Academics
Mechanical Engineering Technology
The role of the Mechanical Engineering Technologist in industry is quite varied. They are often employed in the design office of a manufacturer. Some entry-level graduates construct computer graphic models of machines or parts. The career path of these graduates could lead to job titles of senior designer or design supervisor. Mechanical Engineering Technologists also work in product support, solving design-related problems, as service information technologists, write and develop service and repair instructions, applications engineers, who help equipment manufacturers design the correct bearings, pumps, motors, etc. into a wide range of products. Students develop a strong foundation in CAD software, analytical and rational problem solving skills, taking courses in mathematics, science, and machine design. Students can receive a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology by transferring to Bradley University or one of several Illinois state universities.
Career Opportunities
Students can go to work with an associate degree or they can continue their education and get a bachelors degree.
Associates degree:
Many students work for design contract firms that do design work or product testing for Caterpillar, John Deere and others. Students with associate degrees are also working for Caterpillar and Keystone Steel, Morton Metalcraft, Morton Welding, Kress Corp, UNR Rohn and many others.
Bachelor’s degree:
Students who elect to get a bachelors degree can choose from Bradley University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Western Illinois University, and Purdue University in the general Illinois area as well as universities all over the country.
Sample positions held by bachelors degree students include:
- Diesel engine designer
- Production of service manuals and service publications
- Product support
- Manufacturing designer
- Applications engineer
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Degree
Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 68
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required General Education Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| ENGL 110 | COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 201 | TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS | 3 |
| SOCIAL SCIENCE * | 3 | |
| MATH 137 | TECHNICAL CALCULUS | 3 |
| PHYS 112 | TECHNICAL PHYSICS I | 4 |
| HUMANITIES * | 3 |
Required Program Courses
| Course | Name | Credit Hours |
| MATH 130 | TECHNICAL ALGEBRA AND TRIGONOMETRY | 5 |
| MECTK 110 | INTRODUCTION TO THE TOOLS OF TECHNOLOGY | 3 |
| MECTK 121 | INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL COMPUTER-AIDED DRAFTING USING AUTOCAD | 3 |
| MECTK 123 | MECHANICAL DETAILING WITH CAD | 3 |
| MECTK 125 | 3-D MODELING WITH PRO-ENGINEER | 4 |
| MECTK 138 | MANUFACTURING PROCESSES I | 3 |
| MECTK 201 | MECHANISMS | 3 |
| MECTK 204 | STATICS AND STRENGTH OF MATERIALS | 4 |
| MECTK 220 | ADVANCED CAD PROJECTS | 2 |
| MECTK 221 | MACHINE DESIGN I | 3 |
| MECTK 222 | MACHINE DESIGN II | 3 |
| MECTK 231 | INDUSTRIAL FLUID POWER | 3 |
| MECTK 232 | MATERIALS SCIENCE AND PHYSICAL METALLURGY | 3 |
| PHYS 113 | TECHNICAL PHYSICS II | 4 |
| WELD 119 | WELDING PROCESSES | 3 |
* See specific requirements for Associate in Applied Science Degree.
The role of the Mechanical Engineering Technologist in industry is quite varied. They are often employed in the design office of a manufacturer. Some entry-level graduates construct 3D models of machines or parts. The career path of these graduates could lead to job titles of senior designer or design supervisor. Mechanical Engineering Technologists also work in product support, solving design-related problems, as service information technologists, write and develop service and repair instructions, applications engineers, who help equipment manufacturers design the correct bearings, pumps, motors, etc. into a wide range of products. Students develop a strong foundation in CAD software, analytical and rational problem solving skills, taking courses in mathematics, science, and machine design. Students can receive a bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology by transferring to Bradley University or one of several Illinois state universities.
Recommended Course Sequence
| Semester | Courses |
| Fall Semester 1 | MECTK 110; MECTK 121; MECTK 138; ENGL 110; MATH 130 |
| Spring Semester 1 | MECTK 123; WELD 119; PHYS 112; MATH 137; Humanities |
| Fall Semester 2 | MECTK 231; MECTK 221; MECTK 204; MECTK 125; PHYS 113 |
| Spring Semester 2 | MECTK 220; MECTK 222; MECTK 201; MECTK 232; ENGL 201 |
Program Contact Information
Agricultural and Industrial Technologies Department
AIT Building, Room 220
(309) 694-8447 or (309) 694-5510
Illinois Career Cluster
Manufacturing
Career Pathway:
Maintenance, Installation and Repair
Career Pathway
Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.
Career Cluster: Architecture & Construction, Manufacturing
Pathway: Design/Pre-Construction, Maintenance, Installation & Repair
ICC Pathway: Mechanical Engineering Technology
Early College
If you are a high school junior or senior, you can get a head start on your future by taking college-level courses now! Visit our Dual Credit webpage for a listing of area high schools with courses available.
ENGL 110, 201 | Humanities | Social Science
Point of Entry
High School Diploma or GED
Getting Started: Apply to ICC | Paying for College | Career Information | Student Information
Certificate of Completion
Computer Aided Drafting(26 credit hours)
Industry Credentials
None
Employment Information
Mechanical Drafters$18-26/hr
Certificate of Completion
Mechanical Engineering Technology(68 credit hours)
Industry Credentials
None
Employment Information
Mechanical Engineering Technicians$20-32/hr
Occupation Bachelor Degree Transfer Options
Students have transferred successfully to Bradley University
Career Cluster Bachelor Degree Transfer Options
Program transfer guides layout course work to be taken at ICC and the transfer institution to complete specific programs of study or majors.
Students have transferred successfully to ISU, SIU, NIU, WIU, and Bradley University.
General Bachelor Degree Transfer Options
General transfer agreements formalize the transfer process from ICC to other colleges and universities.
For additional transfer information:
Transfer Assistance
Useful Transfer Links
Transfer Agreements