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Computer Aided Design (CAD)

CAD is the use of computer software and hardware to create functioning models for the use in the design process and manufacturing. Individuals in this field will learn to take schematics and replicate them in a three-dimensional space in order to determine if the model will function upon manufacture or construction. CAD training use models that are often made for architecture, engineering, chip design or other similar areas where it is important to be able to view and test a schematic before production begins.

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best CAD Training

Located in  Rolla, Missouri, Rolla Technical Institute/Center offers technical-vocational skills education to high school and adults. It provides programs that are in high demand so that students can join the labor force after graduation.

Rolla’s Drafting/Design degree is offered under the high school programs. It is a two-year skills training program that imparts architectural, mechanical, and civil or surveys drafting knowledge. Students will have rigorous training in preparing detailed sketches from rough drawings, specifications, written instructions, and calculations made by architects, designers, and engineers. Coursework includes traditional board methods, AutoCAD and Inventor software drafting, mechanical drafting, and more.

Acceptance Rate

64

Tuition

$10,800 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Le Tourneau University is a private and inter-denominated Christian institution established in 1946 with over 140 programs preparing students to flourish. The university is consistently ranking in the U.S. News and World Report as one of the Best Colleges in Regional West.

Le Tourneau University offers a degree in CAD with a dual emphasis on software and hardware, blending the Computer Science Department's strengths and an ABET-Accredited engineering program. Students will learn about operating systems, advanced circuits, microcomputer design, and software engineering in the Computer Science and Engineering program. Furthermore, the university offers courses on designing under the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Concentrations offered under Engineering Technology are Aeronautical-Electrical Engineering Technology; Aeronautical-Mechanical Engineering Technology; Electrical Engineering Technology; Materials Joining Engineering Technology; and Mechanical Engineering. 

Acceptance Rate

44.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Ball State University (BSU) takes delight in its mission that engages its students in academic, research, and creative activities that empower them to fulfill their career goals. It is a comprehensive public institution located on a beautiful campus in Muncie, Indiana. 

BSU offers a Minor in CAD Design Technology under the Department of Educational Studies. It is an 18-credit program that educates students in using computer-aided design hardware and software for entry-level jobs. Students are expected to prepare technical sketches and documentation needed in modern-day production, technical positions, and reports at the end of the course. Coursework includes CADD for the production sector, digital photography, 3D prototyping, technical design graphics, and other approved electives.

Acceptance Rate

76.71

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Oklahoma (OU) Norman Campus is the main campus of the OU educational system. OU is a public research institution following a semester-based calendar. Moreover, the institution offers a wealth of programs for students to enjoy.

OU offers a degree in CAD and mechanical engineering which is structured to provide first-hand experience in a wide range of objectives, making them competent in the field. The program develops students by imparting them computer skills needed for engineering analysis and computation, visualization and modeling in design, and more. Mechanical Engineering majors will experience rigorous classwork in dynamics, statistics, vibration and strength of solids, capstone design course, and a lot. The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits this 123-semester credit-hour program.

Acceptance Rate

80.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

SUNY College of Technology is a public institution in Alfred, New York, founded in 1908. The school utilizes a semester-based calendar. SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is ranked 9th as Best Regional Colleges, North.

The Associate Degree in CAD Technology at SUNY College of Technology at Alfred prepares students to become mechanical technologists or technicians for the industry in engineering-related fields. Students will outline, specify, examine, analyze, and install mechanical systems. One of the learning outcomes of this program is that students will be able to conduct standard measurements and tests and experiments and analyze and interpret results. Students interested in enrolling in the program must have at least taken Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2.

Acceptance Rate

66.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

East Carolina University or ECU is a public institution founded in 1907 in Greenville, North Carolina. The university envisions to be a national model for student success, public service, and regional transformation. ECU offers various undergraduate degree programs and graduate studies.

ECU's BS in CAD Design can be found within the department of Technology Systems in the school’s course catalog.  The program highlights the application of software, digitalization, and product realization/development equipment. The program offers two focuses, the Mechanical and Architectural Design. Architectural Technology concentration trains graduates who can closely work with engineers and architects in mounting plans and correlated documentation and performing in architectural office services. On the other hand, Mechanical Technology concentration prepares graduates to employ essential engineering principles and technical skills in the plan and development stages of a wide range of projects involving mechanical systems.

Acceptance Rate

78.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1903, Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research and coeducational institution in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It is the fourth most prominent higher education institution in Michigan that offers over 140 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 65 master’s degree programs. WMU also offers 29 doctoral degree programs and a specialist program.

