72 Credits AAS3516, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
The A.A.S degree program consists of opportunities for students to work with multiple aspects of Machine Tool Technology including working with engineering drawings, CNC programming, lathe turning, vertical milling and grinding, jig and fixtures, and mold and die. During this A.A.S. degree program, learners will have the opportunity to receive national credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS). In addition to the technical training, learners in the A.A.S. degree will receive the benefits of valuable Arts and Sciences courses.
Campuses: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 72 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $15,440
Tools and Equipment: $525
Total Estimated Cost: $15,965 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (57 Credits)
You must complete all of the following classes:
MTT1110 CNC Milling Level I (5 credits)
This course provides the student an introduction to basic milling operations. Upon completion of this course the student will have an understanding of manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling practices as well as gain knowledge in tooling, machining practices and applied mathematics. Teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisite: Declare MTT as a major)
MTT1120 CNC Turning Level I (5 credits)
This course provides the student an introduction to basic lathe operations. Upon completion of this course the student will have an understanding of manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC lathe turning practices as well as gain knowledge in tooling, machining practices and applied mathematics. Teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisite: Declare MTT as a major)
MTT1130 Job Planning, Benchwork and Layout Level I (3 credits)
This course provides an exploration of the basics of hand tools, understanding drawings, manual machines and layout. Upon completion of this course the student will be able to interpret drawing information, describe basic symbols and notation and interpret basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) feature control frames. Teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisites: Declare MTT as a major)
MTT1140 Measurement, Materials and Safety Level I (3 credits)
This course provides an exploration of the basics in machining, raw materials, use of hand tools, safety and maintenance. Topics include an overview of measurement techniques, materials, safety, machine tool math, quality control and maintenance. Teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving are emphasized. Hands-on experience and practical applications are included. (Prerequisite: Declare MTT as a major)
MTT1150 Machining Computations (1 credits)
This course is designed to provide foundations of the mathematical processes used in the technical field of machine tool practices. Topics will include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and applications. (Prerequisite: Declare MTT as a major)
MTT1210 Concept Engineering I (4 credits)
In this course, students will continue developing their understanding of machining and use of tools. Their skills are more fully developed in terms of lathe, milling, grinding and drill press. Hands-on experience and practical application opportunities allow students to increase proficiency with machine tools. (Prerequisites: MTT 1130 and MTT 1140)
MTT1220 CNC Programming I (4 credits)
This course prepares students to become an introductory (Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine operator. The topics include machine safety, proper tool setup, tool/work offsets and CNC controller layout. This also includes a basic introduction to Mastercam. (Prerequisites: MTT 1110 and MTT 1120 )
MTT1230 Quality Assurance I (2 credits)
This course combines the use of precision inspection equipment, calibration of inspection equipment, methods of use for inspection equipment, print clarification and the basics of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T). (Prerequisites: MTT 1130 and MTT 1140)
MTT1240 Applications I (3 credits)
In this course, students will have the opportunity to continue to develop their skills on the lathe and mill with practical hands-on experiences in a lab setting. A continuation of set-up, operation and safety of lathe and mill will be reinforced in this course. (Prerequisites: MTT 1110 and MTT 1120)
MTT2110 Concept Engineering II (4 credits)
This course is an introduction to the grinding process as it pertains to machining. This includes an understanding of using pedestal grinders and an introduction to surface grinding. Fundamentals of grinding, such as appropriate wheel identification and use, will be addressed. Proper set-up, operation and safety of the bench, pedestal and surface grinders will be introduced in a lab setting. (Prerequisite: MTT 1210)
MTT2120 CNC Programming II (4 credits)
This course provides students with continuing opportunities to work with computer numerical control (CNC) programming, building on what was learned in the previous programming course. Topics include lathe programming, program downloading, editing and advanced set-ups and operations. (Prerequisite: MTT 1220).
MTT2130 Quality Assurance II (2 credits)
This course expands on the other courses concerning usage of prints and drawings in machining. Students will be provided with more learning opportunities, including continued hands-on interaction with symbols, notations, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), inspection equipment and continuous process improvement. (Prerequisite: MTT 1230)
MTT2140 Applications II (3 credits)
This course provides students with continuing opportunities to work on applying their skills, building on what was learned in the previous Applications course. Additional material is also introduced: topics include machining with carbide, producing heat treated parts and basic surface grinding. (Prerequisite: MTT 1240)
MTT2210 Concept Engineering III (4 credits)
The purpose of this course is to present the fundamentals of mold construction, processes involved in using molds and die casting. The knowledge and skills presented in this course will introduce the machinist to various terminologies and functions of Solidworks through 3D solid modeling and blueprint creation. (Prerequisite: MTT 2110)
MTT2220 CNC Programming III (4 credits)
This course provides students with continuing opportunities to work with CNC programming, building on what was learned in the previous programming course. Additional material includes alternative work holding and advanced tooling set-up and operation for production of an advanced project. (Prerequisite: MTT 2120).
MTT2230 Quality Assurance III (2 credits)
This course is a continuation of Quality Assurance II. New topics include more alternative measuring techniques and final inspection of advanced project. (Prerequisites: MTT 2130)
MTT2250 MTT Capstone (4 credits)
This course provides students with continuing opportunities to work on applying their skills, building on what was learned in the previous Applications courses. Additional material is also introduced: topics include advanced grinding techniques. This is a variable credit course. (Prerequisites: MTT 2130 and MTT 2140)
Required Arts and Sciences (15 Credits)
To complete an AAS Degree, students must complete 15 MNTC credits from 3 of the 10 MNTC Goal Areas.
Choose one of the following required courses
COMM120 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
This course helps students develop or improve their participation in small groups and teams using effective communication and critical thinking. Content of the course includes both knowledge and skills components. Students can develop an understanding of communication and group theory while applying their knowledge in small group discussions, cooperative projects, and other activities. The course curriculum emphasizes reflection and growth. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: Goals 1 and 2).
OR
COMM140 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
In this class, participants will examine key components of interpersonal communication theory, identify the interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy relationships, assess their own interpersonal communication effectiveness, and practice and hone interpersonal communication skills necessary for healthy home and work relationships. This course will also address relevant issues of social interaction, including how human diversity/culture (age, race, gender, etc.) affects our interpersonal communication. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC 1: Communication)
Additional Arts and Sciences
Select an additional 12 credits from MnTC goal areas 2 - 10 to reach the 15 credits required for the AAS.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
