undergraduate
Machine and metal working
Best schools with machine and metal working
What is a machine and metal working major?
This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, molded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked. Career examples include ironworking, precision metal working, metal fabrication, and tool and die manufacturing.
of students said hands-on experience was a highlight of this major.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
How much do machine and metal working majors make?
This data isn't currently reported, but we're working on it!
How popular is machine and metal working as a major?
Each year, fewer than 5 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 1,880 students obtain an associate degree in machine and metal working. In 2021, fewer than 5 students received a bachelor's degree and 1,738 students received an associate degree. This is relatively the same number of machine and metal working majors as there were in 2020. Machine and metal working is a relatively popular major compared to other trades and personal services majors.
Advice from machine and metal working majors
Share your experienceI would advise that students in this program spend a little time every day to review the material they went over in class so that it can be memorized better. Spending a little bit of review time to help remember and understand new concepts and procedures will help students memorize important equations and vocabulary.
Be prepared to allot a lot of time to machining physical projects, and always try to learn more so you understand more. Question more. The more you know, the better the result will be.
Failure is a learning opportunity. Get back up, reassess, and try again.
My major is actually the Gunsmithing program at my school and is not listed in the selection, but has a lot of machine and metal working curriculum in the core of the program, so I will offer some advice regarding these areas. It is important to be diligent and proactive with your work and make sure to manage all of your deadlines. Some of these skills take practice and it is important to keep up these skills, such as file work. When using metal files, it is good form to square up your shoulders and keep your work at about elbow level, then file flat and square. It's good practice to form that same stance and then move a piece of bar stock over two pieces of round stock to mimic the act of filing and get out any bad habits like coming in at an angle. For machining it pays to be more proactive with your work. It is important to be cautious around these machines and to follow all safety practices, but do not be so afraid of working on the machines that you will fall behind.
Expect to be graded on your actual work performance and work quality. The hands on training is where you learn everything the text book will never cover. It is a hands on trade.
