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CAD/CAM Technology

Application Code: 
1337
Degree Received: 
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department: 
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Description: 

The CAD/CAM technology program (computer aided design/drafting - computer aided manufacturing) prepares the graduate for a number of opportunities in the engineering and manufacturing-related fields. This program develops skills in the areas of design/drafting (2D CAD and 3D solid modeling) and automation/robotics.  Graduates will become proficient with industry-standard software including AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, and Mastercam.  Each student will also be exposed to hardware such as coordinate measuring machines (CMM), computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines, and industry grade robotics.  The CAD/CAM graduate can seamlessly enter the manufacturing technology baccalaureate program also offered at Alfred State College.

A laptop computer is required for students entering the CAD/CAM technology program. See laptop specifications. 

Program Education Objectives

Program Educational Objectives were established with the assistance of the Industrial Advisory Committee and are reviewed periodically. The CAD/CAM Technology program produces graduates who:

  1. Will be able to solve design and manufacturing problems using sound engineering principles and practices.
  2. Will be able to produce CAD drawings which communicate the appropriate manufacturing details, standards, and specifications.
  3. Will have the ability to effectively communicate with others using verbal, written, and graphical methods and procedures.
  4. Will be able to function effectively on teams or on group projects, and assume leadership roles when appropriate.
  5. Will perform in a professional and ethical manner and maintain currency in technological advancements.
Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 
  • Required: math A (algebra)
  • Recommended: math B (geometry and trigonometry), physics
Accreditation/Certification: 

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606 and internal review every five years.

Features & Facilities: 
  • Focuses on the important computerrelated technologies which support engineering development work and manufacturing.
Articulation Agreements: 

Graduates may enroll in the Alfred State bachelor of science program in mechanical engineering technology. The Alfred State BS program can be accomplished in two years beyond the AAS degree (if math through Technical Calculus I and physics through General Physics II are taken in the two-year program).

Graduation Requirements: 
  • 65 credits + HPED xxx1 physical education
  • 20 credits of liberal arts and sciences
  • 2.0 grade point average in major courses (with * below)
  • 2.0 cumulative grade point average
  • Approval of department faculty
  • 5 of 10 General Education areas
Career Opportunities: 
  • Structural or Piping System Design
  • Development
  • CAD/CAM Programmer
  • Technical Sales
  • Sales Representative in Quality Control, Production Planning, and Tool Design
  • Draftsman
  • CAD or Model Specialist
  • Quality Control or Materials Testing
  • Field Installation
  • Appliance Product Design Technician in Manufacturing
  • Product Reliability Analyst
  • Test and Quality Specialist
  • Machine or Heavy Equipment Design
  • Material and Finish Specialist
  • Cost Analyst or Estimator
  • Tool & Die Design
  • Computer Numerical Control Specialist
  • Installation Supervisor
Transfer Opportunities: 

Graduates are eligible to continue their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate degree program in such areas as mechanical or industrial technology, but should work closely with their adviser on selection of technical and science electives. This program offers 100 percent transferability to Alfred State's bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology program as the first part of the 2+2 format.

Typical Semester Layout: 

Students spend 13 to 17 hours a week in lecture classes and four to 10 hours in laboratory hands-on experiences. The lecture hours include mechanical engineering technology courses and also general studies courses in mathematics, English, and social sciences. This totals about 17 credit hours a semester. Class sizes are normally between 20 and 35 students. Class schedules for each semester are arranged with the help of the student's faculty adviser. The combination of technology courses and general studies courses entitles the graduate to an associate in applied science (AAS) degree which is also transferable to an upper-division BS program.

First Semester credits
BSET 1003 Intro to ET*
 3
MECH 1011 Intro to MECH ET Lab* 1
MECH 1012 CAD I* 2
MECH 1022 CAD II* 2
MECH 1203 Materials Science* 3
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
MATH 1033 College Algebra
 3
      17
Second Semester credits
MECH 1643 Manufacturing Processes*
 3
MECH 1641 Manufacturing Processes Lab*
 1
MECH 3203 CAM I*
 3
MATH 2043 College Trigonometry 3
PHYS 1024 General Physics I 4
HPED xxx1 Phys Ed Elective
 1
      15
Third Semester credits
BSET 3004 Electromechanical Controls* 4
MECH 2603 Applied Mechanics* 3
  xxx3 Technical Elective* 3
MATH 2024 Statistics 4
SOCI 1193 Marriage and Family 3
      17
Fourth Semester credits
MECH 3643 Manufacturing Management* 3
LITR 2603 Introduction to Literature
 3
MECH 4333 Advanced CAM* 3
MECH 4423 Robotics* 3
MECH 4003 CAD III*
 3
      15

Technical Electives

MECH 3223 Mechanical Design Principles*
MATH 2124 Statistical Methods & Analysis
MATH 1063 Technical Calculus I
PHYS 2023 General Physics II

Also required: One unit of physical education.

Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate: 
100%
Employment and Transfer Survey Details: 
Survey Details200620072008
Receiving Degrees 2 6
 4
Responding to Survey 1 (50%) 5 (83%) 3 (75%)
Employed -- -- 1 (33%)
Employed in Field -- -- 1 (100%)
Transfered 1 (100%) 5 (100%) 2 (67%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment -- -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- --
Alfred State College,  10 Upper College Drive,  Alfred, NY 14802   |   1-800-4-ALFRED (425-3733)