Mechanical Design and Innovation Certificate

Career Certificate

Cost: $9,172*

Design mechanical systems

Make engineering components stronger, better, faster

Find solutions to real-world technological challenges. Build your skills in drafting, design, and product and materials testing.

Study Mechanical Design and Innovation and learn how to:

design mechanical systems using computer-aided design (CAD) software
use and fix mechanical, electrical, pneumatic/hydraulic and automation systems
test designs for failure

What can you do with a certificate in Mechanical Design and Innovation?

Put your advanced skills to work as part of a design team with engineers and scientists with this certificate. Start right away in an entry level position in the mechanical engineering field. Or apply credits toward earning your Mechanical Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree.

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Program Length: 2 Years

Full-time students finish in 2 years.
Career Certificate

Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Stackable Credentials

Earn and learn as you go with stackable credentials.

Career Outlook

Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $46,051
  
  Median
  
  $63,465
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $100,748
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.13
  
  Median
  
  $30.51
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $48.43
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  0.41%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.91%
  
  Some college
  
  0.41%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  54.59%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Design and develop manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and children's toys. Combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $47,697
  
  Median
  
  $66,796
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,610
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.92
  
  Median
  
  $32.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.65
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.3%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.29%
  
  Some college
  
  15.23%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.26%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  67.92%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Develop programs to control machining or processing of materials by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems. May also set up, operate, or maintain equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $49,272
  
  Median
  
  $65,941
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $95,668
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.68
  
  Median
  
  $31.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.99
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  23.84%
  
  Certificate
  
  40.57%
  
  Some college
  
  6.78%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.29%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,078
  
  Median
  
  $68,392
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $109,835
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.11
  
  Median
  
  $32.88
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $52.80
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  6.1%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.07%
  
  Some college
  
  6.74%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  23.56%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  40.08%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.46%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $41,354
  
  Median
  
  $70,376
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $111,192
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.88
  
  Median
  
  $33.83
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $53.45
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Certificate
  
  7.98%
  
  Some college
  
  7.45%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  61.28%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  20.25%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.93%
  
