Computer Aided Design

The Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program prepares students for careers in mechanical design by providing hands-on training with industry-standard CAD technology.

Students learn essential skills, including:

Applied technical mathematics
Engineering drawing
Geometric dimensioning and tolerance
Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and solid modeling

The program emphasizes the integration of design, engineering, and manufacturing, preparing students to work in high-tech industries where CAD plays a central role in creating complex products and assemblies.

Graduates are equipped for entry-level roles in industrial drafting, CAD, and mechanical design, with a focus on real-world applications like product layouts, tool design, and advanced CAD techniques. Laboratory work ensures practical, hands-on experience.

What Do CAD Professionals Do?

CAD professionals, also known as drafters, use specialized software to transform engineers' and architects' designs into detailed technical drawings. These plans are essential for creating everything from everyday products to large-scale construction projects.

Where Do They Work?

CAD professionals typically work indoors in office or lab settings. Their roles are computer-focused, and most positions are full-time.

This program is the first step toward an exciting, technology-driven career!

Job Outlook

Employment of drafters is projected to decline by 2 percent from 2022 to 2032.

63

credits required to complete Computer Aided Design Associate of Applied Science

30

credits required to complete Computer Aided Design Certificate

$62,530

median annual wage for CAD professionals as of May 2023

Recommended course sequencing

Computer Aided Design, A.A.S.

Semester 1 Total: 17 Credits

3 Credit(s)
4 Credit(s)
OR
4 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)
Elective: Other 4 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)

Semester 2 Total: 14 Credits

4 Credit(s)
Elective: Other 3 Credit(s)
4 Credit(s)
OR
4 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)

Semester 3 Total: 17 Credits

3 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)
4 Credit(s)
4 Credit(s)
OR
4 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)

Semester 4 Total: 15 Credits

4 Credit(s)
2 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)
Elective: Humanities 3 Credit(s)

A.A.S. Program Total: 63 Credits

Note: Program total hours may not include prerequisites.

Computer Aided Design, CERT

Semester 1 Total: 13 Credits

3 Credit(s)
4 Credit(s)
OR
4 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)

Semester 2 Total: 11 Credits

4 Credit(s)
4 Credit(s)
OR
4 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)

Semester 3 Total: 6 Credits

3 Credit(s)
3 Credit(s)

Certificate Total: 30 Credits

Note: Certificate total hours may not include prerequisites.

Where is WCCCD’s Computer Aided Design Program Offered?

Our Eastern Campus offers the Computer Aided Design program. As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.

_{It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.}