61 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0270
The associate degree in Mechanical Design/CAD provides students with in-depth training in product design, development and rapid prototyping. Students will develop skills and practical experience in part and assembly design utilizing two- and three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printing technology, while building a solid foundation in general education. The degree prepares students for design positions in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, consumer products and industrial equipment. Job titles may range from Mechanical Designer and Product Designer to Design Engineer.
Note: Refer to IAI General Education Courses page for guidelines on General Education course selection.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| Area A — Communications | ||
| EGL 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Composition II | ||
| Introduction to Business and Technical Writing (recommended) | ||
| Technical Writing Applications | ||
| Effective Speech | ||
| Area B — Mathematics | ||
| Select one course from Area B | 3-4 | |
| Applied Mathematics I (recommended) | ||
| Area C — Science | ||
| Select one course from Area C | 3 | |
| Applied Physics (recommended) | ||
| Area D — Social and Behavioral Sciences | ||
| Select one course from a social or behavioral science discipline | 3 | |
| Area E — Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| Select one course from a humanities or fine arts discipline | 3 | |
| Area F — Global Studies 1 | ||
| Select one course that satisfies Global Studies requirement | 0-3 | |
| Area G — U.S. Diversity Studies 2 | ||
| Select one course that satisfies U.S. Diversity Studies requirement | 0-3 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
Students may take a Global Studies course that satisfies both Area F and another Area requirement.
- 2
Students may take a U.S. Diversity Studies course that satisfies both Area G and another Area requirement.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | ||
| CAD 101 | Industrial Drafting and Design | 4 |
| CAD 107 | Introduction to 3D Printing | 4 |
| Select one of the following software tracks: | 11 | |
AutoCAD | ||
| Basic AutoCAD and Intermediate AutoCAD and Advanced AutoCAD | ||
| OR | ||
SolidWorks | ||
| Introduction to SolidWorks and Intermediate SolidWorks and Advanced SolidWorks | ||
| ENG 120 | Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| MFG 115 | Processes and Materials | 3 |
| MFG 180 | Mechanical Drives | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Autodesk Fusion 360 | ||
| Industrial Design Engineering | ||
| Industrial Design Techniques | ||
| SolidWorks CAM | ||
| Introduction to Autodesk Inventor | ||
| Advanced Engineering Design | ||
| Select three additional CAD, ENG or MFG courses | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 43 | |
Mechanical Design/CAD Pathway
The following pathway is recommended for students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mechanical Design/CAD. General Education courses should be selected from the list of IAI General Education Courses.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| EGL 101 | Composition I | 3 |
| MAT 114 | Applied Mathematics I | 4 |
| CAD 101 | Industrial Drafting and Design | 4 |
| CAD 116 or CAD 230 | Basic AutoCAD or Introduction to SolidWorks | 3 |
| MFG 115 | Processes and Materials | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Composition II | ||
| Introduction to Business and Technical Writing (recommended) | ||
| Technical Writing Applications (recommended) | ||
| Effective Speech | ||
| CAD 107 | Introduction to 3D Printing | 4 |
| CAD 117 or CAD 232 | Intermediate AutoCAD or Intermediate SolidWorks | 4 |
| MFG 180 | Mechanical Drives | 3 |
| Select an additional course from CAD, ENG or MFG | 3 | |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PHY 101 | Applied Physics | 4 |
| CAD 118 or CAD 234 | Advanced AutoCAD or Advanced SolidWorks | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Autodesk Fusion 360 | ||
| Industrial Design Engineering | ||
| Industrial Design Techniques | ||
| SolidWorks CAM | ||
| Introduction to Autodesk Inventor | ||
| Select an additional course from CAD, ENG or MFG | 3 | |
| Hours | 14-15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ENG 120 | Engineering Graphics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-4 | |
| Autodesk Fusion 360 | ||
| Industrial Design Engineering | ||
| Industrial Design Techniques | ||
| SolidWorks CAM | ||
| Introduction to Autodesk Inventor | ||
| Advanced Engineering Design | ||
| Select one Social and Behavioral Sciences course that also satisfies Global Studies 1 or U.S. Diversity Studies 2 requirement | 3 | |
| Select one Humanities/Fine Arts course that also satisfies Global Studies 1 or U.S. Diversity Studies 2 requirement | 3 | |
| Select an additional course from CAD, ENG or MFG | 3 | |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Total Hours | 63-65 | |
- 1
At least one Global Studies course is required for degree completion.
- 2
At least one U.S. Diversity Studies course is required for degree completion.
Note: Pathway is a recommended sequence and selection of courses. Part-time students should contact the department chair or program coordinator to discuss a part-time pathway as well as course prerequisites and recommendations.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate design ideas considering aesthetics, safety, function, usability, serviceability, cost, production methods and market demand.
- Create digital models to visualize design concepts utilizing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
- Evaluate CAD models and assemblies based on critical thinking and problem-solving skills considering form, fit and function factors.
- Prepare 2D and 3D technical drawings and documentation including bill of material (BOM) based on industry specifications.
- Build prototype models using common prototyping methods and technologies, including 3D printing, to proof design concepts.
- Develop a solution through group work and collaboration with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Communicate ideas and solutions effectively through written and oral presentations.