  Doctorate
  
  0.13%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2
ARM 151	ARM 151 Mechanical Systems I Class Description This course covers basic safety protocol, the role of mechanical components in complex mechatronic systems, the flow of energy in a mechatronic system, calculation of force, accelerations, speed, torque, etc. and basic maintenance and systems-level troubleshooting.	1
ARM 152	ARM 152 Mechanical Systems II Class Description This course covers gears and gear drives, chain and sprocket systems, power transmission, pulley drives, synchronous drives, lubrication requirements of mechanical components, analyzing technical data sheets, and basic troubleshooting.	1
ARM 153	ARM 153 Mechanical Systems III Class Description This course will cover mechanical shafts, couplings and bearings, lubrication, preventative and predictive maintenance of shafts, couplings, bushings, seals and bearings, alignment and troubleshooting.	1
ARM 156	ARM 156 Electrical Systems I Class Description This course will cover the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include electrical safety; current, voltage, resistance and power in AC and DC circuits; principles of resistance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, frequency, magnetism and transformers; basic function of AC/DC power supplies; operation of multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, wiggys, logic probes and amp clamps.	1
ARM 157	ARM 157 Electrical Systems II Class Description This course will cover fundamentals of parallel circuits, balancing bridges, reed switches, current dividers, voltage dividers, relays, indicators, solenoids and troubleshooting.	1
ARM 158	ARM 158 Electrical Systems III Class Description This course will cover electromagnetism; switches; photoelectric, capacitive, and inductive sensors; DC motor and generator introduction; AC motor and circuitry introduction; waveforms; instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.	1
ARM 171	ARM 171 Automation I Class Description This course will cover electrical safety, fundamentals of DC motor operations, starting methods for DC motors, speed control, and troubleshooting DC motors, introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC terminology, hardware components and general classification of PLCs.	1
ARM 172	ARM 172 Automation II Class Description This course will cover fundamentals of AC motors, intro to 3-phase distribution, transformers, PLC architecture, peripheral support devices, analog and digital circuit structures, and Boolean algebra.	1
ARM 173	ARM 173 Automation III Class Description This course covers AC induction motors, AC motor starting methods, AC motor speed control, and PLC input/output module devices and symbols.	1
EGR 121	EGR 121 Engineering Design Graphics Class Description This is an introductory course in the Engineering Transfer and Engineering Technology curriculum. The course emphasizes the use of graphical communication for engineers, designers and drafters to communicate technical ideas in the context of the engineering design process used in industry. Topics include technical sketching, multiview and pictorial drawings, section views, auxiliary views, dimensioning and tolerancing, detailed part drawings, assembly drawings, the design process, and 3D parametric solid modeling. A design project is incorporated, emphasizing functional analysis, with creation of functional prototypes is included. NOTE: Previous experience in 3D solid modeling software is recommended but not required for this course.	3
PMT 114	PMT 114 Machining Processes I Class Description This course is an introduction to machining and machine shop practices. Topics will include hand tools, measurement, cut off machines, drilling machines, benchwork, turning machines, milling machines, grinding machines and general safety. The content of this course will provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the manual and CNC machining processes. Students will also engage in instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining their Job Planning, Bench work & Layout credential and their Measurement, Materials, and Safety credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 151
Course Title	ARM 151 Mechanical Systems I Class Description This course covers basic safety protocol, the role of mechanical components in complex mechatronic systems, the flow of energy in a mechatronic system, calculation of force, accelerations, speed, torque, etc. and basic maintenance and systems-level troubleshooting.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 152
Course Title	ARM 152 Mechanical Systems II Class Description This course covers gears and gear drives, chain and sprocket systems, power transmission, pulley drives, synchronous drives, lubrication requirements of mechanical components, analyzing technical data sheets, and basic troubleshooting.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 153
Course Title	ARM 153 Mechanical Systems III Class Description This course will cover mechanical shafts, couplings and bearings, lubrication, preventative and predictive maintenance of shafts, couplings, bushings, seals and bearings, alignment and troubleshooting.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 156
Course Title	ARM 156 Electrical Systems I Class Description This course will cover the basic electrical components in a mechatronic system. Topics covered will include electrical safety; current, voltage, resistance and power in AC and DC circuits; principles of resistance, inductance, capacitance, impedance, frequency, magnetism and transformers; basic function of AC/DC power supplies; operation of multimeters, oscilloscopes, frequency counters, wiggys, logic probes and amp clamps.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 157
Course Title	ARM 157 Electrical Systems II Class Description This course will cover fundamentals of parallel circuits, balancing bridges, reed switches, current dividers, voltage dividers, relays, indicators, solenoids and troubleshooting.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 158
Course Title	ARM 158 Electrical Systems III Class Description This course will cover electromagnetism; switches; photoelectric, capacitive, and inductive sensors; DC motor and generator introduction; AC motor and circuitry introduction; waveforms; instrumentation, and troubleshooting techniques.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 171
Course Title	ARM 171 Automation I Class Description This course will cover electrical safety, fundamentals of DC motor operations, starting methods for DC motors, speed control, and troubleshooting DC motors, introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and PLC terminology, hardware components and general classification of PLCs.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 172
Course Title	ARM 172 Automation II Class Description This course will cover fundamentals of AC motors, intro to 3-phase distribution, transformers, PLC architecture, peripheral support devices, analog and digital circuit structures, and Boolean algebra.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 173
Course Title	ARM 173 Automation III Class Description This course covers AC induction motors, AC motor starting methods, AC motor speed control, and PLC input/output module devices and symbols.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	EGR 121
Course Title	EGR 121 Engineering Design Graphics Class Description This is an introductory course in the Engineering Transfer and Engineering Technology curriculum. The course emphasizes the use of graphical communication for engineers, designers and drafters to communicate technical ideas in the context of the engineering design process used in industry. Topics include technical sketching, multiview and pictorial drawings, section views, auxiliary views, dimensioning and tolerancing, detailed part drawings, assembly drawings, the design process, and 3D parametric solid modeling. A design project is incorporated, emphasizing functional analysis, with creation of functional prototypes is included. NOTE: Previous experience in 3D solid modeling software is recommended but not required for this course.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PMT 114
Course Title	PMT 114 Machining Processes I Class Description This course is an introduction to machining and machine shop practices. Topics will include hand tools, measurement, cut off machines, drilling machines, benchwork, turning machines, milling machines, grinding machines and general safety. The content of this course will provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the manual and CNC machining processes. Students will also engage in instructional activities to prepare them for obtaining their Job Planning, Bench work & Layout credential and their Measurement, Materials, and Safety credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ARM 191	ARM 191 Pneumatics and Hydraulics I Class Description This course will cover basic safety rules and standards when working with mechatronic systems, introduction to fluid power, basic principles of hydraulics, fluid power components, hydraulic fluids and basic principles of pneumatics.	1
ARM 192	ARM 192 Pneumatics and Hydraulics II Class Description This course will continue coverage of basic pneumatics and will also cover power supplies, vacuum pumps, circuit diagrams and system tracing, pneumatic components, and system operation and troubleshooting.	1
ARM 193	ARM 193 Pneumatics and Hydraulics III Class Description This course will cover electronic controls, hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves, technical documentation, measurements and adjustments on a fluid system, troubleshooting and predictive/preventative maintenance.	1
MET 214	MET 214 Mechanical Design and Drafting Class Description This course introduces students to the design and graphic representation of basic machine parts such as gears, cams, castings, stampings, the redesign of simple mechanisms, piping drawing, and welding representations.	3
CAD 170	CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks Class Description (Formerly CAD 173) This course is designed as an introduction to the SolidWorks Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include part creation, use of features, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. NOTE: Completion of CAD 117 or a strong working knowledge of another CAD software is recommended prior to taking this course.	3
MTH 117	MTH 117 Technical Mathematics I Class Description This course covers college mathematics for students majoring in technology. It includes algebra, geometry and trigonometry. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 191
Course Title	ARM 191 Pneumatics and Hydraulics I Class Description This course will cover basic safety rules and standards when working with mechatronic systems, introduction to fluid power, basic principles of hydraulics, fluid power components, hydraulic fluids and basic principles of pneumatics.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 192
Course Title	ARM 192 Pneumatics and Hydraulics II Class Description This course will continue coverage of basic pneumatics and will also cover power supplies, vacuum pumps, circuit diagrams and system tracing, pneumatic components, and system operation and troubleshooting.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 193
Course Title	ARM 193 Pneumatics and Hydraulics III Class Description This course will cover electronic controls, hydraulic cylinders and directional control valves, technical documentation, measurements and adjustments on a fluid system, troubleshooting and predictive/preventative maintenance.
Credits	1

