and oral and written communications. In this program a student will receive substantial instruction on techniques and procedures along with an emphasis on prototyping and simulations using SolidWorks software. High achievers will also successfully pass design certification exams including but not limited to the Certified SolidWorks Associate and Certified SolidWorks Professional exams (CSWA & CSWP + 16 more).
Career Options
Graduates of the curriculum will find employment opportunities in the manufacturing or service sectors of engineering technology including but not limited to manufacturing, product design, technical sales and service. Engineering technicians may obtain professional certification by application to organizations such as ASQC, SME, and NICET.
“Mechanical engineering technicians typically install, troubleshoot, and maintain designs created by engineers. They may work under the direction of engineers or engineering technologists.
Mechanical engineering technologists typically help engineers improve designs or incorporate new technology. They may be team leaders, instructing mechanical engineering technicians on installing equipment, systems, or structures.
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. For example, they may help test products by setting up instruments for vehicle crash tests.” *
Career options include:
Recent graduates have received offers of $50k to start. |
Career outlookSee the Occupational Outlook Handbook
|
Salary Information
The median annual wage for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians was $58,230 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,200, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $91,320.
In May 2020, the median annual wages for mechanical engineering technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Scientific research and development services $62,720
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing $60,820
- Architectural, engineering, and related services $58,230
- Transportation equipment manufacturing $57,720
- Machinery manufacturing $56,850
Most mechanical engineering technologists and technicians work full time. Source
Contact Us
James R. Adkins – Department Head
jradkins175@alamancecc.edu
(336-596-4233)
Ashley Lewis – Instructor
anlewis410@alamancecc.edu
(336-506-4352)
print Mechanical Engineering Technology • Semester by Semester
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPR-111 | Print Reading | 3 | 2 |
BPR-111 Print Reading PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system. Register for this class |
|||
| DFT-111 | Technical Drafting I | 4 | 2 |
DFT-111 Technical Drafting I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces basic drafting skills, equipment, and applications. Topics include sketching, measurements, lettering, dimensioning, geometric construction, orthographic projections and pictorials drawings, sections, and auxiliary views. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and apply basic drawing principles and practices. Register for this class |
|||
| DFT-111A | Technical Drafting I Lab | 3 | 1 |
DFT-111A Technical Drafting I Lab PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides a laboratory setting to enhance basic drafting skills. Emphasis is placed on practical experiences that enhance the topics presented in DFT 111. Upon completion, students should be able to apply the laboratory experiences to the concepts presented in DFT 111. Register for this class |
|||
| DFT-151 | CAD I | 5 | 3 |
DFT-151 CAD I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces CAD software as a drawing tool. Topics include drawing, editing, file management, and plotting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a CAD drawing. Register for this class |
|||
| ENG-111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3 | 3 |
ENG-111 Writing and Inquiry PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. Register for this class |
|||
| MAC-141 | Machining Applications I | 8 | 4 |
MAC-141 Machining Applications I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an introduction to a variety of material-working processes that are common to the machining industry. Topics include safety, process-specific machining equipment, measurement devices, set-up and layout instruments, and common shop practices. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate basic machining operations, accurately measure components, and effectively use layout instruments. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 26 | 15 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| COM-231 | Public Speaking | 3 | 3 |
COM-231 Public Speaking PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • RED-070 or DRE-096This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. Register for this class |
|||
| EGR-150 | Intro to Engineering | 3 | 2 |
EGR-150 Intro to Engineering PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course is an overview of the engineering profession. Topics include goal setting and career assessment, ethics, public safety, the engineering method and design process, written and oral communication, interpersonal skills and team building, and computer applications. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the engineering process, the engineering profession, and utilize college resources to meet their educational goals. Register for this class |
|||
| ELC-128 | Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller | 5 | 3 |
ELC-128 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the programmable logic controller (PLC) and its associated applications. Topics include ladder logic diagrams, input/output modules, power supplies, surge protection, selection/installation of controllers, and interfacing of controllers with equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to understand basic PLC systems and create simple programs. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-145 | Manufacturing Materials I | 5 | 3 |
MEC-145 Manufacturing Materials I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces a variety of manufacturing materials and common processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on the processing, testing, and application of materials such as wood, metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental engineering applications for a variety of materials, including their process capabilities and limitations. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-260 | Fundamentals of Machine Design | 5 | 3 |
