Oct 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Course Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Course Catalog

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Computer-Aided Design Technology, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny



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Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technology prepares students for a career in a variety of design and drafting disciplines. The CAD technology student will be exposed to and operate different CAD software packages and related equipment. Students will learn how to create CAD models and drawings to meet international and U.S. customary design and drafting standards.

Students can obtain a one-year diploma or a two-year Associate degree in CAD technology. Students enrolled in the one-year diploma will be taught basic drafting and CAD practices with emphasis on entry-level drafting job skills. Students enrolled in the Associate degree program will complete the first-year diploma requirements and in the second year apply advanced CAD software operations including three-dimensional parametric (solid) modeling, model/assembly analysis and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Associate degree students will also be taught a variety of specialized design and drafting standards that are used in several different industries.

Engineering and manufacturing design and drafting, render and animate assemblies, technical publishing and independent CAD contracting are areas where Computer-Aided Design Technology program graduates may find employment.

Program Details


Location: Ankeny


Pathway: Engineering & Manufacturing


More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall semester


Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.


Graduation Requirements


To earn a Computer-Aided Design Technology diploma or AAS degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 1


Fall 1

Total Credits for Semester 2: 15


Semester 4


Spring 2

Option 1 - Select 3 Credits


Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 64*


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$193.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


Costs Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 510 200 248 248 50
Supplies/Equipment   55        

Approximate total for the program: $13,663**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Prepare a variety of product engineering models and drawings, including detail drawings, assembly drawings, and layout drawings in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional realms. Prepare three-dimensional prints (prototypes).
  • Design new products or modify existing products.
  • Identify industry standards (ASME/ANSI, ISO, etc.). Work with industry codes.
  • Operate computers, printers, and rapid-prototyping equipment, and use a variety of CAD and computer software.
  • Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) software to create models, assemblies, drawings and analyze models.
  • Students gain practical experience that is applicable to design and drafting, through field trips and exposure to manufacturing processes.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Visualize in two and three dimensions.
  • Self-motivation to start a project and self-discipline to carry it out.
  • Adapt to various CAD software, drafting systems and work environments.
  • Understand and work in an engineering office.
  • Learn to apply math skills up through trigonometry.
  • Visualize parts separately and how they fit together.
  • Willingness to learn and use your imagination.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • Computer-Aided Design and Drafting is projected as a growth field through the year 2015 and beyond.
  • Computer experience is now a minimum requirement for many occupations.
  • Graduates with minimal experience can start their own business with little capital investment.
  • Average starting salary-A.A.S. degree $55,550 (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Program Competencies


  1. ​Perform geometric constructions necessary for drawing creation
  2. Differentiate between line types, text styles, fonts, drawing types and apply industry drawing standards
  3. Communicate with others using computer applications, technical sketches, drawing notes, and verbal presentation
  4. Demonstrate workplace skills of note taking, problem solving, research, interpersonal relationships and leadership
  5. Operate a variety of equipment related to design and manufacturing such as plotters, 3D printers, CNC equipment, and CMM
  6. Identify manufacturing processes, materials, and GD&T. Including their effect on a part, assembly, and the drawing setup
  7. Evaluate various fastening systems and the application in assemblies
  8. Produce detail, casting, assembly, sub-assembly, and weldment drawings. Including supporting documentation such as BOM, ECR, ECO, etc.
  9. Create special applications such as sheet metal development, flat pattern calculations, kinematic diagrams/calculations, allowances, etc.
  10. Construct parts and assemblies in two and three dimensional applications
  11. Prepare a final design project with all supporting documents

AY2025

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Executive Campus Dean’s office, the Executive Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at Academic Pathway website.(2024)

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