Precision Manufacturing Technology Associate in Occupational Studies Degree
Precision Manufacturing Technology
Associate in Occupational Studies Degree
Shape precision engineering with an AOS program in Precision Manufacturing Technology. Craft cutting-edge solutions.
Overview for Precision Manufacturing Technology AOS
Students in the associate in occupational studies (AOS) degree in precision manufacturing technology are prepared for employment in precision machining and/or precision optics manufacturing occupations. These include tool and die making, mold making, instrument making, manufacturing of optical elements, and computer numerical control machining (CNC). Graduates are successfully employed in both large manufacturing corporations and small contract manufacturing shops. This program is available for qualified deaf and hard of hearing students.
The precision manufacturing technology program, offered by RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf, prepares you for immediate employment upon graduation. Some of the job responsibilities for graduates include: set up and operate lathes, milling machine tools, grinders, polishers, computer numerical controlled machine tools, and computer-aided manufacturing (i.e., 5-axis); shape material into precision parts by conventional and nonconventional processes; follow blueprints; and use advanced measuring techniques to inspect work.
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Learn about academics, co-op and internships, financial aid, and more.
Apply for Fall 2025
Early Decision I and Early Action deadlines are November 1.
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Careers and Cooperative Education
Typical Job Titles
| Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Operator | Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer Trainee | Tool and Die Maker |
| Instrument Maker | Mold Maker | Pattern Maker |
| Model Maker | Machinist |
Industries
Cooperative Education
Cooperative education, or co-op for short, is full-time, paid work experience in your field of study. And it sets RIT graduates apart from their competitors. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries. RIT co-op is designed for your success.
Students in the precision manufacturing technology program are required to complete a cooperative education work experience prior to graduation. You may schedule your co-op after completing your second-year academic requirements.
Curriculum for 2024-2025 for Precision Manufacturing Technology AOS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
Precision Manufacturing Technology, AOS degree, typical course sequence
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| NCAR-010 | Freshman Seminar The course provides incoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students admitted to NTID undergraduate programs with opportunities to develop/enhance academic skills, personal awareness, and community involvement in order to maximize their college experience. Students will have opportunities to explore and navigate the college environment, develop/reinforce academic skills, and participate in experiential learning opportunities while establishing meaningful connections with faculty, staff and peers. The course promotes the development of plans for ongoing growth and involvement in class and in the RIT/NTID and/or broader community. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 2 (Fall, Spring). |
0 |
| NPMT-101 | Blueprint Reading I Students develop the basic skills necessary to read and interpret fundamental engineering drawings of details, subassemblies, and assemblies. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-121 | Precision Measurement I Students develop the skills necessary to measure to the highest tolerances commonly used in industry. They measure parts or groups of parts using industrial methods and equipment. Analysis of measurements and problem solving are stressed. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 4 (Spring). |
3 |
| NPMT-131 | Precision Manufacturing Technology I In this first course of a six course sequence, students develop basic skills for operating manual and computer controlled machine tools. Laboratory instruction simulates introductory level work in an industrial environment; student work is held to ANSI and ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safe work habits are cultivated, and industrial safety rules are highly stressed during this course. (Co-requisites: NPMT-101 or equivalent course and NTID supported student.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-132 | Precision Manufacturing Technology II In this second course in a six course sequence, students continue to develop basic skills for operating manual and computer controlled machine tools. Laboratory instruction simulates moderate level work in an industrial environment; student work is held to ANSI and ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safe work habits are cultivated, and industrial safety rules are continually stressed during this course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NPMT-101 and NPMT-131 or equivalent courses.
