CNC Machine Programmer
Associate in Science Degree Manufacturing Technology · Orange Coast College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The CNC Machine Programmer certificate includes courses designed to upgrade the skills and knowledge of the machinist or the CNC machine operator to the level of the CNC machine programmer. If you are a machinist and have minimal experience with CNC machines or machine language programming, you will first want to complete the CNC Machine Operator Professional Upgrade Certificate. If you have both machining experience and CNC experience, the software used for the Machine Technology A133 and A134 courses provides excellent experiences in computer-assisted CNC programming. All of our programming courses require the use of a personal-type computer. If you have no computer experience, we strongly suggest you enroll in a basic computer use type course first (Computer & High Technology A100 or Computer Information Systems A100).
Complete the CNC Machine Programmer Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements as outlined in the Graduation Requirements section of the catalog.
Program Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Machine precision manufactured parts using conventional lathes and milling machines and perform necessary measurements.
- Set-up and operate CNC Lathes and Milling Machines.
- Write part machine programs for controlling CNC lathes and milling machines.
- Manufacture precision tooling for Dies, Molds, and Prototype tooling.
- Write advanced CAD/CAM programs for CNC LATHE and Milling Machines.
- Write part machine programs for controlling CNC lathes and milling machines."
Requirements
Review Graduation Requirements and General Education.
Required Prerequisites
Machinist Certificate of Achievement (24 Units)
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MACH A100 | Introduction to Machine Shop | 3 |
| MACH A105 | Lathe | 5 |
| MACH A110 | Milling Machine | 5 |
| MACH A115 | Production Machining Techniques | 2 |
| MACH A120 | Measurement and Blueprint Reading | 3 |
| MACH A121 | Computations for Machinists | 3 |
| MACH A130 | Introduction to CNC and Manual Programming | 3 |
| Total Units | 24 | |
Required Courses
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| MACH A125 | CNC Machine Operation 1 | 3 |
| MACH A126 | CNC Machine Operation 2 | 2 |
| MACH A134 | CNC Programming-Mastercam 2 | 3 |
| MACH A141 | Mastercam Lathe | 1.5 |
| MACH A142 | Mastercam Solids | 2 |
| Total Major Units | 35.5 | |
| OCC AS General Education | up to 21 | |
| Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirements | varies | |
| Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AS GE | 60 | |
- Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.
- Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.
Program Sequence
Program Sequence
These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.
Year 1
| Semester 1 | Units |
|---|---|
| MACH A100 | Introduction to Machine Shop |
| MACH A105 | Lathe |
| MACH A120 | Measurement and Blueprint Reading |
| MACH A121 | Computations for Machinists 1 |
| Units |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MACH A110 |
| MACH A130 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 3 - CHOOSE ONE |
Year 2
| Semester 1 |
|---|
| MACH A125 |
| MACH A115 |
| MACH A133 |
| MACH A141 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 1B - CHOOSE ONE 2 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 4 - CHOOSE ONE |
| Semester 2 |
|---|
| MACH A126 |
| MACH A134 |
| MACH A142 |
| OCC AS GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE |
| OCC AS GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE |
| ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 2 |
- Satisfies OCC AS GE, Area 2
- VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS