MSC Southeast's 100% CAD classes online attracts students from all around the world. Begin your CAD designer career path by earning an Drafting Associate's Degree online from MSC Southeast's nationally recognized CAD program. With an associate's degree in computer aided drafting and design from Minnesota State College Southeast, you'll learn drafting programs and the latest technology that will prepare you for your next CAD designer career path.
Major Details
Complex products all start with a plan. By receiving a CAD Associates Degree online from Minnesota State College Southeast's online CAD drafting program, you will learn how to translate ideas at the product conception stage into physical work plans that launch the design process. As a CAD designer, you will be an essential part of any technical team.
The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Aided Design (CAD) Drafting Technologies will prepare you for employment with 16 credits of general education in communications, math, the humanities, and physics plus 44 credits of technical education.
Employment opportunities in the CAD drafting field abound, and a degree from MSC Southeast's associate degree in cad and drafting program will prepare you with the specific skills employers are looking for. Solidworks, Inventor, Google SketchUP, Autocad - they're all here, and you will learn how to apply these industry-standard CAD software programs on a project basis just as you will on the job.
Our highly experienced CAD drafting faculty will teach you the tools of the trade so that you can be successful in your career on day one. And with their industry connections, Minnesota State College Southeast instructors will help you find an internship to gain invaluable real-world experience.
Have a busy schedule or just like to work at your own pace? The MSC Southeast online CAD drafting program is flexible enough to accommodate your busy lifestyle, but rigorous enough to ensure you develop the skills employers demand. Take the next step to achieve an online CAD degree, and put a new CAD designer career in motion - apply today!
Apply now for admission to MSC Southeast
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) Must complete a minimum of 3 different MnTC goals in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
2) 1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Goal 4: Mathematics
Choose one
Goal 4 course. MATH 1220 College Algebra is suggested. (If transferring to a 4-year college, MATH 1225 Pre-Calculus is preferred.)
3 cr
PHYS1215
College Physics I
This non-calculus based course introduces the basic principles of physics through applications, problems, and experiments. Newtonian motion and conservation laws for linear and circular motion will be covered including speed, velocity, and acceleration for linear and projectile motion. Oscillatory motion will be covered including mechanical, light, sound and energy waves. Thermodynamics will be introduced including the first and second law of thermodynamics. (Meets MnTC Goal 3) (Prerequisite: Algebra College Level Placement or successful completion of MATH1025 Algebra) (4 credits: 3 lecture/1 lab)
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4 cr
MDAD1204
Autocad
AutoCAD is the most common computer aided drafting software. This course will cover AutoCAD functions as used in engineering drawing. Basic and advanced commands will be used to complete assignments. An introduction to 3-D CAD will be included. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1206
Geometric Tolerances
This course covers the application and implementation of Geometric Tolerancing ASME Y14.5M-1994. Topics include: fundamentals, form, orientation, runout, datums, location, and position tolerances. The course will follow the text. (Prerequisite: MDAD1250 or instructor approval) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1216
Mechanisms
This course is an exploration of the inner workings of machines, namely mechanisms. This includes cams, linkages, belt and chain drives, gears, bearings and speed reducers. Also included will be a section on fluid power. (Prerequisites: MDAD1204 and MDAD1250, or MDAD1241 and MDAD1250, or MDAD1250 and MDAD1252) (Concurrent: MDAD 1241 if not already taken) (3 credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1241
Solidworks
This course covers the fundamentals of Solidworks parametric drawing and design. The student will use Solidworks to create 3D parametric models as well as use these models to create engineering drawings and documentation. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 1 lecture/2 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1250
Print Reading for CAD Design
This is essentially a blueprint reading course that focuses on drafting essentials. Content will include 2d view projection, line types, dimensions, tolerances, sections, auxiliary views, and all the other basics required to understand a basic engineering drawing. This course lays the building blocks for the remainder of the Drafting and Design courses. Special Note: The student will be required to either scan and send in assignment sheets or send them through the mail to arrive on or prior to the posted due dates. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1251
Manufacturing Processes for CAD Design