Course Highlights
Course Code	MET 214
Course Title	MET 214 Mechanical Design and Drafting Class Description This course introduces students to the design and graphic representation of basic machine parts such as gears, cams, castings, stampings, the redesign of simple mechanisms, piping drawing, and welding representations.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CAD 170
Course Title	CAD 170 Introduction to SolidWorks Class Description (Formerly CAD 173) This course is designed as an introduction to the SolidWorks Computer Aided Design software. Topics will include part creation, use of features, assembly modeling, and drawing creation. NOTE: Completion of CAD 117 or a strong working knowledge of another CAD software is recommended prior to taking this course.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 117
Course Title	MTH 117 Technical Mathematics I Class Description This course covers college mathematics for students majoring in technology. It includes algebra, geometry and trigonometry. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS division office for details.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ARM 242	ARM 242 Reverse Engineering of Mechanical Systems Class Description This course is a study of the design of mechanical components in complex mechatronics systems. It covers an overview of statics, dynamics, and design of machine elements. Topics include force system analysis; study of equilibrium, translation, and rotation; friction; and stress, strain, and wear analysis. It also covers reverse engineering and the design of machine elements in mechanical systems.	3
MET 111	MET 111 Manufacturing Processes Class Description This course introduces students to the processes, production procedures and materials used in manufacturing. Casting, machining, forging, rolling, treatment and production of engineering materials is also studied.	3
PHY 121	PHY 121 General Physics I Class Description This it the first course in a two semester sequence designed for students in arts and sciences. Basic concepts of mechanics, waves and sound are developed through lectures, demonstrations and laboratory experience. Basic knowledge of algebra and geometry assumed.	5
MET 212	MET 212 Mechanisms Class Description This course introduces students to the study of motion, velocity, and acceleration as they pertain to the design of gears, linkages, and other mechanical assemblies which transmit or convert motion.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ARM 242
Course Title	ARM 242 Reverse Engineering of Mechanical Systems Class Description This course is a study of the design of mechanical components in complex mechatronics systems. It covers an overview of statics, dynamics, and design of machine elements. Topics include force system analysis; study of equilibrium, translation, and rotation; friction; and stress, strain, and wear analysis. It also covers reverse engineering and the design of machine elements in mechanical systems.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MET 111
Course Title	MET 111 Manufacturing Processes Class Description This course introduces students to the processes, production procedures and materials used in manufacturing. Casting, machining, forging, rolling, treatment and production of engineering materials is also studied.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHY 121
Course Title	PHY 121 General Physics I Class Description This it the first course in a two semester sequence designed for students in arts and sciences. Basic concepts of mechanics, waves and sound are developed through lectures, demonstrations and laboratory experience. Basic knowledge of algebra and geometry assumed.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	MET 212
Course Title	MET 212 Mechanisms Class Description This course introduces students to the study of motion, velocity, and acceleration as they pertain to the design of gears, linkages, and other mechanical assemblies which transmit or convert motion.
Credits	3

