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Mechanical Computer Aided Design Associate's Degree Program

Mechanical Computer Aided Design (CAD) Associate's Degree Program Profile

In this Associate's Degree Program students master the skills of planning and designing layouts for buildings, tools, and equipment. This program enables graduates to become successful in the realm of mechanics and engineering. Students in this program ideally should have an interest in math and science because this degree program requires math and science courses.

Mechanical Computer Aided Design (CAD) Associate's Degree Career Opportunities

Typical Careers

Careers typical for graduates of an Associate's Degree Mechanical Computer Aided Design are listed below followed by their estimated annual salaries as reported by the US Department of Labor, www.bls.gov.

• Mechanical Drafter: $43,000
• Interior Designer (Architect): $39,190
• CAD Operator: $28,320
• Surveyor: $42,980

Employment Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, to secure a job in this field it is essential to be knowledgeable of the subject and have the top skills possible. The demand for employment of mechanical drafters and architectural designers is expected to grow more slowly than the national average, while the demand for employment of operators is expected to decline. Though positions will still be available, there is a lack of skilled professionals in this field so not all of them are always filled. Surveyor positions, however, are expected to increase as fast as the national average through at least the year 2014.

Mechanical Computer Aided Design (CAD) Associate's Degree Specifics

Typical Coursework

Required classes for a CAD Associate's Degree program usually include courses such as:

• CAD Operations
• Technical Drafting
• Blueprint Reading
• Electrical/Electronics Drafting
• Architectural Illustration

Skills Obtained

Upon completion of the Computer Aided Design Associate's Degree Program graduates are able to use the skills they acquired to analyze computer data and programs in order to design the best possible project for clients and employers. Students will also be able to use advanced critical thinking skills to solve possible structural problems found on the job and be able to professionally answer questions for clients or employers in order to guarantee their satisfaction with the structure being designed.