Associate in Science

Program Description:

The CAD Technology Associate in Science degree program provides a solid foundation in mechanical drafting, printed circuit design and use of microprocessors. The CAD labs at Middlesex are equipped with powerful Pentium computers that complement the popular AutoCAD, Inventor and SolidWorks software for mechanical courses, Architectural Desktop and Revit for architectural courses, and PADS-PCB for printed circuit board design courses. Students create drawings in 2-D and 3-D, generate solid models and explore animation techniques, all skills sought in the fast-growing, high-salaried field of computer aided design. Drafting techniques and microcomputer systems, database, spreadsheet and word processing are interrelated. As a result, students gain versatility in various areas of CAD, in addition to technical proficiency.

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Career and Transfer Outlook:

Graduates of the program are qualified to pursue jobs in several CAD career fields, especially mechanical and printed circuit board design.

Graduates work in various industries with departments in mechanical design, printed circuit design, manufacturing or architectural design. Some of the positions that MCC graduates have held are mechanical designer, mechanical engineering technician, and printed-circuit designer. Many graduates of the CAD associate degree program have continued their studies toward a bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology.

Helpful Hints:

First-year students should plan on taking Mechanical Drafting (CAD 101) and Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD 115) in the first semester. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to plan their course of study.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the CAD Technology program are prepared to:

• Demonstrate proficiency in advanced CAD skills by creating complex drawings using wire-frame and solid-modeling techniques, manipulating analytic and nonanalytic surfaces, analyzing drawing data, and developing customizing techniques;
• Demonstrate proficiency in applying selected software packages used in the electronics-related industries for drawing schematics and designing multilayered printed circuit boards;
• Apply related academic skills (from mathematics, e.g.) to resolve drafting and design problems;
• Extrapolate information, data and specifications from technical resources and standards for application on drawings, projects and reports;
• Collaborate and cooperate in a team setting to enhance cognitive and social learning by sharing in a CAD engineering environment;
• Apply knowledge of CAD technology and engineering design to solve design problems.