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What is CNC Machining?

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) is a field of study focused on the automation of machine tools to control the manufacturing process.  A CNC degree holder is an operator that will either receive exact specifications of a part, assembly, device, or product from a customer or create the specifications through computer coding.  Once the code is in place, a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) technician will utilize the commands encoded on a storage medium to create the product or device.

The benefit of a highly precise set of CNC instructions coupled with advanced CNC machinery is that exact replicas can be built with tight tolerances versus a manually created product at a fraction of the cost.  In most machining environments, a CNC system will be a highly automated using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) programs.  Unlike the production process of yesteryear, a CNC machine will often combine a number of tools and processes into a single work cell and only leave the CNC once fabrication is complete.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best CNC Degree

Computer Numerical Control is taken by students at Rochester Institute Technology who’s under manufacturing engineering degree or the associate in occupational studies degree. CNC is one of the manufacturing technologies that manufacturing engineering should learn. Learning CNC is also one way to prepare students in AOS in order for them to be prepared for employment in precision machining or precision optics manufacturing occupations. RIT is devoted in shaping their students to have the future they’ve always wanted.

Acceptance Rate

70.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

CNC Machining course’ goal is to help graduates qualify in performing machining operations utilizing CNC Machining Centers. Their program will provide classroom and hands-on lab instruction. To improve the performance of cylinder heads and engine blocks, their program gives primary emphasis on the application of CNC machining techniques. Additionally, at Sam Tech, students will have the chance to thoroughly explore the utilization of 5-axis CNC machining Centers. 

Acceptance Rate

81.48

Tuition

$16,675 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Montana State University offers a Certificate in CNC Machine Technology. This is a 34-credit program which is designed to be completed in 2 semesters. It’ll train students to apply technical knowledge and skills in operating computer numerically controlled machines. Instruction in CNC terminology, programming, troubleshooting, machining and mill operations are just some of the topics included in this program.

Acceptance Rate

81.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

An Associate degree in Computer Numerical Control Technology is available at Northern Michigan University. Graduates of this program are employed to maintain, set-up, and operate CNC equipment. If you are interested in pursuing a degree beyond the associate, the credits you earn in this program can be transferred to a baccalaureate degree program in Industrial Technologies. It is also applicable to Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Acceptance Rate

65.59

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Students will learn both CNC lathing and milling at Dunwoody’s Machine Tool and Technology.  They acknowledge that machining is crucial to precision manufacturing, so they strive to help their students learn the manual and computer-controlled machining in a state-of-the-industry machine tool facility. They will be trained in Solidworks and MasterCAM software. They will be guided in completing hands-on projects on manual machines and advanced manufacturing processes including CNC lathing and CNC milling.

Acceptance Rate

96.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Ferris State University provides hands-on experience with Basic CNC and Machine operations for students who will earn CNC Programming and Machine Operation Certificate. They will teach their students the basic fundamentals in programming and in both CNC and CAM. They are dedicated in preparing their students to be effective in any field of work they want to pursue. They claim that they can give the best education that anyone could ever receive.

Acceptance Rate

86.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Affordable, accessible and high-quality programs in CNC Machinist, Manufacturing Technology is what Colorado Mesa University offers. Students at Archuleta Engineering Center learned how to apply industrial knowledge and skills in implementing designs, operating manual mills and lathes and in planning. They are trained to be skillful in operating computer aided machinery with CAD/Cam software. They are also knowledgeable in CNC machines.

Acceptance Rate

78.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

CNC Machinist (CERT) is offered as one of work experience courses at Baker College of Flint. They define work experience courses as a challenging work opportunity that are related to the major or intended career of the student. Students will then integrate and reflect their work experience to their college learning in the professional world. Skills that they will be able to hone with the help of the work experiences that they’ll gain gives them an advantage in their career field.

Acceptance Rate

73.16

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

At Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, students will not just learn basic CNC programming skills. Their students under the Header Machinist and basic CNC Programmer program will also learn how to operate a precision Centerless Grinder. Through a grant from the Howmet Aerospace, they will be able to produce fasteners for the Aerospace and Military Industry. All new students in this school are required to attend the appraisal.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,300 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

32:1

Tennessee College of Applied technology-Pulaski offers a CNC Machining degree. This program strives to give their students a broad range of experience in using machine tools that they will possibly come in contact with after graduation and throughout their career. They are dedicated in helping their students acquire skills of a machine operator that they will need in the machining of metal by machine tools. This program also includes blueprint reading, manual milling and turning machines, instruction relating to safety and many other more that they will need to know.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

An Advanced Manufacturing degree is offered at Lincoln Tech – Mahwah. This program is designed to prepare students for an entry-level employment as CNC Operators or Set-up Technicians. This program helps students develop fundamental skills required in operating and setting up complex manufacturing machines. Completion of this program makes the students prepared for qualifying NIMS in the areas of Measurement and Safety, Bench work and Layout, CNC Turning, CNC Operator and CNC Milling.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$25,164 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

CNC Machining and manufacturing Technology training at Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie provides their students with technical and hands-on training on CNC machines from global leader Haas Automation, Inc. These are the same kinds of machines that you will find in clean, comfortable and safe factories in the country. TX CNC Machining School at Grand Prairie develops their students to be skilled in programming computers. They will be knowledgeable with 21st century manufacturing equipment.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$24,266 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Green Country Technology Center offers NIMS Certified CNC Machine Operator Program. This program is designed to help prepare students for an exciting career in manufacturing. Students will be trained by Jerald Logan (instructor) in a shop equipped with a variety of industry standard advanced precision machines. Students who completed this program learned how to use advanced computer technology in manufacturing products for a broad range of production needs.

