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CNC and Advanced Machining

AAS Diploma
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      • CNC and Advanced Machining
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A Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and Advanced Machining (Machine Tool) degree from SCTCC prepares students to shape metal and other hard materials with precision.

Instructors

DEGREES IN CNC and Advanced Machining

CNC and Advanced Machining Associate of Applied Science

AAS
With an AAS, students learn the necessary skills to enter the labor market as a machine operator, machinist, or a tool and die or mold-maker apprentice.
Course List

By the Numbers

60
Credits

CNC and Advanced Machining Diploma

DIP
The diploma gives students the necessary technical skills to enter the labor market as a machine operator, machinist, or a tool and die or mold-maker apprentice.
Course List

By the Numbers

54
Credits

CNC Machinist ( Credits)

Course List

By the Numbers

Credits

CNC Operations ( Credits)

Course List

By the Numbers

Credits

CNC Set -Up ( Credits)

Course List

By the Numbers

Credits

Why Choose This Program

Our students gain skills to read blueprints and written instructions to convert various materials in intricate, precise, usable parts.

At SCTCC, we’ve designed our program to benefit every student who joins our program. We give students real-world experience in the classroom so they can be certain to impress any future employer.

By using machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and CNC machines, graduates from our program are ready for the expanding workforce as a machine operator, machinist, or tool and die or mold-maker apprentice.

100%
2023 Program Placement Rate
$30
Minnesota Median Wage

Placement rate from self-reported data of graduates available for work in field of study up to one year post graduation. Wage data is from Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). SCTCC Consumer Information.

From Degree to Career

When you choose the CNC and Advanced Machining program at SCTCC, you'll gain skills that will directly transfer to the workplace.  With your degree, you can build your career as a machinist, toolmaker, moldmaker, CNC operator, or quality inspector, to name a few options.

Our CNC and Advanced Machining program prides itself in equipping every student with the tools needed to succeed in the workforce. Graduates from our program can demonstrate problem-solving abilities, read blueprints and written instructions, and select proper machinery, materials, and tools.

After graduation students have proficiencies with machine tools like lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and CNC machines. We even teach our students the setup and milling operations on Bridgeports, the setup and turning operations on Lathes, and G & M code programming for CNC machines.

With a degree from our CNC and Advanced Machining program, graduates can utilize CAM designing and programming software, CNC setup and operation, and multi-axis CNC Machining and Turning center programming, setup, and operation.

While attending SCTCC, students are required to attend tool shows and metalworking exhibitions when possible and read trade journals and magazines for professional growth.

Quick Glance
  • Demonstrates problem-solving ability 
  •  Attends tool shows and metalworking exhibitions when possible 
  •  Reads trade journals and magazines for professional growth 
  • Read blueprints and written instructions 
  • Select proper machinery, materials, and tools 
  • Gain proficiency with machine tools such as lathes, mills, grinders, drill-presses, computers, and computerized numerical control (CNC) machines 
  • Setup and milling operations on Bridgeports 
  • Setup and turning operations on Lathes 
  • G & M code programming for CNC machines 
  • CAM designing and programming software 
  • CNC setup and operation 
  • Multi-axis CNC Machining and Turning center programming/setup and operation


View all program learner outcomes

Types of Careers

Graduates from our CNC and Advanced Machining program have a variety of opportunities in the workforce. Our students have found employment opportunities as manual and CNC machinists, toolmakers, mold-makers, quality inspectors, and much more.

You can even find SCTCC graduates using their skills working with CNC operators, setup, and programming. With so many ways to use your degree, every student is certain to find a career path right for them.

A day in the life of an SCTCC graduate is utilizing skills taught in our classrooms like problem-solving and using precision with tools while working as a CNC machinist.

Quick Glance
  •  Machinist:  Manual and CNC 
  • Toolmaker 
  • Moldmaker 
  • CNC Operator 
  • CNC Setup 
  • CNC programming 
  • Quality inspector 

At SCTCC, we don’t only prepare students for their future careers, but also for future academic endeavors. All of the SCTCC general education courses are a part of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Students can continue their studies at Bemidji State University or Minnesota State University, Moorhead to benefit from our 2 + 2 articulation.

Machining student
Machining students
Machining student
Machining student in lab
Machining student in lab

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Are you ready to learn more about the CNC and Advanced Machining program and being a student at SCTCC? 

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Request Information

Fill out this form to receive useful information that's specific to your program.

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Connect with the Admissions team

  • Call us at 320-308-5089
  • Email us at recruitment@sctcc.edu

  • On campus Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Visiting campus is an excellent opportunity to learn about SCTCC programs, the application process, and tour the state-of-the-art-labs and classrooms.

5.20.25 01:00pm
Main entrance: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN

Cyclone Tour

5.22.25 01:00pm
Main entrance: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN

Cyclone Tour

5.30.25 09:00am
Main entrance: 1540 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN

Cyclone Tour

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Paying for College

Students choose SCTCC for a lot of reasons, but saving money is one reason we hear from almost every student at SCTCC. We’ve got a breakdown of the costs for the program, along with information on financial aid and scholarships.

Apply just once and you are considered for all eligible SCTCC scholarships.

Program Costs   Applying for Financial Aid   SCTCC Scholarships
SCTCC is the best value with tuition at $6124. MinnState university is $9959. UofM is $14962. MN private university is $50979. *Based on average 2024 tuition & fees for 15 credits or full-time for an academic year. Some institutions charge additional fees.  Fees vary by program. For exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. The listed costs do not include room & board.
Machine Tool Lab
Virtual Lab Tour

Program Info for Current Students

Affiliations:

TECHS

SkillsUSA

As a CNC and Advanced Machining major, students can join the student group, SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers, and industries working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. SkillsUSA helps students excel and provides educational programs, events, and competitions that support career and technical education (CTE) in the nation’s classrooms.

SCTCC Student Clubs

Good Stuff

06.18.24
Kate Wallace
three HS teachers in plumbing lab with instructor Steve showing them a pipe

SCTCC, AgCentric, & Advanced Manufacturing Center Host HS Teachers

When SCTCC’s Advanced Manufacturing Center opened in late 2023, one of the objectives of the new space was welcoming the community to experience the Center and use it for learning, engaging, and...
09.28.23
President Kloos, Aaron Barker, Katie Frank, and Chancellor Olson at ribbon with robot

SCTCC Celebrates: Advanced Manufacturing Center, 75th Anniversary, Cyclones Volleyball

On Sept. 27, SCTCC celebrated the Grand Opening of its Advanced Manufacturing Center and 75th Anniversary, welcoming students, faculty, staff, and community members on campus. During the Grand Opening...
10.07.22
Kate Wallace
Group with shovels for groundbreaking

SCTCC Celebrates Groundbreaking for Advanced Manufacturing Lab

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, SCTCC celebrated the groundbreaking of its Advanced Manufacturing Training Lab, which is slated to be completed in 2023. The lab’s groundbreaking brought together community...
More News

CNC and Advanced Machining Instructor

Allen Smith

Allen Smith

Machine Tool Technology Instructor

allen.smith@sctcc.edu
320-308-5088

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