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Drafting/CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting)

Application Code: 
0450
Degree Received: 
Associate in Occupational Studies (AOS)
Academic Department: 
Computerized Design and Manufacturing
Description: 

The drafting/CAD (computer-aided drafting) program provides students with the CAD skills and knowledge to qualify for entry-level positions in a wide variety of industries.

During the first year, students focus on gaining a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of CAD drafting, tolerancing, manufacturing processes, and mathematics.

The senior year is devoted to a specific drafting/CAD discipline which the student selects: model building & process piping or technical illustration.

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

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations: 

Recommended: math A (algebra)

Technical Standards for all Drafting/CAD Programs:

  • Must be able to visually read computer monitor or laptop
  • Must be capable to use digitizing equipment
  • Must have good hand/eye coordination to operate the above
Accreditation/Certification: 

All drafting/CAD programs are certified by the ADDA (American Design and Drafting Association). Independently from Alfred State College, all students will have several opportunities to obtain national certification as qualified entry-level drafters by successful completion of the ADDA Exam.

Features & Facilities: 
  • Provides students with the traditional drafting and CAD skills and knowledge to qualify for entry-level positions in a wide variety of industries
  • AUTOCAD 2008 INVENTOR, Unigraphics Nx4
Graduation Requirements: 

Students are required to earn a grade of "C" or higher in technical calculations I and II (DCAD 1053 & DCAD 2063) to be eligible for graduation. (Articulation is available in this area.) Articulation agreements are also available for 2805 drafting for residential construction.

Career Opportunities: 
  • CAD Drafter
  • Mechanical Drafter
  • Checker
  • Purchaser
  • Salesperson
  • CAD Operator
  • Designer
  • Mechanical Designer
Typical Semester Layout: 

All students on the School of Applied Technology Campus at Wellsville spend a total of six hours in class each day. In the Computerized Design and Manufacturing Department, approximately one-to-two hours each day are spent in a classroom lecture-type setting and the remaining four-to-five hours of the day are used to complete many exciting, industrial-type assignments in laptop drafting labs.

Students attend class from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., five days a week. As a result of this full schedule, the student will experience a total of 450 drafting hours in each semester.

First Semester credits
DCAD 1205 Intro to Ind Dftg 5
DCAD 1305 Industrial Drafting I 5
DCAD 1405 Industrial Drafting II 5
DCAD 1053 Technical Calculations I 3
      18
Second Semester credits
DCAD 2205 Industrial Drafting III 5
DCAD 2305 Welding Drawing 5
DCAD xxx5 Technical Elective 5
DCAD 2063 Technical Calculations II 3
      18
Third Semester credits
DCAD 3024 Layout & Detail 4
DCAD 3044 Fluid Power 4
DCAD 3104 Advanced Mech Layout 4
DCAD 3023 GD&T 3
DCAD 2053 Intro to Unigraphs 3
      18
Fourth Semester credits
DCAD 4125 Process Piping I 5
DCAD xxx5 Technical Elective 5
DCAD 4335 CNC Machine Program'g 5
DCAD 4003 Senior Project 3
      18
Second Semester Electivescredits
DCAD 2805 Draft'g for Res Construction 5
DCAD 4155 Technical Illustration 5
Fourth Semester Electives credits
DCAD 4225 Process Piping II 5
DCAD 4155 Technical Illustration 5
DCAD 2805 Draft'g for Res Construction 5
DCAD 4900 Industrial Application 5

*Prerequisite: DCAD 4125 process piping I

Alfred State College,  10 Upper College Drive,  Alfred, NY 14802   |   1-800-4-ALFRED (425-3733)