CAD Fundamentals

The Certificate of Completion (CCL) in CAD Fundamentals program is designed to provide students with the Computer-Aided design (CAD) skills and competence in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) documentation and modeling typical of entry level CAD operators. Students may apply these courses toward the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Architectural and Civil CAD Technology.

This is a Fast Track Certificate, which can be completed in two semesters or less.

Details

Field of Interest
Applied Technology
Degree Type
Certificate of Completion (CCL)
Academic Plan
CAD Fundamentals (CER)
Academic Plan Code
5409
Total credits required
16
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2020
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Apply current standards in dimensioning, symbology, linetypes, lineweights, drawing notes for working drawings, design related drawings to read, interpret, and produce construction documents and portfolio-quality working drawings.
  2. Use the latest 2D, 3D, and 3D parametric modeling CAD software to develop technical drawings and solid models in a manner that is efficient and compliant with standard industry practices.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of introductory BIM concepts.
  4. Employ the principles and theory of construction processes and properties of materials.
  5. Apply construction industry codes and standards.
  6. Produce sketches, multi-view layouts, sections, details, working drawings, and building components schedules.
  7. Utilize traditional modeling techniques and 3D printing for project conceptualization.
  8. Communicate with others in verbal and in written form to collaboratively solve problems within the discipline.

Successful completion of this certificate may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information.

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

$81,230

Architectural and Civil Drafters

$56,620

Commercial and Industrial Designers

$77,810

Drafters, All Other

$52,000

Landscape Architects

$56,560

* Wage information sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Program. Updated May 2022.

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Pathway Planner tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
CAD100 Fundamentals of 2D Autocad Critical course Gateway course 3
CAD101 Elements of CAD Graphics (AutoCAD) Critical course Gateway course 3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
CAD145 Design Principles for Industry Critical course 3
CAD201 Three-Dimensional (3D) Modeling and Advanced CAD Techniques Critical course 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Credits
CAD105 or
CAD106		 Fundamentals of Revit Architecture or Fundamentals of Civil 3D Critical course 3
CAD292 Current Developments in CAD Technology Critical course 1
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm11?id=138759).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.