2026-2027 Course Catalog
Tool & Diemaking, AAS
Location(s):
Ankeny
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 Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
The Tool & Diemaking program prepares students to meet the demands for qualified personnel in either the conventionally controlled or computer numerical-controlled (CNC) tooling industry.
To earn a Tool and Die AAS degree you must complete the Machinist Technology (1st year) and the Die Making (2nd year) diplomas.
1st Year: Machinist Technology graduates should have the skills required to work in the following career fields:
- General Machinist
- Maintenance Machinist
- CNC Lathe or Mill Operator
- Quality Technician
- Engine (automotive) Machinist
- Gunsmith
A graduate would have a solid foundation for these fields:
- CAD Tech
- Mechanical or Production Engineering
2nd Year: Diemaking graduates should have the skills necessary to work in the following career fields:
- Tool makers
- Design and build dies
- Design and build molds
- Design and build jigs and fixtures
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Students start Fall semester
Program Entry Requirements
- Minimum ALEKS math placement score of 13%
- Satisfy required assessments with a minimum composite ACT score of 20 or ACCUPLACER Next Gen with a minimum score of 220 Reading and 240 Writing
Graduation Requirements
To earn a Tool & Diemaking AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Option 1 - Select 1 Course
Option 2 - Select 1 Course
Total Credits Required to Complete the Tool & Diemaking AAS Degree - 84
Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change. Varied Costs
| Costs | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | Semester 6 | | Books (approximate) | 300 | 110 | 150 | 260 | 75 | 40 | | Supplies | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | | Equipment-Tools | 70 | 1,000 | | 150 | 50 | | Please see program website for additional information regarding books and tools. Approximate total for program: $20,565** Prices reflect new. Used may be used. **Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost. What Kind of Work Will You Do?
- Make dies, metal forms and tools; guide and hold devices used in the mass production of metal and plastic parts.
- Spend time doing precision handwork on dies such as sanding, filing, scraping, and polishing parts of the dies.
- Use almost every kind of machine tool and precision-measuring instrument.
- Repair gauges, jigs, fixtures, and dies that may be worn or damaged.
What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?
- Apply math skills in specific machine setups and operations.
- Organize your work, planning each step of the job from beginning to end.
- Maintain a steady hand for precise movements and use your eyes for close work for long periods of time.
- Be able to lift 25 to 50 pounds.
- Demonstrate imagination and creativity on the various machine setups and operations.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and work closely with others.
- Basic computer management skills.
- Must be able to follow industry standard safety guidelines.
- A quick reaction time is critical in this field. The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears is necessary to avoid injury.
What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?
- To be a journeyman machinist, you will need two to three years of on-the-job apprenticeship experience.
- There is danger of accidents due to the high-powered, fast-moving machine parts.
- Most of the work will be done in a standing position.
- Average starting salary, A.A.S. degree-$54,760 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should discuss options with a DMACC advisor regarding requirements for credit transfer.
Program Competencies
- Demonstrate the safe and effective procedures and method in the proper use of tools, machines, and measuring tools
- Use verbal and written information as required by industry to effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and employers
- Interpret data to industry standards
- Analyze industrial components using metrology to verify quality
- Create components using standard and advanced machining processes to industry standards
- Design complex mechanical assemblies including dies, molds, and fixtures
- Repair complex mechanical assemblies including dies, molds, and fixtures
Competencies revised date
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Programs Available 2026-2027
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