Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design

Program Overview

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Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

The Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) Certificate prepares students to work as computer-aided drafting/designers in industry and to upgrade the skills of persons presently employed as drafters/designers. This 16 unit certificate will train students in the major CAD programs utilized in industry.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $42,000 to $225,000 with an average salary of $104,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Urban and Regional Planners
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.7%
  • Average Salary: $107,000
  • Salary Range: $82,000 - $128,000
• Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.8%
  • Average Salary: $120,000
  • Salary Range: $80,000 - $135,000
• Architectural and Civil Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.6%
  • Average Salary: $74,000
  • Salary Range: $58,000 - $84,000
• Architectural and Engineering Managers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.1%
  • Average Salary: $201,000
  • Salary Range: $160,000 - $225,000
• Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +3.8%
  • Average Salary: $134,000
  • Salary Range: $123,000 - $134,000
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.4%
  • Average Salary: $68,000
  • Salary Range: $42,000 - $108,000
• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.9%
  • Average Salary: $81,000
  • Salary Range: $64,000 - $96,000
• Electrical and Electronics Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.9%
  • Average Salary: $76,000
  • Salary Range: $58,000 - $92,000
• Mechanical Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: -7.2%
  • Average Salary: $83,000
  • Salary Range: $62,000 - $98,000

Program Map

Pathway: to Certificate

• Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
  • Certificate of Achievement
  • 16.0 Units
  • Major Course
  • General Education Course
  • Elective Course
  • Milestone
  • Offers Microcredential

Fall 2024

• 1st Term
  • 8.0 UNITS
  • • MAJ ARCH 123
    • 4.0 Units
    • Introduction to 2D Computer Aided Drafting
  • • MAJ ARCH 213
    • 4.0 Units
    • Introduction to 3-D Computer Aided Drafting
  • • MILE Department Information
    • Link to this department

Spring 2025

• 2nd Term
  • 8.0 UNITS
  • • MAJ ARCH 221 or ARCH 223 or ENGT 259
    • 4.0 Units
    • Choose a course
  • • MAJ ARCH 221 or ARCH 223 or ENGT 259
    • 4.0 Units
    • Choose a course

Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design - Certificate of Achievement

• 16.0 units

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objective:

Prepare students for careers as computer-aided drafting/designers and upgrade the skills of current drafters/designers.

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Description:

• 16-unit program trains students in major CAD programs used in the industry.
• Prepares students for entry-level positions in the architectural and engineering fields.
• Provides students with the skills to create 2D and 3D drawings, renderings, and presentations.

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Introduction to 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Drafting (ARCH 123 & 213)
• AutoCAD Architecture (ARCH 221)
• Revit Architecture (ARCH 223)
• Solidworks Introduction (ENGT 259)

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Structure:

• two semesters (Fall and Spring)
• 8 units in Fall, 12 units in Spring
• 4 units per course

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Course Schedule:

• See provided program map for specific course offerings and scheduling.

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Modules:

• Introduction to 2D Computer-Aided Drafting (ARCH 123): Covers basic drafting principles, commands, and techniques using AutoCAD.
• Introduction to 3D Computer-Aided Drafting (ARCH 213): Teaches 3D modeling fundamentals, commands, and techniques using Revit Architecture.
• AutoCAD Architecture (ARCH 221): Provides in-depth training on advanced AutoCAD Architecture features and applications.
• Revit Architecture (ARCH 223): Offers advanced training in Revit Architecture for creating building information models (BIM).
• Solidworks Introduction (ENGT 259): Introduces the basics of 3D modeling and design using Solidworks.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Coursework (assignments, projects, quizzes)
• Final exams

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Assessment Criteria:

• Technical accuracy and proficiency in using CAD software
• Effective communication of design concepts

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Hands-on labs
• Individual and group projects
• Guest speakers from the industry

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Faculty:

• Experienced professionals with industry experience and expertise in CAD software.

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Unique Approaches:

• Industry-standard software used in the program.
• Focus on real-world projects and applications.
• Opportunities to participate in design competitions and internships.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Architectural drafter
• CAD technician
• BIM modeler
• Design engineer

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Opportunities:

• Employment in architectural, engineering, and construction firms
• Freelance design work

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Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their chosen field.

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Other:

• The program is offered at Cerritos College, a community college located in Norwalk, California.
• The program is designed to be completed in one year.
• Students who successfully complete the program will earn a Certificate of Achievement in Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting and Design.
• The program is accredited by the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA).
• Contact information: Department of Applied Technology and Skilled Trades, (562) 860-2451, atd@cerritos.edu