
Effective Fall 2022
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
- More Information about Engineering CAD Technology

The Engineering CAD Technology (EN) curriculum prepares graduates for mechanical and engineering drafting positions in manufacturing- and engineering-based industries using advanced 2D and 3D CAD applications. Additionally, students broaden their drafting skills with course work in civil, structural, electrical, electronic, piping, architectural, and tool and die drafting, providing employment opportunity in related work areas. Specialized topics in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing and CAD customization and management provide further opportunity for the graduate. Students are introduced to product design and manufacturing processes where problem solving and analytical skills are enhanced through projects often involving team collaboration. Cutting-edge CAD instruction within state-of-the-art computer and 3D printing labs prepares the graduate for today’s work environment with a focus on parametric CAD and digital prototyping applications. AutoCAD®, Autodesk Inventor®, SolidWorks®, and Creo Parametric (formerly Pro/E) ® are used extensively in the program. In addition to course work specific to the major, mathematics, science, metallurgy, manufacturing materials, communications, and computer applications prepare the graduate for the drafting and design field. The Engineering CAD Technology (EN) program serves as the foundation for the Engineering Design Technology (BEN) baccalaureate degree, in which advanced topics in product design and manufacturing process are emphasized.
Career Opportunities
Engineering drafter or detailer, mechanical drafter or detailer, drafter, detailer, CAD technician, mechanical design technician, CAD operator, CAD operator in gas/petroleum industry, CAD manager, estimator, drafting manager, drafting supervisor; employment opportunities are also available in related industries such as civil, structural, electrical, electronic, piping, architectural, and tool and die drafting.
Recommended High School Subjects
Algebra II, geometry, art and science (physics) courses are recommended. Drafting and CAD skills are helpful but not required. Computer experience is desirable. Following a Career and Technical program of study curriculum would be a distinct advantage.
Special Equipment Needs
See the tools section of the program website for information about downloading CAD Software and necessary computer specifications.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- 64-bit, 3.0 GHz or greater, 4 or more cores (Intel or AMD) (required).
- 16+ GB RAM (required); 32+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) Drive (recommended).
- 1 GB GPU minimum Graphics Card (required); 4 GB GPU (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- produce working drawings such as details, subassemblies, and assemblies in compliance with industrial standards utilizing 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting techniques.
- design and calculate data for gears, cams, and mechanisms and analyze them using 2D and 3D CAD simulation techniques.
- calculate dimensioning and tolerancing, and apply these calculations to working drawings.
- produce technical drawings with a focus on the following categories: civil, structural, architectural, electrical, electronic, piping, welding, sheet metal, and jig/fixture applications in compliance with industrial standards utilizing 2D and 3D computer-aided drafting techniques.
- demonstrate techniques and practices associated with advanced 2D and 3D CAD, including customization and CAD management.
- demonstrate research and data-collection skills necessary to obtain and apply technical information, such as the use of manufacturers' catalogs to select standard parts.
- apply math, English, science, and machine technology principles and practices to drafting and design industrial applications.
- demonstrate an understanding of professional behaviors associated with the drafting and design occupation.
Curriculum
First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
CCD103 | Technical Drawing I | 4 | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | |
CCD104 | Detailing I | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | ||
CSC124 | Information, Technology & Society | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
MTH181 | College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
CCD123 | Technical Drawing II | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
CCD124 | Detailing II | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | ||
CAD120 | AutoCAD - Comprehensive | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
MTT223 | Machine Tool Applications for Fabrication & Repair | 3 | 1 | 6 | S | REQ | |
MTH183 | College Algebra & Trigonometry II | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
FIT | Fitness & Wellness Elective | 1 | S | FIT | |||
TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | ||||||
Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
CAD122 | 3D Parametric Modeling Using Autodesk Inventor® | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
CCD237 | Technical Drawing - Related Disciplines | 4 | 2 | 6 | M | REQ | |
CCD238 | Engineering Drawing Dimension & Tolerance Specifications | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
ENL121 | English Composition II | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
or | |||||||
ENL201 | Technical & Professional Communication | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
PHS114 | Physics with Technological Applications | 4 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
or | |||||||
PHS115 | College Physics I | 4 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
CAD247 | CAD Management & Customization | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
CAD123 | 3D Parametric Modeling Using Creo Parametric® | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
CCD245 | Engineering Production Drawings & Tool Design | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
MSC106 | Introduction to Metallurgy | 4 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
or | |||||||
PHS125 | College Physics II | 4 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
ARP | Core Arts Perspective | 3 | S | ARP | |||
or | |||||||
AAP | Core Applied Arts Perspective | 3 | S | AAP | |||
or | |||||||
CDP | Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective | 3 | S | CDP | |||
or | |||||||
HIP | Core Historical Perspective | 3 | S | HIP | |||
or | |||||||
SSP | Core Social Science Perspective | 3 | S | SSP | |||
TOTAL CREDITS | 16 |
Additional Information
Endorsed by the American Design Drafting Association.