The Department of Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Management Systems at WMU offers a BS in CAD Engineering Design. The program utilizes computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, computer-aided manufacturing in analyzing the overall worth of a potential product, and assisting in the manufacture of a product by graphically documenting its components. Students enrolled in the program learn about the process of cutting-edge CAD systems, and they will also study testing design for the application using a variety of analysis methods. Moreover, the program requires a maintaining grade before the students to successfully acquire the bachelor’s degree title.

For additional details about the program, students may visit the department’s web page or send them an information request.

Acceptance Rate

79.86

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Penn Commercial Business/Technical School is located in Washington, Pennsylvania, opened its doors in 1929. The school offers hands-on training for a diploma program or an associate degree. Graduates from the institution are said to be in high demand in industries.

Penn Commercial Business/Technical School's Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) degree program provides intensive training by imparting Computer-Aided Design knowledge. The program runs around 18 months, training students to work for civil, mechanical, or electrical drafting. Learning areas include the following: Technical Math, Architectural Drafting, Pipe Drafting, Machine Drafting, Structural Drafting, Technical Drafting, Computer-Aided Drafting, Ethics, and Communication.

Acceptance Rate

75.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The South Dakota State University is a state-run, land-grant research institution in Brookings, SD. It is the state’s largest and most comprehensive institution and the oldest university. SD provides several programs for students to select from upon pursuing their goals.

The College of Engineering at SDSU offers a program in CAD and General Engineering. The program provides service courses to the Engineering students at SDSU, such as Computer-Aided Drawing, Engineering Design Graphics, Applied Mechanics, and more. Moreover, these courses provide a firm grounding in engineering and applied technical management to advance their chosen engineering program. The program also assists students who wish to pursue engineering but have not yet decided which plan to choose.

For more information, please send the department an information request or visit their website.

Acceptance Rate

90.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Sam Houston State University is a public university in Huntsville, Texas. The university is the state's third-oldest public university. SHSU offers over 90 bachelor's degree programs, more than 60 master's degree programs, andten0 doctoral programs.

The BS in CAD Design focuses on designing sketches and drawings of products. The degree is an interdisciplinary program with courses in marketing, management, production, and quality control analysis. Classwork in this program highlights designed to assist in implementing technology innovation, aesthetic values, and materials. Students enrolled in the program acquire computer and presentation skills, comprehension of blueprints and product design specifications, and more.

Acceptance Rate

83.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Siena Heights University offers a small class size with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio. It is a private, coeducational, and Catholic institution in Adrian, Michigan. Siena Heights University provides a variety of programs, where more than 2,400 enrollees can select from.

Siena Heights offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program, a career-oriented degree for professionals with technical/industrial, allied health, public safety, and/or specialized occupational backgrounds. The Technical/Trade & Industrial Professions track offers several majors, including Drafting and Design Technology. The BAS Degree students can customize their degree plan appropriate for the students’ learning and goals.

For further details about the program, students may check the department website and send an information request.

Acceptance Rate

73.4

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of Akron, also known as UA, is a public research institution in Akron, Ohio, renowned for its focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). UA is part of the University System of Ohio.

UA offers a Bachelor of Science or an Associate of Applied Science in Automated Manufacturing and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Technology. Moreover, the program prepares students in the area of computer-based manufacturing. Students experience extensive coursework in the design and analysis of modern-day manufacturing facilities, resources, and processes. Interested students may check the program’s website to get additional details.

Acceptance Rate

73.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Founded in 1852, the California University of Pennsylvania is a public institution in California, PA. It caters to an annual enrollment of nearly 9,400. Cal U follows a semester-based academic schedule in its rural setting.

Cal U offers an Associate of Science degree in CAD Industrial Technology. This program is a two-year accredited program imparting students with a firm grounding with courses in technical drawing, automation/robotics, electronics, statistics and strength of materials, machining, materials technology, and industrial safety.  Students enrolled in the program will have intensive learning in computer-aided design and drafting, computer numerical control, programmable logic controllers, computer-integrated manufacturing, and quality control. The program also provides an internship program for students to broaden their career track choices as they gain on-the-job experience.

For additional details, students may send them an information request.

Acceptance Rate

97.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Youngstown State University, also known as YSU, is home to several degree programs offered to students to aid them in their career track and goals. It is an institution located in Youngstown, Ohio, that is publicly-funded. YSU has more or less 15,000 enrollees annually.

