Modern Making
A.S. Degree Modern Making · College of Alameda · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Modern Making Associate of Science degree demonstrates that an individual has completed three areas of instruction in a Fab Lab/Maker Space environment. Along with studying safety, project design, and project completion with multiple digital and analog tools and machines, graduates with this degree have an academic grounding in the history, ethos, and ethics of Modern Making and substantial OSHA and first aid. Modern Making is intended to support individuals in expressing creativity, exploring entrepreneurship, and gaining or extending employment skills. The AS in Modern Making is the primary requirement for a career in teaching the subject.
Career Opportunities
Entry level skills for any career that requires the safe use of various digital design tools as well as analog tools and machinery in the design and completion of projects. The program suits entry-level workers in any of the industries in the Manufacturing Sector as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the skill set spans all listed sub-sectors (https://www.bls.gov/iag/tgs/iag31-33.htm). Key Career Paths and Opportunities: Fab Lab/Maker space faculty Manufacturing and Engineering: CNC Machine Operator/Programmer: Sets up and operates computer-controlled machinery to create precision parts. Manufacturing Engineer: Designs and improves production processes to increase efficiency. Robotics Technician/Engineer: Develops and maintains automation systems. Quality Control Inspector: Ensures products meet established standards. Production Supervisor/Manager: Oversees factory floor operations. Design and Creative Fabrication: Product Designer: Creates functional, aesthetic products and prototypes. Signmaker/Fabricator: Combines design with fabrication techniques like welding, CNC routing, and laser cutting. Industrial Designer: Develops concepts for manufactured goods. Prop Maker/Maker: Fabricates custom items for film, theater, or exhibitions.
Learning Outcome(s)
- Safely use, clean, and store shop machines and tools
- Imagine, source, design, test and implement projects through to completion
- Recognize the contributions of early adopters of the Maker ethos and their relationship to making throughout history.
- Know and consistently apply OSHA standards in the shop environment.
- Demonstrate proficiency in recognizing the need for and administering first aid in the shop environment.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Required Courses (9 Units) | 9.5 | |
| MAKR 101 | Making Fundamentals | 1 |
| MAKR 102 | Digital Resources for Making | 1 |
| MAKR 103 | Design Software for Making | 2 |
| MAKR 104 | Modern Making History and Theory | 3 |
| BUS 222 | OSHA General Industry 30 Hour Training | 1.5 |
| HLTED 9 | First Aid and Safety | 2 |
| Making Courses (6 units) | 6-8 | |
| MAKR 220 | Making with Hand Tools | 1.5 |
| orMAKR 230 | Making with the Desktop Cutter | 1.5 |
| orMAKR 240 | Making with the Dye Sublimation Printer | 1.5 |
| orMAKR 250 | Making with the Printer Cutter | 1.5 |
| orMAKR 260 | Making with the Laser Cutter | 1.5 |
| orMAKR 270 | Making with the 3-D Printer | 1.5 |
| orMAKR 280 | Making in the Wood Shop | 1.5 |
| Special Interest Courses (2.5 units minimum) | 1-3 | |
| Any MAKR course above not already taken | 1.5 | |
| orMAKR 210 | Maker Lab Technician | 1.5 |
| orART 47 | 3-D Visual Design | 3 |
| orBUS 139 | Calculation of Product Cost and Price | 1 |
| orBUS 138 | Essentials of Entrepreneurship | 1 |