The IT student is also required to take courses in the areas of management and supervision. The student who graduates from the NIU IT program has the skills to enter management or manufacturing fields. The Technology students are highly sought after by various companies both as interns during their studies or for employment after graduation. Students in this area learn to apply the CAD and drafting principles to the area of tool and die design as well as machine design. Manufacturing Technology Students in the manufacturing specialization are taught the basic fabrication principles process for plastics, metals, and other materials.
Students also learn the basics of manufacturing systems and automation.
As part of the requirements of this area, students learn programming and usage of programmable logic controllers, one of the fastest growing areas in manufacturing. This area emphasizes the use of plastics in both design and production. Students learn the basics of mold and die design, as well as heat forming and composite design. Plastic testing methods and procedures are also covered in this area. The plastic emphasis is taught in a well-equipped laboratory where the students learn the principles behind all of the equipment used in industry.