Machinist Degree

Getting Your Machinist Degree

TradeGetting a degree in machine technology is a taxing project to some, but to those who love math and enjoy technical work, a machinist degree leads to a job that person will enjoy for years to come. Machinists are highly skilled professionals holding a machinist degree who use hand tools and machines to create metal tools and parts. Think of the person who spends his or her day producing nuts and bolts and then checks them to make sure the fittings are correct and that there are no metal burrs, and you have a machinist. Only those who have a machinist degree and who have completed an apprenticeship can take on this job.

There are four key areas for those interested in getting a machinist degree. First, you should definitely look into machinist degree programs that focus on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines and programs. Most industries use CNC machinery to help create precision parts. Only those with a CNC machinist degree will be able to work with CNC machinery. CNC workers are usually broken down into CNC Machine Operators and CNC Programmers, though it is easy for the two to cross over and perform both jobs in many cases. Additionally, there are general machinists and then Tool and Die Makers. Tool and Die Makers use metal to create the tools that are used by machinists to trim and file away metal on precision pieces. Tool and Die Makers also need a machinist degree.

To get a machinist degree, plan to take the following courses:

1. 3-D Programs 2. Advanced Math Refresher 3. Blueprints 4. CAD 5. CNC Introduction 6. CNC Machines 7. CNC Programming 8. Dimensions 9. Lathe and Milling Machines 10. Machine Shop Basics 11. Materials 12. Measurements 13. Production Technology 14. Tools Basics 15. Tooling

This is just a sampling of courses required to earn a machinist degree. Remember that you will focus on math skills, as well as learn how to operate the machinery. Machinists may not have the easiest classroom work out there, but those who enter into this field with a passion for math are never disappointed.