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
MET 215	MET 215 Machine Design Class Description This is a capstone course that covers the application of empirical and analytical techniques used in the design of mechanical components. Combined states of stress using Mohr's Circle, design criteria (including maximum shear stress, Mises-Hencky strain energy, and fatigue) and the design and analysis of mechanical elements (including clutches, brakes, belts, chains, bearings, fasteners, gearing, springs and cams) are developed.	5
MET 216	MET 216 Applied Finite Element Analysis Class Description This course is designed to explain how to apply finite element analysis to real-world problems. Students will be introduced to finite element analysis software and will learn the proper techniques of how it is used to test engineering designs for failure modes in the virtual environment.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	MET 215
Course Title	MET 215 Machine Design Class Description This is a capstone course that covers the application of empirical and analytical techniques used in the design of mechanical components. Combined states of stress using Mohr's Circle, design criteria (including maximum shear stress, Mises-Hencky strain energy, and fatigue) and the design and analysis of mechanical elements (including clutches, brakes, belts, chains, bearings, fasteners, gearing, springs and cams) are developed.
Credits	5

Course Highlights
Course Code	MET 216
Course Title	MET 216 Applied Finite Element Analysis Class Description This course is designed to explain how to apply finite element analysis to real-world problems. Students will be introduced to finite element analysis software and will learn the proper techniques of how it is used to test engineering designs for failure modes in the virtual environment.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Mechanical Engineering Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

This degree is just one possible way to study Mechanical Engineering Technology. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Mechanical Engineering Technology program overview

Frequently asked questions

Yes! This certificate is the second rung on the career ladder for Mechanical Engineering Technology:
1. Mechanical Design Certificate
2. Mechanical Design and Innovation Certificate
3. Mechanical Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree
Apply credits from this certificate to earn a Mechanical Engineering Technology A.A.S. degree.
This certificate also prepares you to earn industry credentials. Obtain the Job Planning, Bench Work & Layout credential and the Measurement, Materials, and Safety credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
With instruction and hands-on activities, you become familiar with:
- mechanical engineering principles
- how to operate and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, pneumatic/hydraulic and automation systems
- using computer-aided design software to design and document mechanical systems
- manufacturing and machining techniques
- materials science basics
- how to test engineering designs for failure
- how to reverse-engineer complex mechatronics systems
Yes. CLC offers online, in-person and hybrid classes. You can attend class in a way that works best for you, but class delivery modes vary from semester to semester. This means an online class might not be available the semester you want to take it.
You can filter classes by instruction mode using our class search function.
The class sizes at CLC are small. Instructors know you by name and care about your success. CLC instructors are accessible. They provide feedback and support to help you achieve. Plus, they have industry experience. This means you’ll learn how mechanical design works in the real world and be able to apply practical skills with confidence in the workplace.
The estimated cost of this program appears at the top of this web page, under the program title.
The cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours. It includes in-district tuition and fees, such as for books and materials. It does not factor in financial aid (grants, loans, scholarships) that you may receive.
View current tuition and fees
Some courses in this program are subject to variable tuition and course fees because they provide specialized experiences, instruction or technology/equipment.
View courses with variable tuition and fees
Many opportunities exist at CLC to get financial assistance. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.

Chad Holt
Adult Learner
"I have a lot of technical skills, but I didn't have the formal education side. I've connected a lot of dots (in this program), and it's really helped me to polish and hone my skills."
Chad is a full-time employee striving to earn two (2) associate degrees in automation, robotics and mechatronics and mechanical engineering technology. His goal is to upskill and get ahead of tech advancements in his field.
Read Chad's story

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Mechanical Design and Innovation Certificate

Design mechanical systems

Make engineering components stronger, better, faster

What can you do with a certificate in Mechanical Design and Innovation?

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Certificate

Stackable Credentials

Career Outlook

Architectural and Civil Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Commercial and Industrial Designers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Mechanical Drafters

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 17 Credits

Semester 2 12 Credits

Semester 3 14 Credits

Semester 4 8 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Mechanical Engineering Technology at CLC

Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Is this a stackable certificate?

What skills will I learn?

Can I attend class online?

Why study Mechanical Design and Innovation at CLC?

How much does this program cost?

Chad Holt

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