MEC-260 Fundamentals of Machine Design PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the fundamental principles of machine design. Topics include simple analysis of forces, moments, stresses, strains, friction, kinematics, and other considerations for designing machine elements. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze machine components and make component selections from manufacturers' catalogs. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 21 | 14 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFT-153 | CAD III | 5 | 3 |
DFT-153 CAD III PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DFT-152This course introduces advanced CAD applications. Emphasis is placed upon advanced applications of CAD skills. Upon completion, students should be able to use advanced CAD applications to generate and manage data. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-265 | Fluid Mechanics | 4 | 3 |
MEC-265 Fluid Mechanics PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the physical behavior of fluids and fluid systems. Topics include fluid statics and dynamics, laminar and turbulent flow, Bernoulli's Equation, components, applications, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply fluid power principles to practical applications. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 9 | 6 | |
| Course Number |
Course Title |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFT-154 | Intro to Solid Modeling | 5 | 3 |
DFT-154 Intro to Solid Modeling PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DFT-152This course is an introduction to basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include basic design, creation, editing, rendering and analysis of solid models, and creation of multiview drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use design techniques to create, edit, render and generate a multiview drawing. Register for this class |
|||
| EGR-250 | Statics/Strength of Mater | 7 | 5 |
EGR-250 Statics/Strength of Mater PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take One: MAT-121 or MAT-171This course includes vector analysis, equilibrium of force systems, friction, sectional properties, stress/strain, and deformation. Topics include resultants and components of forces, moments and couples, free-body diagrams, shear and moment diagrams, trusses, frames, beams, columns, connections, and combined stresses. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze simple structures. Register for this class |
|||
| ISC-132 | Manufacturing Quality Control | 5 | 3 |
ISC-132 Manufacturing Quality Control PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces quality concepts and techniques used in industry. Topics include elementary statistics and probability, process control, process capability, and quality improvement tools. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of quality and apply them to the work environment. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 17 | 11 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 46 | |||
printMechanical Engineering Technology Basic Certificate
The Mechanical Engineering Certificate program option includes 13 credit hours (23 contact hours) of coursework. Students will receive in introduction to computer aided design, programmable logic controllers and machining applications. This option allows students to explore the career path while evaluating career options. While not required, students should have a working knowledge of drafting techniques and standards prior to entering this program. Additionally, students use acquired skills to complete individual class projects. Graduates with this certificate will have a basic knowledge of solid modeling, PLC uses and machining techniques.Course and Hour Requirements
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFT-151 | CAD I | 5 | 3 |
DFT-151 CAD I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces CAD software as a drawing tool. Topics include drawing, editing, file management, and plotting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a CAD drawing. Register for this class |
|||
| DFT-154 | Intro to Solid Modeling | 5 | 3 |
DFT-154 Intro to Solid Modeling PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • DFT-152This course is an introduction to basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include basic design, creation, editing, rendering and analysis of solid models, and creation of multiview drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use design techniques to create, edit, render and generate a multiview drawing. Register for this class |
|||
| MAC-141 | Machining Applications I | 8 | 4 |
MAC-141 Machining Applications I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an introduction to a variety of material-working processes that are common to the machining industry. Topics include safety, process-specific machining equipment, measurement devices, set-up and layout instruments, and common shop practices. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate basic machining operations, accurately measure components, and effectively use layout instruments. Register for this class |
|||
| ELC-128 | Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller | 5 | 3 |
ELC-128 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controller PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the programmable logic controller (PLC) and its associated applications. Topics include ladder logic diagrams, input/output modules, power supplies, surge protection, selection/installation of controllers, and interfacing of controllers with equipment. Upon completion, students should be able to understand basic PLC systems and create simple programs. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 23 | 13 | |
printMechanical Engineering Technology Certificate
The Mechanical Engineering Certificate program option includes 16 credit hours (24 contact hours) of coursework. Students will receive an introduction to mechanical engineering applications, allowing them to utilize mathematical analysis techniques to determine how stresses react within mechanical components. This option allows students to explore the career path while evaluating career possibilities. While not required, students should have a working knowledge of drafting techniques and standards as well as SolidWorks prior to entering this program. Additionally, students use acquired skills to complete individual class projects. Graduates with this certificate will have a basic knowledge mechanical engineering.Course and Hour Requirements
