Materials Technology
Certificate
Curriculum code 1421
Course Requirements

The Materials Technology Program at Moraine Valley Community College is designed to augment various technical programs in industrial technology areas. It provides a series of courses related to the welding, machine shop, and drafting areas. These courses give a basic understanding of metals, plastics and composite materials, their applications, properties, construction, and methods of manufacture and testing.

In general, this program will: 

• provide students with an overview of various industrial materials typically found in industrial applications

• provide a broader view of the mechanical properties of industrial metals and how to influence or improve these properties through alloying and heat treatment

• introduce new materials, such as plastics and composites, with specific views on their applications, properties, and how they are being used in the industrial areas

• provide a basic understanding of destructive testing methods and its relationship to nondestructive testing

Nature of Work—Graduates of this program will be made aware of new materials and processes in industry and how they are used. Metals, plastics, elastomers, ceramics, wood and paper products, cement, as well as industrial oils and adhesives are covered to prepare students with up-to-date information about materials they will be using, working with and possibly designing.

Related Job Titles—This program is not designed to provide entry-level positions in any one specific area. Instead, it is designed to augment the knowledge attained in various chosen career areas, such as those involved in the metal working trades: machinists, machine operators, welders, inspectors, and drafters.

Employment Outlook—Starting annual salaries for related career areas include $28,860 for machinists/numerical control programmers, $25,810 for welders, $29,640 for inspectors/nondestructive evaluations, and $25,522 for mechanical drafters. Salaries vary depending on job location and experience. For job listing and job placement assistance, contact the Job Placement Center in the Center for Contemporary Technology, T904, (708) 974-5737.