The Drafting and Design Technology at YSU is a two-year Associate in Applied Science program preparing students as excellent drafters in either the civil or mechanical area. Students enrolled in the sequence study various design aspects such as CAD drafting, working drawings and plans, and more. Additionally, graduates interested in pursuing a technical education may consider taking the two-plus-two bachelor’s degree program in mechanical engineering technology or construction engineering technology. Students are wholly prepared to communicate in a professional environment and provide them personal development activities.

Acceptance Rate

67.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton or UACCM started its humble beginnings as the formerly known Petit John Vocational-Technical was established after the Arkansas General Assembly.  It is a public community college that provides several programs to aid the students in their career and personal development.

The CAD and Drafting degree at UACCM is a diploma degree providing students a wide-array of drafting and design experience for entry-level jobs in the drafting industry. Students enrolled in the program are introduced to the principles and techniques used in the drafting profession. Around the program, students study and work in computer-aided drafting and three-dimensional modeling programs, including AutoCAD, Revit Suite, Inventor Professional, and SDS/2. As little as two years, students pursuing this can accomplish the program. Additional details about the Drafting program is available at the department’s website linked above.

Acceptance Rate

75.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Black Hills State University is a public research institution in Spearfish, SD. It offers a fair number of programs to aid the students in their career growth and goals. BHSU is situated in a breath-taking rural area where students can thrive and explore outdoors while studying and seeking motivation.  The design and technology program at Black Hills State University is a lauded program that provides an ideal balance of technical skills and creativity for future CAD designers.  Take a moment to collect valuable information from the BHSU admissions team today. 

Acceptance Rate

83.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public land-grant research institution situated in College, Alaska. UAF is the flagship campus among the seven campuses across the state, and it offers some degree programs to help students in their personal development and career goals.

The Drafting/Design Technology program is a Certificate program that develops the students’ skills in drawing and lettering, mathematics, building concepts, design, computer-aided drafting, and more. Classes in this program are taught by professionals from the engineering, architectural, and construction communities, and they are held in spacious classrooms and laboratories. Additionally, more classes are held during the evening to entertain the currently employed students or with busy schedules during the day. 

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Grambling State University is historically a black institution in Grambling, Louisiana. It is a public institution that provides educational opportunities to its nearly 5,000 enrollees annually. Additionally, the university is home to the Eddie G. Robinson Museum.

Grambling State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. The program aims to provide the drafting design technology workforce needs in the state of Louisiana. Furthermore, students enrolled in the program will use modern technology like Computer-Aided Drafting and Design to advance graphic representations of machine elements, mechanical systems, and buildings.  The Engineering Technology Accreditation of ABET recognizes the BS in Engineering Technology program of Grambling State University.

Acceptance Rate

97.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

Located in Juneau, Alaska, the University of Alaska Southeast is also one among the University of Alaska educational system institutions. It is a public institution with its main campus in Juneau and extended campuses in Ketchikan and Sitka. The University of Alaska Southeast's location is situated near the scenic rain forest in North America, the Tongass National Forest.

The Drafting Technology at UAS is a certificate that provides quality educational opportunities in a supportive environment. Students enrolled in the program advance their abilities in mathematics, drawing, engineering and architectural concepts, and design and construction techniques. Moreover, UAS also offers an Occupational Endorsement in Computer-Aided Drafting Technician, a program designed to provide students with first-hand experience in computer-aided drafting using modern software. Both programs are offered both on-campus and online, and students can accomplish this in two semesters.

Acceptance Rate

60.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis functions under the leadership of the Tennessee Board of Regents. In fact, the college belongs to the 27 sister campuses of the TCAT educational system. TCAT’s Memphis main campus is located in Thomas Boulevard, Downtown, and the extension campus is located in Memphis International Airport. The college offers 23 programs, including Computer-Aided Design Technology.

To provide specialized classroom instruction and practical experience in preparation for employment is one of the many goals of the TCAT-CAD Technology program. Every student is trained to assist engineers and architects in preparing the design and drafting of electric circuits, maps, machines, and structures. Classes are held during daytime and full-time for a 16 month period.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$6,011 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Formerly the Washington Holmes Technical Center, now the Florida Panhandle Technical College offers technical-vocational education to Washington Holmes county and its neighboring counties. The program opened its doors in 1967 and has expanded from nine (9) degree programs to the current thirty plus (30+) programs.

The Drafting Certificate Program at Washington Holmes is a year-long program that prepares students for employment in the drafting industry. Drafting majors study the use of computer-aided design (CAD) programs, including Autodesk and Solid Works, to realize the concepts and specifications of architects, engineers, and other manufacturing designers into sketches and blueprints. Additionally, students do laboratory activities to hone their skills in the area of discipline. The department does not require an on-the-job-training.

