Computer-Aided Design Technology, AAS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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.

For more information about the Computer-Aided Design Technology program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/cad.

Location: Ankeny

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start Fall semester.

Program Entry Requirements

Complete an application for admission.
Satisfy the assessment requirement.
Attend any required information/registration session.
Successful completion of
CSC 105 - Computer Essentials
or equivalent or approval of the program counselor.

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.

Requirements for the Diploma

Semester 1

Required Courses

CAD 151 - CAD Graphics I Credits: 6
BCA 212 - Intro Computer Business Appl Credits: 3
SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
Select one course from Option 1 Credits: 3
Select one course from Option 2 Credits: 3

Option 1 - Select 1 course

MAT 772 - Applied Math Credits: 3
Any AAS degree core Math course Credits: 3
Note: Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should check with that institution and a DMACC advisor regarding requirements for math and humanities before selecting courses for this program.

Option 2 - Select 1 Course

MGT 145 - Human Relations in Business Credits: 3
PSY 102 - Human and Work Relations Credits: 3
Any AAS Social and Behaviorial Science and Humanities course with prefix HUM or PSY Credits: 3
Note: Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should check with that institution and a DMACC advisor regarding requirements for math and humanities before selecting courses for this program.

Semester 2

Required Courses

CAD 242 - Manufacturing Interfaces Credits: 3
ENG 105 - Composition I Credits: 3
CAD 152 - CAD Graphics II Credits: 6
Select one course from Option 3 Credits: 3

Option 3 - Select 1 Course

MAT 773 - Applied Math II Credits: 3
MAT 130 - Trigonometry Credits: 3
Any AAS degree core Math course Credits: 3
Note: Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should check with that institution and a DMACC advisor regarding requirements for math and humanities before selecting courses for this program.

Semester 3

CAD 182 - SolidWorks CAD I Credits: 3
CAD 196 - Engineering Disciplines & Prac Credits: 3
CAD 240 - Applied Materials & Processes Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete the Diploma - 40

Requirements for the AAS Degree

Semester 4

Required Courses

CAD 153 - CAD Applications I Credits: 3
CAD 215 - Mechanical Systems Credits: 3
CAD 246 - Parametric CAD I Credits: 3
CAD 252 - Design Project I Credits: 4
Select one course from Option 4 Credits: 3

Option 4 - Select 1 Course

ENG 108 - Comp II: Technical Writing Credits: 3
ENG 106 - Composition II Credits: 3

Semester 5

CAD 148 - Intro to Finite Element Analys Credits: 3
CAD 154 - CAD Applications II Credits: 3
CAD 248 - Parametric CAD II Credits: 3
CAD 254 - Design Project II Credits: 5

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree - 70

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Semester 3	Semester 4	Semester 5
Books (approximate)	510	158	248	248	210
Supplies/Equipment	55

Approximate total for the program: $11,439*

*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 Program or Career Choice?

• 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 $30,900 (2010-2011 Placement Report)

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. 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 Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.