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGR-150 | Intro to Engineering | 3 | 2 |
EGR-150 Intro to Engineering PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course is an overview of the engineering profession. Topics include goal setting and career assessment, ethics, public safety, the engineering method and design process, written and oral communication, interpersonal skills and team building, and computer applications. Upon completion, students should be able to understand the engineering process, the engineering profession, and utilize college resources to meet their educational goals. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-145 | Manufacturing Materials I | 5 | 3 |
MEC-145 Manufacturing Materials I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces a variety of manufacturing materials and common processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on the processing, testing, and application of materials such as wood, metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental engineering applications for a variety of materials, including their process capabilities and limitations. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-265 | Fluid Mechanics | 4 | 3 |
MEC-265 Fluid Mechanics PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course covers the physical behavior of fluids and fluid systems. Topics include fluid statics and dynamics, laminar and turbulent flow, Bernoulli's Equation, components, applications, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply fluid power principles to practical applications. Register for this class |
|||
| EGR-250 | Statics/Strength of Mater | 7 | 5 |
EGR-250 Statics/Strength of Mater PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • Take One: MAT-121 or MAT-171This course includes vector analysis, equilibrium of force systems, friction, sectional properties, stress/strain, and deformation. Topics include resultants and components of forces, moments and couples, free-body diagrams, shear and moment diagrams, trusses, frames, beams, columns, connections, and combined stresses. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze simple structures. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-260 | Fundamentals of Machine Design | 5 | 3 |
MEC-260 Fundamentals of Machine Design PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the fundamental principles of machine design. Topics include simple analysis of forces, moments, stresses, strains, friction, kinematics, and other considerations for designing machine elements. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze machine components and make component selections from manufacturers' catalogs. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 24 | 16 | |
printMechanical Engineering Technology Quality Control Certificate
The Mechanical Engineering Quality Control Certificate program option includes 12 credit hours (21 contact hours) of coursework. Students will receive in introduction to computer aided design, programmable logic controllers and machining applications. This option allows students to explore a quality control career path. Additionally, students use acquired skills to complete individual class projects. Graduates with this certificate will have a basic knowledge of quality control and manufacturing materials and can qualify for a position of quality control tech.Course and Hour Requirements
| Course Number |
Course TITLE |
contact hours |
Credit hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| BPR-111 | Print Reading | 3 | 2 |
BPR-111 Print Reading PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system. Register for this class |
|||
| MAC-141 | Machining Applications I | 8 | 4 |
MAC-141 Machining Applications I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course provides an introduction to a variety of material-working processes that are common to the machining industry. Topics include safety, process-specific machining equipment, measurement devices, set-up and layout instruments, and common shop practices. Upon completion, students should be able to safely demonstrate basic machining operations, accurately measure components, and effectively use layout instruments. Register for this class |
|||
| ISC-132 | Manufacturing Quality Control | 5 | 3 |
ISC-132 Manufacturing Quality Control PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces quality concepts and techniques used in industry. Topics include elementary statistics and probability, process control, process capability, and quality improvement tools. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of quality and apply them to the work environment. Register for this class |
|||
| MEC-145 | Manufacturing Materials I | 5 | 3 |
MEC-145 Manufacturing Materials I PREREQUISITES and COREQUISITES • NONEThis course introduces a variety of manufacturing materials and common processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on the processing, testing, and application of materials such as wood, metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental engineering applications for a variety of materials, including their process capabilities and limitations. Register for this class |
|||
| Semester Total | 21 | 12 | |
Graduates of the curriculum will find employment opportunities in the manufacturing or service sectors of engineering technology including but not limited to manufacturing, product design, technical sales and service. Engineering technicians may obtain professional certification by application to organizations such as ASQC, SME, and NICET.
“Mechanical engineering technicians typically install, troubleshoot, and maintain designs created by engineers. They may work under the direction of engineers or engineering technologists.
Mechanical engineering technologists typically help engineers improve designs or incorporate new technology. They may be team leaders, instructing mechanical engineering technicians on installing equipment, systems, or structures.
Some mechanical engineering technologists and technicians test and inspect machines and equipment or work with engineers to eliminate production problems. For example, they may help test products by setting up instruments for vehicle crash tests.” *
*Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook