AAS in Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Northampton Community College
Key Information
Campus location
Bethlehem, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 2,535 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* Northampton County PA: $2,535 Monroe County PA: $3,990 Other PA County: $5,325 Out of State/Country: $7,410. Additional fees may apply
Scholarships
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Introduction
Northampton Community College's Computer Aided Design degree opens the door to countless career options as a designer, technician, illustrator, and more. This 2-year program teaches students about the growing field of computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) concepts and is great for people who like to design, develop, and help make existing products even better. With both CAD and CADD classes, you'll learn how to create mechanical designs for product parts, assemblies, and system configurations.
At NCC, you will gain exceptional hands-on experience that will prepare you for the professional world and teach you the necessary skills to gain an entry-level position. Our curriculum covers theoretical topics such as algebra and trigonometry, as well as practical matters such as engineering graphics and electrical fundamentals.
Admissions
Curriculum
As a student in our program, you will learn computer-aided design layout and 3D solid modeling definition. You will also gain the knowledge of design and drafting needed for multiple disciplines, including mechanical, civil, architectural, and electrical engineering and design.
Most major courses are offered during the day in the fall and spring. All other courses are offered both day and evening.
If you are a student from an area vocational-technical school, you may receive advanced placement for work completed at the vocational-technical school. If you have had previous related experience, you may challenge some of the introductory courses such as engineering graphics, and receive credit.
First Semester
- COLS101College Success
- CISC101Introduction to Information Technology
- CADM100Engineering Graphic Essentials
- CADM115Computer-Aided Design I
- MATH140College Algebra
- ENGL101English I
Second Semester
- ENGG125Manufacturing Processes
- CMTH102Introduction to Communication
- CADM205Computer-Aided Design II
- ENGL151TEnglish II
- CADM230Parametric Modeling- Inventor I
Third Semester
- CADM210Computer-Aided Design III
- CADM220Parametric Modeling - SOLIDWORKS I
- PHYS101Physics I
- CADM240Digital Manufacturing I
- MATH145Trigonometry
Fourth Semester
- CADM250Design Project
- CADM255Statics and Strength of Materials
- Elective
- General Education Elective (AH or SIT)
- General Education Elective (SSHB)
One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
For the General Education Elective, students must select two courses: one from Arts & Humanities (AH) or Social Science: Society and Institutions over Time (SIT), and one from Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
One of the General Education Electives must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
CADM260 can satisfy the Elective requirement.
Program Outcome
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Demonstrate an ability to work independently and apply interpersonal and technical skills to solve problems.
- Exhibit proficient 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and computer skills in using several current industry-standard CAD software such as but not limited to AutoCAD, Inventor, and/or Solidworks to create mechanical designs for product parts, assemblies, and models, applying appropriate drafting standards, dimensioning and tolerancing for same.
- Applies 3D parametric modeling techniques to create a digital prototype of the project and uses rapid prototyping or similar technology to create a physical prototype of the design.
- Utilize analysis tools included in the CAD software to perform simple analysis of parts, and dynamic motion analysis of assemblies to detect interferences of assembled parts.
- Exhibits competent technical vocabulary, graphical techniques, and knowledge applicable to a variety of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electronics, architectural, civil, and others.
- Competently uses verbal and written presentation skills utilizing appropriate presentation tools (model, sketches, drawings, visual aids, etc.,) to convey design concept, product features, problems encountered and resolved, and features of a design.
- Understanding of the basic design process, work breakdown structure (WBS), time management, project scheduling, analyzing and researching data in an acceptable and standardized manner as it relates to Engineering Design.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
You can expect to advance to careers in a number of industries including aerospace, architecture, civil, electrical, engineering, fire protection, marine, mechanical, process piping, or structural. CAD designers will mainly be responsible for the creation and improvement of assembly drawings, subassembly, component design, detail drawings, etc.
Similar to other workers who primarily use computers to do their work, CAD personnel usually work indoors and full time, although overtime is not uncommon. A CAD Drafter or CAD Designer's main duty is to assist in maintaining a company's product development needs. A mechanical designer must work in harmony with product development engineers in performing tasks such as making the necessary changes in designs, models, or drawings, and engaging in meetings that focus on design reviews.
NCC students and graduates have access to our career placement and counseling services. Earning your associate degree in computer-aided design will prepare you to start a career as a:
Future Career Paths
- CAD Designer
- CAD Operator
- CAD Draftsperson
- Mechanical Designer
- CAD Technician
- CAD Detailer
- Technical Illustrator