Mechanical Design CAD 
Certificate
Curriculum code 2102
Course Requirements                    CAD Program Web site Gainful Employment Information

This certificate is open only to students who have completed 30 hours in the Mechanical Design and Drafting Program or have at least two years of industrial drafting or engineering experience or consent of the instructor.

The courses taken in this program can be applied to the associate's degree program without loss of credit. A certificate requires fewer credit hours to complete than an associate's degree. It is intended to lead to employment. If you are considering transferring to a four-year college or university to obtain a bachelor's degree using the courses from this program, make an appointment with an academic advisor to review your options.

Nature of Work—The types of businesses that employ CAD drafters and designers are diverse and wide- ranging. They include architectural and mechanical design firms, engineering firms (civil, mechanical, etc.), graphic arts firms, construction companies, product design companies and manufacturing companies.

Related Job Titles—Drafter, architectural/civil, electronic/electrical drafters, computer aided design (CAD) operators/technicians

Related Programs—Mechanical Design and Drafting/CAD A.A.S. (64 credit hours), Mechanical Design Drafting Certificate (30 credit hours), 3-D CAD Certificate (17 credit hours), Architectural CAD Certificate (23 credit hours), CAD Programming Management Certificate (18 credit hours), and Computer Animation Certificate (23 credit hours)

Employment Outlook—Employment of drafters is expected to grow by 4 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is slower than he average for all occupations. However, growth will vary by specialty.

Median annual wages of mechanical drafters were $46,640 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,490 and $59,010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $71,340. Median annual wages for mechanical drafters in architectural, engineering, and related services were $47,630. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011

For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center, Student Services Center, S202, at (708) 974-5737. www.morainevalley.edu/jrc.