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Mechanical Design/CAD Certificate

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  • Mechanical Design/CAD Certificate

2026-2027 Edition

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33 Semester Credit Hours; Curriculum: 0272

Certificate provides students with in-depth training in product design, development and rapid prototyping. Students will gain hands-on experience with part and assembly design utilizing two- and three-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and 3D printers. The certificate prepares students for design positions in various industries, such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, consumer products and industrial equipment. Job titles may range from CAD Drafter and Design Technician to Mechanical Designer and Product Designer.

Course List
Code Title Hours
Courses for a Certificate
CAD 101Industrial Drafting and Design4
CAD 107Introduction to 3D Printing4
Select one of the following software tracks:7
AutoCAD
CAD 116
& CAD 117
Basic AutoCAD
and Intermediate AutoCAD
OR
SolidWorks
CAD 230
& CAD 232
Introduction to SolidWorks
and Intermediate SolidWorks
ENG 120Engineering Graphics3
MFG 115Processes and Materials3
MFG 180Mechanical Drives3
Select one of the following:3-4
CAD 118
Advanced AutoCAD
CAD 234
Advanced SolidWorks
CAD 238
SolidWorks CAM
CAD 270
Advanced Engineering Design
Select two additional CAD, ENG or MFG courses6
Total Hours33

Mechanical Design/CAD Certificate Pathway

The following pathway is recommended for students pursuing the Mechanical Design/CAD Certificate.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
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
 Hours10
Spring Semester
CAD 107 Introduction to 3D Printing 4
CAD 117
or CAD 232
Intermediate AutoCAD
or Intermediate SolidWorks
4
MFG 180 Mechanical Drives 3
 Hours11
Second Year
Fall Semester
ENG 120 Engineering Graphics 3
Select one of the following: 3-4
CAD 118
Advanced AutoCAD  
CAD 234
Advanced SolidWorks  
CAD 238
SolidWorks CAM  
CAD 270
Advanced Engineering Design  
Select two additional courses from CAD, ENG or MFG 6
 Hours12-13
 Total Hours33-34

Note: Pathway is a recommended sequence and selection of courses. Full-time students should contact the department chair or program coordinator to discuss a full-time pathway as well as course prerequisites and recommendations.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Evaluate design ideas considering aesthetics, safety, function, usability, serviceability, cost, production methods, and market demand.
  2. Create digital designs to visualize design concepts utilizing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software.
  3. Evaluate CAD models and assemblies based on critical thinking and problem-solving skills considering form, fit, and function factors.
  4. Prepare 2D and 3D technical drawings and documentation including bill of material (BOM) based on industry specifications.
  5. Build prototype models using common prototyping methods and technologies including 3D printing to proof design concepts.
  6. Develop a solution through group work and collaboration with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
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