Acceptance Rate

84.62

Tuition

$2,625 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Renton Technology College offers a two-year CNC Machining Technologies program for qualified students.  This program will help their students develop skills that are essential in operating machines. They will receive hands-on experience just like what they’ll encounter as they start working at manufacturing facilities. They will learn how to apply math, and other practical skills at work.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Lincoln Tech – East Windsor’s CT CNC Machining School offers programs in Machining and Manufacturing. They impart knowledge on how to program computers using 21st century manufacturing equipment. Students get the chance to practice reading blueprints as they work with industry-standard software to direct tool paths. Through specialized software programs, students are able to study CAD and CAM.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$24,442 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

At Meridian Technology Center, you will really put your fingers to work. They will teach you how to input code on machining tools. They will provide you with everything you need to be a skillful CNC Machinist. You will literally get out of the classroom and enter into the real world while doing projects where you transform raw materials into parts. Students will be asked to create prototypes of products designed by students in Pre-Engineering and Computer Aided Drafting by writing programs.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$2,835 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

NASCAR Technical Institute offers CNC Machinist Training Program. This program provides industry-preferred tools and technology in training students in the brands they are going to use out in the field. This program teaches every important aspect in CNC machinist training in cooperation with a leading brand in the performance industry, Roush Yates. Some of the topics that students will be familiar with are interpreting geometric dimensioning, setup and operation of CNC lathes and mills, and reading blueprints.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$36,300 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

33:1

Lincoln Tech-Indianapolis features the Gene Haas Center for Advanced Automation that is named for the founder of one of the leading CNC equipment manufacturers in the world. Students in Indianapolis’ IN CNC Machining School have acquired skills that are essential for their brighter future. They practice reading blueprints and have the opportunity to work with industry-standard software to direct tool paths. They will also be provided with specialized software programs to be able to study CAD and CAM.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$32,243 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

26:1

Moraine Park Technical College offers a CNC Setup certificate program for qualified students.  Enrolled students will work with both metal and plastic and properly set up CNC machines.  In addition to setting up for the next job, this program will help teach students how to maintain quality control, monitor multiple machines, blueprint reading, basic CNC programming, and troubleshoot manufacturing issues. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Arkansas State University – Mountain Home offers a Technical Certificate Program in Machining. In this program, students are trained so they’ll be prepared for a diverse array of high-paying career fields. They make sure to always provide proper equipment and training so they can produce a skilled machinist. Completion of this program can provide endless employment opportunities and satisfaction that is brought by being at the cutting edge of technology.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology programs are available at Lake Land College. This degree program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of manufacturing industries. Certificate programs are also offered. Two of the seven Certificate programs that they offer are CNC Operator certificate and CNC Set-Up and Programming Technology. 

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Students at Anoka Technical College who took the CNC Manufacturing Technology learned how to write and edit CNC programs. They were taught how to perform complex setups and do basic troubleshooting of machine problems. They know how to cycle time reduction practices. They also developed the ability to fixture design and building.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Precision Machining degree at Gordon Cooper Technology Center is structured to train individuals to operate conventional and computerized numerical control machine shop equipment. They impart knowledge on how to work from technical drawings. Impart knowledge on how to meet production and tolerance specs on machined parts for the manufacturing industry. This is offered as full-time career pathways to high school juniors, seniors or adults.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$5,682 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Peninsula College offers a course in CNC Operations and Advanced CNC Programming. The course in CNC Operations is intended to give the skills needed in completing basic CN machine set-ups and operations. It teaches how to use CNC set-up sheets, and working drawings and prints to verify parts. The course in Advanced CNC programming provides techniques like the use of sub programs, and use of parametric macro programming and features.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

You can advance your manufacturing skills at Lakeshore Technical College’s degree in CNC Technician. They strive to hone in the students the skill sets needed to be a competitive part of the world of manufacturing. This program blended the skills of a true craftsperson with the high-tech world of automation. This program provides above-average earning power.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Top Degrees in CNC Machine Programming

High tech and high touch intersect in the manufacturing world with CNC machining. A CNC machine provides programmers with the ability to automate the manufacturing process with state-of-the-art equipment to replicate parts and/or assemblies to exact specifications. Behind the scenes, a CNC programmer will need to blend fabrication knowledge with computer coding skills.

Programmers will need to understand very specific requirements of an order prior to converting raw material into a finished product. Aspects such as size, composition, angles, assembly, timing, and customization need to be accounted for during the design phase to minimize waste and rework. Below you will find a summary of undergraduate and degree programs available to help students get matched to exciting jobs in the field and leverage CNC knowledge.

