Computer Numerical Control
As machinery becomes more technologically advanced, people must operate and write the programs that control machines. Have a passion for machinery? Interested in taking your skills to the next level as the landscape changes? Take advantage of the District’s programs in Computer Numerical Control.
Earning an Associate of Applied Science or a short-term certificate in Computer Numerical Control will help prepare you for the changes in factories making metal and plastic materials. In our program, students learn:
- Modern methods of machine tool operation
- How to write and edit computer numerical control machine programs
- Machine setup, cutter diameter, and length compensation setting
- Hands-on machine shop training
What do CNC Operators and Programmers do?
Computer numerically controlled machine tool programmers and operators develop and write the computer programs that control the automatic machine tools, equipment, and systems that process metal and plastic parts.
Where do they work?
Computer numerical control operators and programmers work in factories that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for machinists is expected to remain steady over the next decade, and more opportunities will be available for workers who can navigate modernized machine shops.
Job Outlook?
Employment for CNC tool operators is expected to show steady demand due to ongoing manufacturing needs, with job openings driven by worker replacement.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, June 2024, Machinists and Tool and Die Makers
What will I learn as a Computer Numerical Control student?
As a student in the program, you will learn how to operate machinery, how to program machinery to make metal and plastic pieces, and you will learn how to design CNC programs.
How long will it take to earn a Degree in Computer Numerical Control?
It takes about five semesters, or 2.5 years, to complete an AAS in Computer Numerical Control. To earn a CNC certificate, it will take about two semesters or one year.
What courses do I need to take to complete the program?
To earn your degree, you’ll need to take 60 credit hours worth of courses. To earn a certificate, it will take 24 credits. Recommended course sequences can be found below:
Recommended course sequencing
Semester 1 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 111 - Introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 122 - CNC Machine Controls 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 101 - Manufacturing Process I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 105 - Basic Metrology 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 230 - CNC Design I 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 231 - CNC Programming and Machining I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 115 - Manufacturing Process II 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 205 - Advanced Metrology 3 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 12 Credits
- Elective Humanities 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
- MAT 113 - Intermediate Algebra 3 Credit(s)
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
Semester 4 Total: 12 Credits
- Elective Natural or Social Science 3 Credit(s)
- ENG 134 - Technical Communications 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 234 - CNC Design II 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 235 - CNC Programming and Machining II 3 Credit(s)
Semester 5 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 240 - CNC Programming and Machining III 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 245 - CNC Intuitive Programming 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 220 - Fixture Design and Construction 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 225 - Introduction to Hard Machining 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 9 Credits
- MAN 205 - Advanced Metrology 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 234 - CNC Design II 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 235 - CNC Programming and Machining II 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 240 - CNC Programming and Machining III 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 245 - CNC Intuitive Programming 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 220 - Fixture Design and Construction 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 225 - Introduction to Hard Machining 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 111 - Introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 122 - CNC Machine Controls 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 101 - Manufacturing Process I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 105 - Basic Metrology 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 230 - CNC Design I 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 231 - CNC Programming and Machining I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 115 - Manufacturing Process II 3 Credit(s)
- MAT 113 - Intermediate Algebra 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 111 - Introduction to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 122 - CNC Machine Controls 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 101 - Manufacturing Process I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 105 - Basic Metrology 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 12 Credits
- CNC 230 - CNC Design I 3 Credit(s)
- CNC 231 - CNC Programming and Machining I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 115 - Manufacturing Process II 3 Credit(s)
- MAT 113 - Intermediate Algebra 3 Credit(s)
Where is the CNC Program offered?
The CNC program is offered at our Northwest Campus, but other programs in Computer Information Systems are offered across the District.
As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
Educational Affairs Contact Information
Phone: 313-496-2600
Email: edaffairs@wcccd.edu
Educational Affairs
Phone: (844) 245-0358
Fax: (313) 496-2345