Co-requisites: NPMT-121 and NMTH-206 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| NPMT-214 | CAD Applications Students develop engineering skills in engineering graphics and solid modeling. Students will primarily use computer-aided drafting (CAD) as a tool to generate 2D graphics and 3D solid models. The course is laboratory oriented and provides the student with basic skills in spatial visualization, freehand sketching, parametric solid modeling, and creation of engineering drawings which meet industrial drafting standards. (NTID Supported Students.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| NENG-212 | NTID General Education Foundation – Career English: Career English I This is the first course in a two-course sequence. It is designed to develop reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that students need for AOS course work and for the work environment. The reading and writing components are thoroughly integrated with approximately equal time being devoted to each. Grammar and vocabulary are thoroughly integrated into the reading and writing components. Course content includes general and technical articles, memorandums, letters, electronic communication, directions, work-related forms, and short report. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NENG-113 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| NENG-213 | NTID General Education Foundation – Career English: Career English II This is the second course in a two-course sequence. It is designed to advance and refine reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills that students need for AOS course work and for the work environment. The reading and writing components are thoroughly integrated with approximately equal time being devoted to each. Grammar and vocabulary are thoroughly integrated into the reading and writing components. Course content includes general and technical articles, memorandums, letters, electronic communication, directions, work-related forms, and short reports. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NENG-212 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). |
3 |
| NMTH-206 | Trigonometry for Coordinate Analysis Students will study right triangle trigonometry with an emphasis on concepts and applications related to computer integrated machining technology (CIMT). Topics include trigonometric ratios in right triangles, coordinate geometry calculations, circle properties, simple and complex machine applications, and 3-D coordinate geometry. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NMTH-180 or higher or have a math placement score greater than or equal to 30 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Spring). |
3 |
NTID General Education Foundation – Mathematics† |
3 | |
| Second Year | ||
| NPMT-201 | Job Search for PMT Course goals are to prepare students to secure a cooperative or professional work experience in the student's major and to assist the student in acquiring the skills for accessing information, networking, developing resumes and letters, completing various employment-related forms, interviewing, and using various communication techniques in preparing students for the job search process. (NTID Supported Students.) Lecture 2 (Fall). |
2 |
| NPMT-207 | Industrial Materials Introduction to the many materials used in industry and the reasons why the final cost of producing a part is influenced by material selection. Metals, plastics and ceramics are covered from the perspective of physical, mechanical and dimensional properties. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-131 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-233 | Precision Manufacturing Technology III In this third course of a six course sequence, students continue to develop basic skills for operating manual and computer controlled machine tools. Laboratory instruction simulates moderate level work in an industrial environment; student work is held to ANSI and ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safe work habits are cultivated, and industrial safety rules are continually stressed during this course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-132 or equivalent course.
Co-requisites: NPMT-251 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-234 | Precision Manufacturing Technology IV In this fourth course of a six course sequence, students continue to develop basic skills for operating manual and computer controlled machine tools. Laboratory instruction simulates moderate level work in an industrial environment; student work is held to ANSI and ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safe work habits are cultivated and industrial safety rules are continually stressed during this course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-233 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| NPMT-241 | Precision Optics Manufacturing I In this course students learn and apply basic optical principles used in conventional manufacturing of precision optical flat elements. Procedures and techniques include blocking, vertical rotary grinding, rough bench grinding, double-sided lapping/grinding, polishing, deblocking and centering. Students practice and apply appropriate handling, cleaning and visual inspection techniques. A brief introduction to spherical grinding will be included. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-101 and NPMT-121 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-251 | Computer Numerical Control I Students develop basic skills in programming CNC machine tools. Laboratory instruction simulates industrial environments in both the precision machining industry and the precision optics industry; student work is held to ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safety in the operation of automated machines is an integral part of the course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-132 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-252 | Computer Numerical Control II Students develop basic skills in programming CNC machine tools. Laboratory instruction simulates industrial environments in both the precision machining industry and the precision optics industry; student work is held to ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safety in the operation of automated machines is an integral part of the course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-251 or (0813-250 and 0813-252) or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| NPMT-254 | Introduction to Computer Aided Manufacturing This course studies modern prototyping and manufacturing methods to create Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programs. Using the students’ knowledge of Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the operations of Computer Numerical Control (CNC), they develop CNC programs, by means of Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAM) systems. Using commercial CAM software, students will convert 2D drawings and 3D CAD models into CNC toolpaths. Students’ output will be tested on two-axis and three-axis machining centers. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-214 and NPMT-251 or equivalent courses.) Lec/Lab 6 (Spring). |
3 |
| NPMT-299 | Co-op: Precision Manufacturing Technology Students develop machining skills with on the job training at actual industrial facilities. This experience must contain a minimum of 350 hours of related work experience. One co-op experience is required for graduation. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students with at least 2nd year standing.) CO OP (Summer). |
0 |
NTID General Education – Scientific Processes Perspective§ |
3 | |
NPMT Program Technical Elective |
3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| NPMT-235 | Precision Manufacturing Technology V This fifth course of a six course sequence is the capstone for the students’ program. After selecting a unique project, students control all aspects of its creation. Together with the laboratory section of this course, (co-requisite: NPMT-236 PMT V Lab), students discuss and perform all tasks associated with the manufacturing process. Tasks include innovative concepts and design, planning, procurement, scheduling, documenting, manufacturing, assembling, and presentation. Students must develop and deliver this project on-time and within budget. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-234 or equivalent course.
