Our Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) Technology diploma program is designed to prepare you to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware knowledge to the development of plans and related documentation. You’ll also receive the necessary background to manage the hardware and software components of a CAD system.
This is a diploma program and requires fewer credits and less time to complete than a degree program. If you’re looking for a shorter completion time, the certificate program may be for you.
The CAD program also offers degree and certificate options.
Skills You’ll Learn
The Computer-Aided Drafting program is focused on job-related skills in the following areas:
- Applying technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to develop plans and related documentation
- Managing the hardware and software of a CAD system
- Illustrating a clear understanding of mechanical drafting, computer-assisted drafting and design (CADD), creating and managing two- and three-dimensional models
- Reading and interpreting mechanical drawings and applying communicated information to fabricators
Career Opportunities
There are many employment opportunities for Computer-Aided Drafting graduates, including:
- Advanced manufacturing plants
- Architectural firms
- Aviation/engineering facilities
- Construction projects
- Drafting and design businesses
Diploma requirements
40 Credit Hours
The following suggested schedule is based on full-time enrollment. Part-Time Students begin with ACA-111, BPR-111, DFT-151, ISC-112. Continue with sequence of required courses. General education courses may be taken at any time. For information about prerequisites and corequisites, please refer to the catalog
Courses in this program
Semester Credit Hours: 16
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| ACA-111 | 1 | ||
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This course introduces the college's physical, academic, and social environment and promotes the personal development essential for success. Topics include campus facilities and resources; policies, procedures, and programs; study skills; and life management issues such as health, self-esteem, motivation, goal-setting, diversity, and communication. Upon completion, students should be able to function effectively within the college environment to meet their educational objectives.
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| BPR-111 | 2 | ||
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This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.
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| DFT-111 | 2 | ||
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This course introduces basic drafting skills, equipment, and applications. Topics include sketching, measurements, lettering, dimensioning, geometric construction, orthographic projections, and pictorials drawings, sections, and auxiliary views. Upon completion, students should be able to understand and apply basic drawing principles and practices.
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| DFT-151 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces CAD software as a drawing tool. Topics include drawing, editing, file management, and plotting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a CAD drawing.
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| ISC-112 | 2 | ||
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This course introduces the principles of industrial safety. Emphasis is placed on industrial safety and OSHA regulations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of a safe working environment and OSHA compliance.
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| ISC-132 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces quality concepts and techniques used in industry. Topics include elementary statistics and probability, process control, process capability, and quality improvement tools. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of quality and apply them to the work environment.
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| MEC-188 | 3 | ||
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This course covers the properties and forms of various resins used in manufacturing commercial bag and vacuum composites and the processes for commercial application. Emphasis is placed on materials used, including polyester and/or vinyl, ester resins, and processes of hand lay-up vacuum, bag and vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. Upon completion, students should be able to produce composite materials suitable for mechanical testing.
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Semester Credit Hours: 15
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| BPR-121 | 2 | ||
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This course covers the interpretation of intermediate blueprints. Topics include tolerancing, auxiliary views, sectional views, and assembly drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret a mechanical working drawing.
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| DFT-152 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces extended CAD applications., Emphasis is placed upon intermediate applications of CAD skills. Upon completion, students should be able to use extended CAD applications to generate and manage drawings.
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| DFT-189 | 2 | ||
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This course provides an opportunity to explore new and emerging technologies related to Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD). Emphasis is placed on introducing a selected CAD technology or topic, identified as being "new" or "emerging," from a variety of drafting disciplines. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of and practical skill in the use of the CAD technology studied.
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| DFT-154 | 3 | ||
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This course is an introduction to basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include basic design, creation, editing, rendering and analysis of solid models, and creation of multiview drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use design techniques to create, edit, render and generate a multiview drawing.
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| MAC-114 | 2 | ||
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This course introduces the care and use of precision measuring instruments. Emphasis is placed on the inspection of machine parts and use of a wide variety of measuring instruments. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the correct use of measuring instruments.
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| SST-110 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces sustainability issues and individual contributions toward environmental sustainability. Topics include management, processes needed to maximize renewable/non-renewable energy resources, economics of sustainability, and reduction of environmental impacts. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss sustainability practices and demonstrate an understanding of their effectiveness and impacts.
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Semester Credit Hours: 9
| Course | Course Code | Credit Hours | Link to course details |
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| MAT-121 | 3 | ||
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This course provides an integrated approach to technology and the skills required to manipulate, display, and interpret mathematical functions and formulas used in problem solving. Topics include the properties of plane and solid geometry, area and volume, and basic proportion applications; simplification, evaluation, and solving of algebraic equations and inequalities and radical functions; complex numbers; right triangle trigonometry; and systems of equations.
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| CIS-110 | 3 | ||
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This course introduces computer concepts including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
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| ENG-111 | 3 | ||
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This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
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