Cancel
Loading...

Western Dakota Technical College Learn. Do. Now.

Apply Now Schedule a Tour Visit Us Request Info Chat Online

Drafting and Machining Technology

Drafting and Machining Technology is a four-semester, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree program designed to prepare students for the growing number of jobs in these fields.

It’s the perfect choice for someone who wants to understand the entire process of how mechanical parts are designed, drawn, and created. The program also gives students skills in other areas of drafting so they will be ready for a wide variety of jobs when they graduate.

Are you interested in our Drafting and Machining Technology Degree Program?

Sign up to receive more information!

Degree Description

Associate in Applied Science

This program will graduate skilled technicians who are able to bring value to those employers in multiple ways because they will be skilled enough to participate in multiple areas of the business. These workers will be flexible and will be seen as a valuable asset by any of these employers.

In the drafting area, graduates will be able to meet the growing demand from industry for skilled technicians who can demonstrate skill and knowledge in 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting. In addition, graduates will leave the program prepared to apply the basic fundamentals of drafting and blueprint reading.

In the machining area, graduates will be able to set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. Machinists use machine tools that are either conventionally controlled or computer numerically controlled, such as lathes, milling machines, and grinders, to produce precision metal parts. Although they may produce large quantities of one part, precision machinists often produce small batches or one-of-a-kind items. The parts that machinists make range from simple bolts of steel or brass to titanium bone screws for orthopedic implants. Hydraulic parts, anti-lock brakes, and automobile pistons are other widely known products that machinists make.

Request More Info

Application Process

1. Complete Western Dakota Technical College Admissions Application
2. Complete the ACCUPLACER test ($15 fee)
3. Schedule your Admissions Advising Session
4. Provide an official copy of a High School transcript or GED scores. If you graduated from an international high school, you must submit your transcript to Educational Credential Evaluators to determine U.S. equivalence. Additionally, an official transcript must be submitted if you have attended other post-secondary institutions or universities.
5. Submit Immunization Records verifying two doses of MMR vaccinations
6. Once you receive your acceptance letter, schedule a time to register for classes

The ACCUPLACER test will be waived if you have an ACT sub-score of 18 or better in English, Math, and Reading.  To waive the ACCUPLACER with SAT scores a student will need a 500 on the MATH subsection of ACT and a composite of 970 to waive Writing and Reading. To place into MATH 114 a student will need a 520 on the MATH subsection.  

Please call 605-718-2565 to make an appointment.

Apply Now

Career Description

Many private companies complete both the design and manufacturing of equipment, parts, and related items. This program will graduate skilled technicians who are able to bring value to those employers in multiple ways because they will be skilled enough to participate in multiple areas of the business. These workers will be flexible and will be seen as a valuable asset by any of these employers.

Apply Now


General Education EMT

After Earning Your Degree

Labor market information for South Dakota shows the demand for workers in the mechanical drafting and machining fields is growing. Through 2028, the number of mechanical drafters in the state is expected to grow by 3.5 percent. The number of machinists is expected to grow by 14 percent.

And graduates can make a great living. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, in May 2020, the South Dakota mean hourly wage for mechanical drafters was $21.54. The mean hourly wage for machinists was $19.99.

Meet Your Faculty

Western Dakota Technical College has a low student-to-faculty ratio, meaning more one-on-one learning. Individual attention from your professor can make your college experience more fulfilling.


  • Bill Urban

  • James Loverich

Financial Aid

Continuing your education is crucial and Western Dakota Technical College wants to make sure that any student who wants to attend school, has the opportunity to do so. For this reason, WDTC is dedicated to administering the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IV Financial Assistance Program fair and consistently to anyone who needs it.

Build Dakota Scholarships

The Build Dakota Scholarship at Western Dakota Technical College will pay all your tuition and fees and prepare you for a career that is in-demand and growing in South Dakota. Build Dakota Scholarships will be awarded to students entering high-need workforce programs at South Dakota’s technical institutes to fill the state’s technical careers with skilled professionals.


Student Housing

Finding affordable housing during school can be a challenge for students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not have on-campus housing, but partners with a Rapid City VRBO to offer a limited number of apartments for full-time students in the fall and spring semesters.


Learn More

Child Care

Finding child care during school is a challenge for many students. Western Dakota Technical College currently does not offer on-campus child care, but here are some resources that may help you in your search.

Youth & Family Services is an organization dedicated to helping children in Western South Dakota. They offer a variety of services, including child care at multiple locations.

The Y of Rapid City offers child care and other services.

Disclaimer: Western Dakota Technical College provides these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply affiliation, endorsement or adoption by Western Dakota Technical College of any site or any information contained therein. When you leave wdt.edu, you should be aware that our terms and policies no longer govern. Western Dakota Technical College makes no claim or representation regarding, and accepts no responsibility for, the quality, content, nature or reliability of third-party websites or vendors.

Join the Conversation

Connect with Western Dakota Technical College

facebook logo instagram logo snapchat logo x logo youtube logo 

Website Powered By PageFramer, Development By Robert Sharp & Associates