Computer Aided Design & Drafting (CADD) Technology
www.linnbenton.edu/cadd
The two-year CADD Technology, Associate of Applied Science degree program is a technical curriculum designed to assist students in acquiring basic attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary to successfully enter drafting occupations. The first year of study provides a sound general background, while the second year provides more specific coverage of major occupational areas, such as civil, mechanical, schematics, architectural, and technical illustration.
Skilled CADD operators find careers in engineering, architecture, construction, manufacturing, 3-D solid modeling, and other exciting fields. This career often is an entry point into design, engineering, management, and other related areas with salary increases commensurate with skills.
CADD techs make detailed drawings of objects that will be manufactured or built. Many CADD techs specialize in one area. For example, architectural CADD techs draw features of buildings and other structures. Aeronautical CADD techs prepare drawings of aircraft and missiles. Civil CADD techs prepare drawings and maps of highways, pipelines and water systems. Electrical CADD techs draw wiring and power distribution diagrams. These are used by technicians who install and repair electrical equipment, substations, and wiring in buildings. Electronic CADD techs draw wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams and layout drawings. Workers who assemble, install and repair electronic equipment use these. Mechanical CADD techs make detailed drawings of machinery, factories, farming, transportation, or other consumer and mechanical devices.
CADD techs need knowledge in the following areas: making and using plans, blueprints, drawing, and models; how to build machines, buildings, and other things; how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully; mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and statistics; computer hardware and software; physics; and use of the English language.
Program Requirements
Entering students should be at a ninth-grade reading level and be prepared to take MTH 095 Intermediate Algebra. Several CADD courses require math skills. Students are required to purchase basic drafting equipment at an approximate cost of $40.
Core CADD coursework is rigorous and starts in the fall. CADD courses are offered one time a year throughout the fall, winter, and spring terms and only during the day. Through careful scheduling and dedicated effort, the program can be completed in two years. Working students may take three or four years to complete the program. Part-time students can take as much time as needed to complete the program. Students can enter the CADD program any time of the year, starting with Related Instruction courses such as math, writing and communication. Non-fall entry can take less than 3 years to complete the degree.
Individuals seeking to learn AutoCAD® for personal use or to update AutoCAD® skills may enroll in evening classes.