Career Paths: Succeed With Far-Ranging Skills
As a Machine Tool Technology student, you learn:
- Cutting principles
- Programming techniques
- Computer controls
- CNC (computer numerical control) machine tool operations
- CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) systems
These portable skills prepare you for success in key manufacturing roles, including
machinist and tool and die maker. You may also pursue these career paths:
With additional education, on-the-job training, and work experience, you may be promoted
to these positions:
Earn Good-Paying & Meaningful Credentials
Newly-minted high school grads, professionals looking for a career change — our program
welcomes everyone. We’re here to help you pursue a successful career in machine tool
technology.
Associate Degree
Choose the degree option if you want to learn everything you can about machine tool
technology while also preparing for higher pay and stronger career advancement opportunities.
You complete 64 credit hours of major requirements, general education courses, electives,
and other supporting courses. If you attend on a full-time basis, you can complete
the degree in five semesters.
For more info, see:
You graduate with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, fully prepared to:
- Begin work in entry-level machinist, tool and die maker, or CNC operator and programmer
roles
- Transfer and earn a bachelor’s degree
Earn your bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology & Management from Ferris State University. Through our transfer partnership, Ferris offers classes
online and at our Auburn Hills campus. You complete the degree in four years by taking
three years of OCC courses and one year of Ferris courses. The total cost for the
degree is around $20,000. Future promotions to management may require a bachelor’s
degree.
Certificate
Choose the certificate option if you’re ready to go to work and want to earn a meaningful
credential in the shortest possible time.
You complete 36 credit hours of major requirements, supporting courses, and one math
course. If you attend on a full-time basis, you can complete the certificate in four
semesters.
For more info, see:
A Program Designed for Your Success
Industry Experts: Part of Your Team
Representatives from local employers serve on our advisory board and keep our classes
aligned with industry changes — and they show up here, in the classes you take, meeting
you, seeing how you learn and handle the machines. Companies participating on our
advisory board include:
In addition to helping us maintain a fresh curriculum, advisory board members also
welcome our students as apprentices.
Our Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at Auburn Hills looks like a showroom because
it is one. The ATC is:
- The SE Michigan showroom for HURCO, a leading industrial tech company
- Eight state-of-the-art CNC machines
- A HURCO lab
- The place where you apply classroom theory on the most recent equipment
Plus, as a showroom, we attract companies interested in the machines. Those visits
expand your network for your next job.
"After a few months into the program my instructor gave me the phone number of a local
shop that was looking to hire an apprentice. I went for an interview and got a job
as a CNC Operator. Since then I have continued to make my journey through the machine
tool technology program and am able to apply what I learn at school to what I do at
work."
- Daniel C., Current OCC Student
Take the Next Steps
Ready to begin your studies? Get started now:
- Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our online application.
- On the application select one of the degree or certificate programs ‘Machine Tool Technology’.
- Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Student Update Information Request form.