Co-requisites: NPMT-236 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). |
3 |
| NPMT-236 | Precision Manufacturing Technology V Lab This sixth course of a six course sequence is the capstone for the students’ program. After selecting a unique project, students control all aspects of its creation. Together with the classroom section of this course, (co-requisite: NPMT-235 PMT V), students perform all tasks associated with the manufacturing process. Taking designs and decisions made in the classroom, students use industrial machine tools to create and assemble the final project. Lab activities include machining and assembling. Students must deliver this project on-time and within budget. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-234 or equivalent course.
Co-requisites: NPMT-235 or equivalent course.) Lab 9 (Fall). |
3 |
NTID General Education – Perspective‡ |
3 | |
NPMT Program Technical Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 68 |
|
Please see the NTID General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing associate degrees are required to complete one Wellness course.
† Any mathematics course numbered NMTH-180 or higher
‡ NTID LAS Perspective course may be from any of these three Perspective categories: ASL-Deaf Cultural Studies; Communication, Social & Global Awareness; and Creative and Innovative Exploration
§ Any scientific processes course NSCI-120 or higher.
Electives
| Course | |
|---|---|
| NPMT-102 | Blueprint Reading II In this second blueprint reading course, students continue to develop the skills necessary to read and interpret prints of engineering drawings of details and assemblies. More emphasis is placed on Metric drawings and Geometric Tolerances as applied to engineering drawings and part inspection. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students who have completed NPMT-101 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 4 (Fall, Spring). |
| NPMT-237 | Precision Grinding Students develop basic skills for precision grinding techniques. Students learn about abrasives and grinding operations, with special focus on surface and center type cylindrical grinding. Laboratory exercises simulate moderately difficult precision work produced and inspected in an industrial environment. Students' work is held to ANSI and ISO referenced standards for dimensional and geometric accuracy. Safe work habits are cultivated and industrial safety rules are continually stressed during this course. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-233 or equivalent course.) Lec/Lab 5 (Fall, Spring). |
| NPMT-242 | Precision Optics Manufacturing II This course is the second in a sequence of courses in which students learn to apply basic principles of conventional and CNC manufacturing of optical elements. The emphasis in this course will be on the production of simple convex and concave spherical elements. Procedures and techniques include curve generating, blocking, rough and fine grinding, stick polishing, deblocking and centering. Students practice and apply appropriate handling and visual inspection techniques. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-241 or equivalent courses.) Lab 6 (Spring). |
| NPMT-253 | Advanced CNC Concepts This course is for students who want to learn more in-depth techniques related to CNC programming, process development and control, and product fixturing techniques using turning and milling centers. Students will develop more advanced knowledge of coding and editing parts using CAM/CAD software. A blend of practical theory and hands-on experience is required to perform complex setups in CNC machining centers. This includes CAD/CAM operations, program analysis, troubleshooting the solid model preparation, and the communication between CNC controls and CAD/CAM programs. (Prerequisites: This class is restricted to NTID supported students that have completed NPMT-252 and NPMT-254 or equivalent courses with a grade of B- or better.) Lec/Lab 6 (Fall). |
Admissions and Financial Aid
For the career-focused AOS Degree
- 2 years of math required
- 1 year of science required
- English language skills as evidenced by application materials determine associate degree options.
Specific English, Mathematics and Science Requirements and other Recommendations
Successful completion of a sampling experience either through the Summer Vestibule Program or an equivalent career exploration course is a prerequisite, as are the following:
- English: Placement into Career English I (NENG-212) or above. Students successfully completing AOS degrees typically enter with reading scores of 79 or higher on the NTID Reading Test and writing scores of 39 or higher on the NTID Writing Test.
- Mathematics: Placement into Foundations of Algebra (NMTH-180) or a higher-level course. Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least three years of high school mathematics.
- Science: Typically, students entering this major will have completed at least two years of high school science.
- ACT (optional): The ACT middle 50% composite score is 14-17.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
100% of all incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid.
RIT’s personalized and comprehensive financial aid program includes scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment programs. When all these are put to work, your actual cost may be much lower than the published estimated cost of attendance.
Learn more about financial aid and scholarships
Contact
Program Contact
Karen Beiter, Chairperson
585‑286‑4546, kjbndp@ntid.rit.edu
Offered within
the
Department of Engineering Studies
Department of Engineering Studies