MSC Southeast 100% online CAD program attracts students from all around the world. Begin your CAD designer career path by earning a Drafting Certification from MSC Southeast's nationally recognized program. With a CAD drawing certification from Minnesota State College Southeast, you'll learn basic drafting skills & concepts in technical drafting skills that will prepare you for your next CAD drafting job and serve as a building block for further education.
Major Details
Complex products all start with a plan. By starting your education with a Basic Drafting Technologies Certification from Minnesota State College Southeast, you will learn how to translate ideas at the product conception stage into physical work plans using computer aided design and drafting that launch the design process. As a CAD designer, you will be an essential part of any technical team.
Our highly experienced CAD drafting faculty at MSC Southeast will teach you the tools of the trade so that you can be successful in your drafting career on day one. In your drafting classes online, you'll learn how to apply Solidworks and AutoCAD, industry-standard CAD software programs, on a project basis just as you will on the job.
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 drafting career path in motion - apply today!
Apply now for admission to MSC Southeast
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Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
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
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
Total Credits Required for this Major: 16 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $3,310 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $50 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $475 |
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| Estimated Total: | $3,835 |
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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.