Certificate Programs in CNC Machining

A certificate and or diploma program in CNC machining or CNC machine programming is a hands-on learning experience. Students will learn the basics of becoming a skilled trades person. Skills learned in most program will include the manufacturing of precision parts and assemblies using a variety of metals and plastics.

Machinists will utilize forgings, castings, stampings, and stock material to produce a variety of parts. CNC equipment is utilized to produce parts to exact specifications using computer assisted machinery and precision measuring equipment.

Associate Degrees in CNC

An associate degree in CNC machine program is a 2-year program for full-time students. Degrees in the field are conferred as an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) depending on the school. Associate degree programs fuse core curriculum with general education courses to provide a balanced education. Examples of general education courses will often include creative writing, history, communications, philosophy, and psychology.

Core curriculum for CNC machinists will be designed to prepare students to step into a variety of jobs in the field. Courses you will typically find in a course catalog include:

  • Manufacturing Safety
  • Quality Practices
  • Maintenance Essentials
  • Engineering Drawings
  • Materials Science
  • Geometric Dimensioning
  • Shop Calculations
  • CNC, CAD, CAM
  • Tool Design
  • Mechanical Systems

Student Curriculum for Machinists & Programmers

In terms of educational requirements, Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:

Skills & Abilities Required for CNC Programmers

  • Speaking
  • Instructing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speech Clarity
  • Oral Expression
  • Oral Comprehension
  • Speech Recognition
  • Written Comprehension
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment & CNC Specializations

For students that earn a college degree in Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC), there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue.  The options range from safety engineer, machinist, systems engineer, operation design, manufacturing engineer, management science, production engineer, ergonomics, management engineer, and lean manufacturing in the public or private domain to name a few possible career tracks.

Where Do CNC Machinists Work?

After earning a degree, diploma, or certificate of completion in CNC programming, students will have a number of career tracks to consider.  We have assembled a list of types of places a CNC programmer may work to help you best understand the road ahead.  Top places a CNC machinist work include:

  • Mold shops
  • Contract machine shops
  • Precision Machining
  • Project Management
  • Die shops
  • CAD/CAM/CNC Machining
  • Medical device manufacturers
  • Research & development machine shops
  • Defense Manufacturing
  • OEM Suppliers
Top Job Titles of CNC Programmers

When looking for a job in the field, you will need to understand the common vernacular associated with a CNC professional.  As a result, we have culled dozens of resources to come up with a list of commonly used job titles.

It is important to understand a CNC machinist can carry a different job title yet perform the same work from shop to shop.  Likewise, you can have the same job title yet perform different duties.  Thus making it essential to understand each job and the specific duties involved to find the best fit for you.

  • Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer
  • Machine Shop Lead
  • CAD/CAM Programmer
  • Machining Manager
  • CNC Machine Operator
  • Process Engineer
  • CNC Machining Center Operator
  • Programmer
  • Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist
  • Computer Numerically Controlled Operator
Popular Job Duties of a Computer Numerically Controlled Programmer

Data from a recent DOL survey help illuminate the top job duties of a machinist or computer programmer.  When thinking about a career in computer programming and production, take the time to read through the following list and then reach out to accredited schools to learn more about their respective program(s).  Top job duties of a CNC machinist include the following:

  • Determining exact reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations for each part or assembly
  • Writing specific programs in the appropriate coding language and storing the programs on tapes and disks for future use
  • Updating existing computer programs to improve outcomes or optimize for fabrication efficiencies
  • Establishing the proper sequence of machine operations and the best cutting tool for the job
  • Establishing the proper simulations on test material prior to final production
  • Modifying and testing computer programs to ensure minimal waste and rework
  • Taking the time to analyze shop drawings, blueprints, orders, and customer specs to effectively calculate dimensions (length, width, depth, radii, curvatures, etc), optimal tools, and feed rates
  • Properly maintaining each computer-controlled machine to run effectively and efficiently

Job Growth and Career Outlook in CNC Programming

The job growth in the greater Computer Numerically Controlled domain are well above average.  The career outlook curriculum in CNC allows new students to hit the ground running and participate in the job market right away.  In fact, the rate of job growth for industrial machinery mechanic is expected to rise 16% through 2024 and for machinist a 6% growth rate is expected during the same period.  A CNC specialist career outlook is exceptionally bright given the training available and market demand.

Given the broad nature of the Computer Numerically Controlled programming degree, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location.  Related fields include engineer, operations manager, fabrication plant manager, manager, production engineer, and equipment repair.

Additional Resources in CNC Machining & Programming

Additional research can be done on professional trade associations such as the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA).  As one of the largest trade associations affiliated with the CNC specialties, they provide tools and resources for professionals in this area of study.

The following organizations may also be worth researching as you focus your skills and abilities deeper into programming and machining.

  • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  • Association of Facilities Engineering (AFE)
  • American Association for Machine Translation (AAMT)
  • National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
  • Robotics Industries Association (RIA)
  • Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA)
  • Open Device Vendors Association (ODVA)
  • Association of Manufacturing Technologies (AMT)
  • Tooling and Manufacturing Association (TMA)
  • International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM)
  • National Center of Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS)

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