University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

The Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree at University of Advancing Technology (UAT) prepares students to design, prototype, and fabricate real-world projects that bridge digital creativity and physical production. As industries demand faster innovation and hands-on problem solving, maker-focused technologists are becoming essential across tech, design, and manufacturing fields.

Located in Tempe, Arizona, UAT delivers a technology-first, project-based education built for students who want to create—not just conceptualize.

Defining Digital Maker and Fabrication 

Digital Maker and Fabrication is a multidisciplinary field that combines digital design, fabrication methods, electronics, and creative technology. Students learn how to move ideas from screen to physical form using modern tools, iterative design processes, and hands-on experimentation.

This degree blends elements of engineering, digital art, industrial design, and emerging technology, preparing graduates to adapt across creative and technical industries.

The Growing Role of Makers in Today's Innovation Economy

Rapid prototyping, customization, and experiential design are now standard across many industries. Employers value professionals who can ideate, build, test, and refine products quickly using both digital and physical tools.

Digital maker and fabrication skills support innovation in product development, creative technology, education, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. As maker spaces, smart manufacturing, and interactive environments grow, hands-on fabrication expertise continues to gain relevance.

Learning by Making in UAT's Maker Lab

University of Advancing Technology emphasizes experiential learning through a technology-first curriculum. Students pursuing the Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree design and fabricate projects throughout their coursework, working hands-on in UAT’s Maker Lab with tools and technologies used for prototyping, fabrication, and iterative design. Instead of exam-only assessment, students graduate with practical experience and professional portfolios that demonstrate real-world making skills and production-ready problem solving.

Courses students can expect to participate in:

• DBM100 3D Build Tools
• RBT205 Mechanisms and Materials
• DBM215 Prototyping Tools and Practice 
• DBM360 Wearable Technologies
• RBT307 Physical Computing Studio
• TCH410 Advanced Topics in Technology Product Design 

Technical and Creative Skills Developed through Making

Students develop adaptable, future-ready skills that connect digital tools with physical creation.

Core skills developed include:

• Digital design and rapid prototyping

• Fabrication techniques and material processes

• Electronics and interactive systems

• Iterative problem-solving through making

• Portfolio-driven project development

These skills prepare graduates to work across evolving creative and technical roles.

Turning Maker Skills into Creative Technology Careers

Graduates of the Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree are prepared for careers where hands-on innovation is critical. Career paths span fabrication, creative technology, product development, experiential design, education, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Opportunities are available within Arizona’s growing tech and creative industries as well as national and global markets.

Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree FAQs

1. What types of projects do students create in the Digital Maker and Fabrication degree?
Students create hands-on projects that may include prototypes, fabricated objects, interactive installations, and digitally designed physical products developed through iterative making.

2. How does the Digital Maker and Fabrication degree differ from traditional engineering or design programs?
This degree focuses on applied making and fabrication rather than theory alone, blending digital design, hands-on building, and creative technology into one integrated program.

3. What tools and technologies are used in UAT’s Maker’s Lab?
Students use a range of fabrication and prototyping tools designed to support digital making, physical production, and experimental project development.

4. Can this degree support entrepreneurial or freelance career paths?
Yes. The program emphasizes portfolio development and hands-on skills that support entrepreneurship, freelance work, and independent creative technology projects.

5. How does the Digital Maker and Fabrication degree prepare students for emerging technologies?
By emphasizing experimentation, iterative design, and adaptability, the program equips students with transferable skills that evolve alongside new tools and technologies.

Start Building with Digital Maker and Fabrication

If you’re ready to turn ideas into real, buildable creations, the Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree at University of Advancing Technology offers the hands-on education to make it happen.

👉 Explore the Digital Maker and Fabrication Degree
👉 Apply to UAT and start creating today