Last updated on September 24, 2019
Computer aided design and drafting (also known as CADD/CAD) aids in the creation, modification, analysis or optimization of a design. CADD provides a wide range of computer-based tools that assist engineers, architects and other design professionals in their design activities. For those of you who enjoy designing buildings and structures, an associate degree in computer aided drafting and designing from Dallas Community Colleges may be for you.
How Computer Aided Design Is Used
Computer aided design software is used for creating 3D models that include details such as dimensions and materials used. CAD helps designers prepare drawings, specifications, parts lists and other elements using specialized computer programs. CAD software also helps designers improve their productivity, as well as quality of design and communications through documentation. This electronic design automation helps extensively in the automotive, shipbuilding and aerospace industries, as well as in industrial and architectural design. Computer-aided drafting and design can even be used to assist with the production of special effects in movies, advertising and technical manuals.
Getting Started in CADD — Degrees and Certificates
You can get started and develop CADD skills at Eastfield, Mountain View or Richland colleges. CADD programs at Eastfield and Mountain View include:
- Computer Aided Design and Drafting – Associate in Applied Science degree (can be completed in two years if you are a full-time student)
- Architectural Drafting Certificate (can be completed in three semesters)
- Computer Aided Design Operator Certificate (can be completed in two semesters)
- Computer Aided Design Advanced Operator Certificate (can be completed in two semesters)
- CAD/CAM-CNC Certificate (can be completed in two semesters)
CADD Specializations in Engineering Technology at Richland College:
- Manufacturing Associate in Applied Science degree (can be completed in two years if you are a full-time student)
- CNC/CAD/CAM Certificate (can be completed in two semesters)
- Computer Aided Design Skills Achievement Award (can be completed in two semesters)
- Computer Numerical Control/Computer Aided Manufacturing Skills Achievement Award (can be completed in two semesters)
What Courses Will I Take?
Coursework for a computer aided drafting and design associate degree may include: drafting fundamentals, descriptive geometry, an introduction to CAD, production drawings or manufacturing basics.
Possible Career Paths in CADD
After graduation, you may want to look into the following drafting careers:
- An architectural drafter prepares detailed drawings of designs and plans for buildings and structures according to specifications provided by architect.
- A civil drafter prepares drawings used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, pipelines, flood control projects, and water and sewerage control systems.
- An electrical drafter develops specifications for installation of voltage transformers, overhead or underground cables and other electrical equipment used to create electrical energy from transmission lines or high-voltage distribution lines to consumers.
Can I Find a Job in CADD?
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, projects job growth of 55% for CNC programmers, 25% for electro-mechanical technicians and 20% for engineering technicians over the next decade.
Not Sure About CADD? Take a Look at Other Design Careers
- Learn more about other computer-based arts programs at Dallas Community Colleges.
- Find out more about the rest of our certificate and degree programs on our website.
- Have you heard about Guided Pathways? It’s a one-page document that clearly shows you what courses to take and when. Check out the Computer Aided Design and Drafting Guided Pathway.