Students who wish to take the program may download the curriculum framework.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$3,890 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Morristown is one of the 27 operating institutions of the TCAT educational system under the Tennessee Board of Regents' direction. TCAT Morristown aims to help students improve the quality of being of every individual and the society they live in.

Students will experience rigorous training for 16 months full-time or part-time. Training in the basics of material selection, strength, and manufacturing processes is just one of the program's features. Like in the other campuses of TCAT, learning areas in TCAT-Morristown’s CAD Technology program lies around Technical Illustration and Drawing Techniques, Use of Engineering Handbooks and Tables, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Rapid Prototyping Systems and other Physical Sciences. Students may also specialize or fuse their knowledge in Mechanical Design and Architectural Design.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Manatee Technical College is a post-secondary, adult, career, and technical education center opened in 1963. MTC’s main purpose with its eight programs is career preparation, continuing education, adult education, or non-credit enrichment.

MTC's Drafting program will allow students to learn Manual Drafting and Computer-Aided Drafting Procedures integrating theory and practice. The program’s primary stress is to obtain proficiency and industry certification in advanced software programs. The MTC Drafting program approximately runs about 12 months, and it needs full time to complete the training. The program's estimated tuition fee runs around $4,700 with additional charges for the uniform, books, supplies, and various materials.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,332 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Triangle Tech Inc. is a leading technical school in Pennsylvania that offers several programs students can choose from. The institution comprises six campuses in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, DuBois, Sunbury, Bethlehem, and Chambersburg.

The CAD and 3D Printing Technology degree at Triangle Tech integrates mechanical and architectural drafting courses, combined with additive manufacturing and 3D printing, to prepare the students for professions related to the program. Students in the program will experience rigorous training on computer-aided drafting and design to turn concepts into a set of accurate sketches and plans. Classes in this program include drafting principles, fundamentals of mechanical drafting, computer applications and CADD, residential and commercial architectural design, manufacturing process, mechanical design and cost estimating, and many more. The CADD with Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Technology is offered in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, DuBois, and Bethlehem campuses.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson is one of the 27 technical training schools in a state-run educational center in Tennessee. The college was originally named the Jackson State Area Vocational-Technical School. It later became the Tennessee Technology Center at Jackson in 1994, and then it was once again renamed to Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jackson in 2013.

Translation of ideas, notes, rough sketches, specifications, and calculations into working drawings used by craftsmen are the main goals of the TCAT-Jackson’s Computer-Aided Design Technology program. Learning areas in this field revolve around Technical Illustration and Drawing Techniques, Use of Engineering Handbooks and Tables, Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Rapid Prototyping Systems, and other Physical Sciences. Students may specialize in Mechanical Design, Architectural Design, Structural Design or Civil, or gain experience across all disciplines. The program length is at 16 months, and this is a full-time program.

Acceptance Rate

-

Tuition

$4,236 / year

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

What is Computer Aided Design (CAD)?

Computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is an area of study utilizing computer technology and applications for design and design documentation. CAD has effectively replaced manual drafting by digitizing and automating the process for designers. A variety of trades and associated disciplines work with CAD programs and designers including: architects, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, plumbers, structural engineers, data management, and civil engineers.

What is CAD Used For?

Computer-aided design is used to help design and create photorealistic renderings of a building, concept, or structure. Architects and MEP professionals across a variety of industries use 2D and 3D CAD programs to visualize concepts and back-test its applicability in the real world through myriad data simulations. The 2D programs provide designers and drafters vector-based graphics of a structure or concept while the 3D programs provide modeling of solid surfaces. The 3D application will also provide designers the ability to rotate objects, render from multiple angles, and illuminate with multiple light sources.

What is AutoCAD? AutoDesk and AutoCAD Training

AutoCAD is the original computer-aided design program and still the most widely used application in the field. It is the software application used to help drafters and designers bring a concept to life. The AutoCAD application can be used to create blueprints for such things as wafer boards, bridges, high-rise buildings, computer chips, and museums. Professionals from constructing superintendents to structural engineers use these blueprints to bring inanimate concepts to fruition.

Learning CADTools

CADTools (ToolBox) is a surface utility and 3D application add-on to the AutoCAD program. The CADTools program was designed for civil engineers to help break down the design process of railways, roads, and bridges into separate data commands. With the ability to create surface models and import triangles from other software applications, CADTools is a widely used application used in conjunction with AutoCAD.

