The Field

Computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) is a vital part of every field where design activities occur and where technical drawings are required. CADD has revolutionized industry's methods of doing design work and producing technical documentation.

The Instructional Program

This one-year CAD Mechanical certificate program consists of the first-year courses from the two-year associate-degree program in Computer Aided Drafting and Design. Most students interested in this field enroll directly in the associate-degree program (for more information, see the Computer Aided Drafting and Design program description). The certificate is primarily for those individuals who can only spend one year at college. It is a two-semester program that begins each fall. If a student completes the certificate program and then decides to continue on for the associate degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design, the courses taken for the certificate will transfer with no loss of credit.

Career Options

The job titles associated with graduates of the CAD Mechanical certificate program are:

• Mechanical Drafter
• Drafting Technician
• Detail Drafter
• CAD Operator

There are career opportunities in manufacturing firms, contract drafting firms, surveying and mapping companies, and in any company that requires technical drawings. Students who continue on for the associate degree increase their options for employment in the field of drafting and design.

Further information regarding careers in this field can be found in the Computer Aided Drafting and Design program description.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code:  1044

First Semester

Second Semester

Certificate Requirement: 31 credit hours

Notes

*MATH 102 Mathematics for Applied Technology is the minimum exit-level requirement for this program.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have earned a high school or equivalency diploma and meet the College requirements for English and reading competency. Two years of high school mathematics are also recommended.

Program Objectives

A graduate of the CAD Mechanical certificate program should be able to:

1. Delineate various mechanical types of parts by following the industry standard, ASME Y14.5M, as it relates to line quality, lettering, geometric constructions, multiview drawings (orthographic projection), and sectioning.
2. Detail various mechanical types of parts by following the ASME Y14.5M standard as it relates to dimensioning and tolerancing.
3. Detail various mechanical types of parts by following the ASME Y14.5M standard as it relates to descriptive geometry, theory of projection, and auxiliary views.
4. Learn and master the use of at least two different types of computer-based 3-D graphic software, one in the first year (Solid Edge) and a different one in the second year (AUTOCAD), to generate and create electronic files as well as printed/plotted sets of working drawings that conform to the ASME Y14.5M standard.
5. Detail complete sets of working drawings by following the ASME Y14.5M standard for the development, production, and/or servicing of various types of mechanical systems.
6. Detail drawings that relate to the areas of welded fabricated parts, piping, hydraulics, pneumatics, structural, and developments by conforming to various industry standards.