Computer Aided Design Technology
Associate of Applied Science
This two-year program prepares students to work as computer-aided drafters and designers. Students learn to prepare technical drawings used by workers who design, manufacture, build, and install numerous products. They also learn principles and theories of science, engineering, manufacturing, and construction for research and development of products.
Industrial grade computer aided design systems are utilized. GCC’s Computer Aided Drafting and Design Program also has a State-of-the-Art 3-D Printer.
The associate degree can also serve as a prerequisite for students who want to transfer to a four year college in programs such as Product Design and Manufacturing Technology.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities as a computer-aided drafter/designer are numerous, and can be found in firms that design construction projects or do other engineering work such as manufacturing, transportation, communications, and utilities industries. Although opportunities exist locally, most positions are in areas where manufacturing industries are more prevalent.
Listed below are just some of the many companies that employ GCC's CAD graduates:
- 3M
- Bretting Manufacturing Co. Inc.
- Cable Constructor Inc.
- Caterpillar Inc.
- Felker Brothers Corp.
- G.E. Medical Products
- General Foods
- Greenheck Fan Corp.
- Ironwood Plastics
- Oshkosh Truck
- U.S. Forest Service
- Wausau Homes Inc.
- WICK Building Systems
- Wilson Tool International
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of computer aided drafters/designers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Industrial growth and increasingly complex design problems associated with new products and manufacturing processes will increase the demand for these services. Further, computer aided drafters/designers are increasingly doing more work traditionally performed by engineers and architects, which increases the need. In addition to those created by employment growth, many job openings are expected to arise as employees move to other occupations or leave the labor force.
Earnings
The average starting salary for computer aided drafters/designers is $30,000. Salaries vary a great deal, however, depending on skill, experience, level of responsibility, and geographic location.
The Requirements
The following are the required courses necessary to receive an Associate Degree in Computer Aided Design Technology:
Course |
Credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| ORI 100 |
Freshman Seminar |
1 |
| DWG 103 |
Materials & Mfg. Proc. |
2 |
| DWG 105 |
Introduction to CAD |
4 |
| EGR 101 |
Engineering Graphics |
2 |
| ENG 101 |
English Composition I |
|
| or |
||
| ENG 105 |
Technical English |
3 |
| MTH 101T |
Technical Math I |
|
| or |
||
| MTH 110 |
College Algebra |
4 |
| CPL 105 |
Computer Literacy: Word Processing |
1 |
| IND 111
|
Industrial Organization |
2 |
| Total Semester 1 |
19 |
|
| DWG 102 |
Industrial Drafting |
4 |
| DWG 106 |
Advanced CAD |
3 |
| EGR 102 |
Descriptive Geometry |
2 |
| MTH 102T |
Technical Math II |
|
| or |
||
| MTH 107 |
Trigonometry |
3-4 |
| Humanities Elective |
3 |
|
| IND 112 |
Ind. Management |
2 |
| Total Semester II |
17-18 |
|
| DWG 200 |
Strength of Materials |
3 |
| DWG 201 |
Architectural Drawing and Design |
4 |
| DWG 202 |
Tool Design |
4 |
| PHY 121T |
Technical Physics |
4 |
| PWR 204 |
Fluid Power |
3 |
| Total Semester III |
18 |
|
| DWG 203 |
Machine Design |
3 |
| DWG 205 |
Technical Illustration |
3 |
| IND 200 |
Industrial Seminar |
3 |
| ENG 250 |
Technical Writing |
|
| or |
||
| ENG 102 |
English Composition II |
3 |
| Social Science Elective |
3 |
|
| AMD 101 |
Intro to Computer Aided Manufacturing |
4 |
Total Semester IV |
19 |
|
| Total Credits: |
73-76 |
For more information contact Paul Semmerling, Instructor
Phone 1-800-682-5910 ext. 231