This course covers manufacturing methods and materials. It includes plastics, steels, machining, casting, molding, material selections, etc. This course also covers material handling, JIT, inventory reductions, etc. Attention will be given to understanding the characteristics of manufacturing processes and systems. This will help the student in fitting into today's and tomorrow's manufacturing climate. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1252
Working Drawings 1 for CAD Design
This course will provide the student with a solid understanding of what is required of industrial technical drawings. This course covers assemblies, sectioning, machine parts, tolerancing, sheet metal developments, fasteners, and weldments. Special note: The student is required to purchase a student version of Solidworks, Inventor, or equivalent 3d software. (Prerequisites: MDAD1204 and MDAD1250, or MDAD1241 and MDAD1250, or MDAD1255 and MDAD1250.) Concurrent enrollment in MDAD1241 Solidworks is required if Solidworks has not been completed.) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1253
Working Drawings 2 for CAD Design
The course will provide the student with a more advanced understanding of what is required of mechanical technical drawings. It is a project related course that will enhance skills gained in Working Drawings I. The projects will be diverse ranging from tool drawings to production assemblies. Special note: The student is required to purchase a student version of Solidworks, Inventor, or equivalent 3 d software. (Prerequisites: MDAD1252) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1254
Mold Design for CAD Design
The course will provide the student with a basic knowledge of mold design. This course covers the use of 3d parametric software to create plastic injection molds. The student will create two molds. Special note: The student is required to purchase a student version of Solidworks, Inventor, or equivalent 3d software. (Prerequisites: MDAD1252) (3 credits: 3 credits/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1255
CAD Drawing Using Free Software
This course will cover CAD functions used by professionals, as well as those with no experience, in the CAD drafting field. Using a hands-on approach with scanned photos, students will recreate them in a 3D environment using Google Sketchup or similar free software available from the internet. (Prerequisite: none) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1256
Design Project 1 for CAD Design
This course is a design class that will focus on the design process. The student will gain confidence in his or her ability to apply sound product design parameters based on design considerations. A holistic approach will be used to incorporate the many functions of a designer in a company. The content goals of the course will change with the individual student's design. The course can be taken in conjunction with Design Project II or alone. (Prerequisite: MDAD1253) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
MDAD1257
Design Project 2 for CAD Design
This course is a design class that will focus on the design process. It can be an extension of Design Project I or it can be taken as a separate Design Project class. The student will gain confidence in his or her ability to apply sound product design paraments based on design considerations. A holistic approach will be used to incorporate the many functions of a designer in a company. The content goals of the course will change with the individual student's design. (Prerequisites: MDAD1253) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 60 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $13,914 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $50 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $985 |
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| Estimated Total: | $14,949 |
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Career Opportunities
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Mechanical Designers
- Plant Designers
- Mechanical Drafters
- CAD Technicians
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, And much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Complete industry standard assembly drawings using 2d and 3d CAD.
- Complete industry standard part drawings using 2d and 3d CAD.
- Calculate mating part conditions to guarantee part fits.
- Define and apply proper design materials.
- Define and apply proper standard part vendors.
- Communicate verbally and in written forms.
Highlights
- Courses are taught using state of the art CAD 3D Parametric software
- Excellent training for self-starters
- CAD Drafters/Designers are in constant demand
- The courses are focused on developing your skills for employment
- Instructors are licensed because of their experience in the drafting and design field
- Excellent placement
- Online CAD degree in two short years or less.
Instructors
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Tyler Litscher
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Computer Aided Drafting and Design instructor Tyler Litscher is a graduate of the CAD AAS program at Minnesota State College Southeast.
Tyler has more than 9 years of experience in the mechanical design field. His experience includes mechanical design work in heavy duty lifting equipment (winches, hoist, cranes, etc.),
theater/stadium rigging, and some experience with electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic designs. Tyler began teaching at MSC Southeast in 2017 and became a full-time member of the faculty in 2022.