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.
Recommended course sequencing
Semester 1 Total: 17 Credits
- DRT 101 - Blueprint Reading 3 Credit(s)
- CAD 101 - Fundamentals of Computer-Aided Drafting Using AutoCAD 4 Credit(s)
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OR
- CAD 110 - Fundamentals of Computer-Aided Design Using NX 4 Credit(s)
- MAT 121 - Technical Mathematics I 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Other 4 Credit(s)
- MAN 101 - Manufacturing Process I 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 14 Credits
- DRT 102 - Fundamentals of Mechanical Drawing 4 Credit(s)
- Elective: Other 3 Credit(s)
- CAD 102 - Advanced Computer Aided Design 4 Credit(s)
-
OR
- CAD 222 - Unigraphics Solids Modeling 4 Credit(s)
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 17 Credits
- DRT 112 - Technical Drawing Applications 3 Credit(s)
- DRT 113 - Descriptive Geometry 3 Credit(s)
- CAD 121 - Tool and Fixture Detailing 4 Credit(s)
- CAD 203 - CAD Applications 4 Credit(s)
-
OR
- CAD 224 - Unigraphics Assembly/Components/Drafting 4 Credit(s)
- MAT 122 - Technical Mathematics II 3 Credit(s)
Semester 4 Total: 15 Credits
- CAD 211 - Die Design and Panel Tipping 4 Credit(s)
- DRT 115 - Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing 2 Credit(s)
- ENG 134 - Technical Communications 3 Credit(s)
- PS 101 - American Government 3 Credit(s)
- Elective: Humanities 3 Credit(s)
Semester 1 Total: 13 Credits
- DRT 101 - Blueprint Reading 3 Credit(s)
- CAD 101 - Fundamentals of Computer-Aided Drafting Using AutoCAD 4 Credit(s)
-
OR
- CAD 110 - Fundamentals of Computer-Aided Design Using NX 4 Credit(s)
- MAT 121 - Technical Mathematics I 3 Credit(s)
- MAN 101 - Manufacturing Process I 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 11 Credits
- DRT 102 - Fundamentals of Mechanical Drawing 4 Credit(s)
- CAD 102 - Advanced Computer Aided Design 4 Credit(s)
-
OR
- CAD 222 - Unigraphics Solids Modeling 4 Credit(s)
- ENG 119 - English I 3 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 6 Credits
- DRT 112 - Technical Drawing Applications 3 Credit(s)
- DRT 113 - Descriptive Geometry 3 Credit(s)
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.