Minnesota State College Southeast's 100% online computer aided design and drafting diploma program attracts students from all around the world. Begin your CAD designer career path by earning a CAD Diploma Online from Southeast's nationally recognized program. With a CAD drafting degree from the Minnesota State College Southeast online program, you will learn computer aided design & drafting skills that will prepare you for your new computer career and serve as building blocks for further education.
Major Details
Complex products all start with a plan. By receiving a degree 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.
Our one year, 33-credit CAD Drafting Technology Diploma will teach you the tools of the trade so that you can be successful in your career on day one. Employment opportunities in the CAD drafting field abound. An online CAD degree will prepare you with the skills employers are looking for. Solidworks, Inventor, Google SketchUP, Autocad - they're all here, and you'll learn how to apply these 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? Southeast's CAD computer aided design online degree 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 Minnesota State College Southeast
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1100 or higher Liberal Arts and Sciences courses required unless specified
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Math Requirement
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
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
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
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
Total Credits Required for this Major: 33 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $6,797 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | $50 |
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| Books/Supplies: | $750 |
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| Estimated Total: | $7,597 |
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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.