Mechanical Engineering Technology
The Mechanical Engineering Technology curriculum prepares graduates for employment as technicians in the diversified fields of mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering. Mechanical Engineering technicians assist in the design, development, testing, process design and improvement, and troubleshooting and repair of engineered systems. Graduates should qualify to obtain occupations such as technical service providers, materials and technologies testing service technicians, process improvement technicians, engineering technicians, industrial and technology managers, or research technicians.
Mechanical Engineering Technology course work includes engineering graphics, engineering fundamentals, materials and manufacturing processes, mathematics, and physics. Emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and hands-on application of engineering principles. In addition, students study computer applications, critical thinking, planning and problem solving, and oral and written communications.
Graduates of the curriculum find employment opportunities in the manufacturing or service sectors of engineering technology. Engineering technicians may obtain professional certification by application to organizations such as ASQC, SME, and NICET.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in mechanical engineering technology employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Mechanical Engineering Technology (A40320)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree - Mechanical Engineering Technology is awarded by the college upon completion of this program. This degree is accepted at some colleges and universities as the first two years of a 2 + 2 bachelors-level engineering technology program.
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required. High school students preparing for an engineering technology program should complete courses in algebra, geometry and advanced mathematics. Skills and proficiencies should be developed in writing, computer literacy, and science.
- Placement tests in English and mathematics determine entry-level courses that match individual needs. Developmental Studies English and mathematics courses are available for students to build basic skills and knowledge.
- A counseling/orientation appointment follows placement testing.
- Many courses have prerequisites or co-requisites; check the Courses section for details.
Program Accreditation
The Mechanical Engineering Technology Program at Central Piedmont is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Notes
The Mechanical Engineering Technology curriculum at Central Piedmont features the use of CAD systems in the practical applications of both fundamental and highly specialized mechanical engineering technology principles. Students advance from basic courses to specialized mechanical engineering technology courses. These courses furnish concentrated study in the practical application of state-of-the-art technological knowledge and skills needed in today’s high technology industry.
Completion of the program requires that students use college-level algebra, trigonometry, and physics in the application of scientific principles to technical problems.
Contact Information
The Mechanical Engineering Technology Program is in the Engineering Technologies Division. For additional information, visit the Mechanical Engineering Technology website or contact the Program Chair at 704.330.2772 ext. 3151.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| ENG 114 | Professional Research & Reporting | 3.0 |
| or ENG 112 | Writing and Research in the Disciplines | |
| or ENG 113 | Literature-Based Research | |
| or COM 110 | Introduction to Communication | |
| or COM 231 | Public Speaking | |
| MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
| Select 1 of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
or ART 114 | Art History Survey I | |
or ART 115 | Art History Survey II | |
or DRA 111 | Theatre Appreciation | |
or HUM 120 | Cultural Studies | |
or HUM 130 | Myth in Human Culture | |
or MUS 110 | Music Appreciation | |
or MUS 112 | Introduction to Jazz | |
or PHI 215 | Philosophical Issues | |
or PHI 240 | Introduction to Ethics | |
or REL 110 | World Religions | |
| Select 1 of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
or ECO 252 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
or HIS 111 | World Civilizations I | |
or HIS 112 | World Civilizations II | |
or HIS 131 | American History I | |
or HIS 132 | American History II | |
or POL 120 | American Government | |
or PSY 150 | General Psychology | |
or SOC 210 | Introduction to Sociology | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| DFT 154 | Introduction to Solid Modeling | 3.0 |
| EGR 251 | Statics | 3.0 |
| EGR 252 | Strength of Materials | 3.0 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Processes I | 3.0 |
| MEC 180 | Engineering Materials | 3.0 |
| MEC 265 | Fluid Mechanics | 3.0 |
| PHY 151 | College Physics I | 4.0 |
| DFT 151 | CAD I | 3.0 |
| Other Major Requirements: | ||
| ELC 131 | Circuit Analysis I | 4.0 |
| MAT 172 | Precalculus Trigonometry | 4.0 |
| MAT 271 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| MEC 111 | Machine Processes I | 3.0 |
| MEC 275 | Engineering Mechanisms | 3.0 |
| PHY 152 | College Physics II | 4.0 |
| MEC 260 | Fundamentals of Machine Design | 3.0 |
| Select 1 of the following: **Students interested in continuing to UNCC should take CHM 151** | 2.0 | |
| General Chemistry I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| CAD II | ||
| Total Credits | 69 | |
Mechanical Engineering Certificates (C40320)
Mechanical Engineering Certificate Specialization in Mechanical CAD Operations (C40320-C2)
| Major Requirements | ||
| DFT 151 | CAD I | 3.0 |
| DFT 154 | Introduction to Solid Modeling | 3.0 |
| DFT 152 | CAD II | 3.0 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Processes I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Mechanical Engineering Technology Certificate Specialization in Mechanical Engineering Technology Pathway (C40320-C3)
This program also is available to high school students enrolled in Career and College Promise.
| Major Requirements | ||
| DFT 151 | CAD I | 3.0 |
| DFT 154 | Introduction to Solid Modeling | 3.0 |
| MEC 111 | Machine Processes I | 3.0 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Processes I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Mechanical Engineering Technology Certificate Specialization in Academic Preparation for Future Engineers (C40320-C4)
| Major Requirements | ||
| DFT 151 | CAD I | 3.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
| MAT 172 | Precalculus Trigonometry | 4.0 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Processes I | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Mechanical Engineering Technology Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2024-2025 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| DFT 151 | CAD I | 3.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 171 | Precalculus Algebra | 4.0 |
| MEC 111 | Machine Processes I | 3.0 |
| MEC 161 | Manufacturing Processes I | 3.0 |
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term II | ||
| MEC 180 | Engineering Materials | 3.0 |
| DFT 154 | Introduction to Solid Modeling | 3.0 |
| English/Communications | 3.0 | |
| MAT 172 | Precalculus Trigonometry | 4.0 |
| PHY 151 | College Physics I | 4.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term III | ||
| MAT 271 | Calculus I | 4.0 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Term IV | ||
| ELC 131 | Circuit Analysis I | 4.0 |
| EGR 251 | Statics | 3.0 |
| PHY 152 | College Physics II | 4.0 |
| EGR 252 | Strength of Materials | 3.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Term V | ||
| MEC 265 | Fluid Mechanics | 3.0 |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I | 4.0 |
| MEC 275 | Engineering Mechanisms | 3.0 |
| MEC 260 | Fundamentals of Machine Design | 3.0 |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 71 | |