What is a CAD file?

A CAD file is simply an image file format for users of the AutoCAD program. The images, triangles, renderings, concepts, and structures created with the AutoCAD software application can be saved as an image file in a .CAD format. These files can be imported, exported, transferred, and modified by authorized users within the projects ecosystem.

Learning Why is CAD Important

Since Autodesk invented and released the AutoCAD program in 1999, the ability to automate the design and drafting process was nothing short of an engineering revolution. The online AutoDesk training will help new and experienced users get up to speed on the newest version of AutoCAD quickly. Automating engineering and design of products is a substantive leap in efficiency, sharing, and integration. Drafters and designers using CAD software applications can quickly create and iterate data in a fraction of the time compared to a paced manual process.

Once these files are created, they can be shared among stakeholders to elicit feedback quickly and efficiently and even provides a platform for virtual networking through open libraries. The CAD revolution allows team members a common platform to dig into granular details of a project and flesh out problems in advance. As a result of these factors, CAD software has made the design process easier and safer using less resources to bring products to the market quickly. Online training modules help new users level-up and become proficient in short order.

How Do I Become a CAD Designer and Drafter?

In order to become a CAD Designer and Drafter you will need to invest time and energy into your education. CAD programs can be found at community colleges, trade schools, and vocation schools around the country as a certificate or associate degree program. Larger colleges and universities may roll CAD design into a degree track such as engineering, drafting, or construction management. A key feature of a quality degree or certificate program is the hands-on utilization of AutoCAD and associated programs to link classroom lectures with practical application. See the list of accredited schools below for your go-to resource for schools offering CAD certificate programs and degrees.

CAD Degrees and AutoCAD Classes

Individuals may pursue two-year courses for CAD training, typically offered by community colleges or technical institutions. Such educations tend to focus specifically on the training and use of software for the purposes of drafting and design. Such education provides an understanding of various engineering and artistic principles that allows for the completion of such work. Four-year degrees are generally unavailable, but CAD training is generally offered through engineering or related programs.

A curriculum may include:

  • Engineering Design
  • Technical Design
  • Composition and Development
  • Design in a Three-Dimensional Space
  • Manufacturing and Production

Individuals seeking out a school for CAD training should make sure the school maintains a high standard, particularly for its computers and software. Such updates demonstrate competency, dedication, understanding and relevancy in regard to the training offered. Graduates from a CAD program will often move directly into the workforce or pursue computer science degrees or data science degrees. Online degrees designed to help students learn CAD efficiently to gain mastery with targeted training courses and CAD courses.

AutoDesk Employment and Online CAD Learning

Job growth is expected to remain steady over the next decade. Individuals pursuing this field should find no shortage of employment due to the demand for professionals who are up to date on the most recent improvements and techniques used in the field. Individuals will seek employment in any of the fields where the use of three-dimensional models are necessary in order to realize projects and move to production. Individuals will generally work alongside engineers, mechanical designers or architects in order to properly implement design schematics within the software, creating a working model for examination and review.

How Much Does a CAD Designer Make a Year?

The annual median wage for a CAD drafter is $53,480 which equates to $25.71 per hour with the highest ten percent making in excess of $83,000 per year and the lowest ten percent making $33,910 per year.

States with the Most CAD Drafters

  • California 14,570
  • Texas 11,700
  • New York 6,210
  • Florida 6,160
  • Pennsylvania 4,910

Highest Paying States for CAD Drafters

  1. Connecticut $61,400
  2. Alaska $61,250
  3. Maryland $60,080
  4. California $59,610
  5. Louisiana $59,000

Common Career Paths for CAD Designers and Drafters

The career path for a computer-aided designer, mechanical drafter, AutoCAD designer, computer-aided drafter provides a variety of options to consider. While there is no straight-line path for upward mobility, the profession provides a number of tracks. With the right industry, timing, focus, and training, a CAD professional can put themselves in situations to upskill and grow in their careers. Common career paths for a computer-aided drafter can include any of the following jobs after proficiency has been attained in their current position:

  • Computer-Aided Design Manager
  • Senior Drafter
  • Project Engineer
  • Design Architect
  • Property Engineer
  • Mechanical Designer
  • Building Information Modeling Manager
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Architect
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Senior Computer-Aided Designer
  • Project Manager
  • Drafting Supervisor

Online University Learning Tools

Organizations such as ACADIA and ADDA may provide students important tools and resources after graduation. Associations bring together like-minded professionals and provide education, resources, and networking that may prove to be beneficial to new and seasoned designers.

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