Drafters design products like computer parts, hand tools, toys, cars, and airplanes. Also, structures such as houses, hospitals, stadiums, or schools—if it must be manufactured, built, or handcrafted—a blueprint or technical drawing must be generated before any construction or manufacturing can begin.
Some drafters work with civil engineers to survey a landscape and create infrastructure such as bridges, highways, dams, airports, or railways. People provide ideas or specific plans for a product or structure and CAD technicians create the blueprint.
Sometimes drafters will be involved in the surveying, measuring, or data collection about a product or structure before the plan is designed. With CAD systems, drafters store drawings electronically so that they can be viewed, printed, or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems.
Career Opportunities: Ag-Related Industries (Manufacturing, Designers), Construction Companies, Civil Engineering Firms, City, County and State Engineering Offices, Labs or Fields, Electrical Specialist Engineering, Recreational Industries, Mechanical Engineering Firms, Architectural Engineering Firms.
| Computer Aided Drafting Certificate | ||||
| First Semester | Credits | Second Semester | Credits | |
| CAD 125 Drafting Technology | 4 | CAD 130 Architectural Drafting I | 7 | |
| CAD 170 Computer Aided Drafting I | 3 | CAD 140 Structural Steel Detailing | 3 | |
| CAD 171 Computer Aided Drafting II | 3 | CAD 131 Architectural Drafting II | 7 | |
| CAD 123 Parametric Modeling | 3 | CAD 145 Civil Drafting | 6 | |
| CAD 150 CAD Math | 3 | |||
| CAD 120 Descriptive Geometry | 3 | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS: | 19 | TOTAL CREDITS: | 23 | |
| TOTAL CERTIFICATE CREDITS: | 42 | |||
Admission Criteria
Prior to enrollment student must:
Associate of Applied Science Degree: 60 Credits. To complete the Associate of Applied Science Degree, select 15 more credits from the General Education requirements found in the Degree and Certification Information section plus 3 credits from other technical education courses. Visit with your instructor or the Vice President of Student Services for possible options.
CAD 125 Drafting Technology, 4 credits.
Basic concepts and skills of mechanical drawing, use and knowledge of drafting tools, supplies, and equipment are covered. Mechanical drafting fundamentals will be presented, along with an explanation of standard drafting practices are taught. Topics covered will include drafting equipment, media, sketching, lettering and lines, geometric construction, multi-views, auxiliary views, sections, pictorials, and dimensioning. Practical and realistic math problems associated with drafting topics will also be covered.
CAD 170 Computer Aided Drafting I, 3 credits.
Computer Aided Drafting I explores the fundamentals of computer-aided drafting (CAD) with emphasis placed on drawing set-up, creating and modifying geometry, storing and retrieving predefined shapes; placing, rotating, and scaling objects; adding text and dimensions; using layers and coordinate systems; as well as using computer input and output devices.
CAD 171 Computer Aided Drafting II, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 170)
Computer Aided Drafting II emphasizes advanced CAD techniques, including CAD system customization. The student will be introduced to advanced applications used to customize and program a CAD system. Skills learned include, but are not limited to, menu and toolbar customization, use of accelerators, aliases and scripts, importing and exporting files, attribute data, and introduction to data base links.
CAD 123 Parametric Modeling, 3 credits.
Creation of 2D parametric profiles that will be transformed into 3D models will be taught. Models will be used to create drawings that are similar to those usd in the industry. Presentation drawings of these models will be included within this course curriculum.
CAD 150 CAD MATH, 3 credits.
Students learn how to interpret mathematical symbols and notations, simplify expressions, factor polynomials, solve equations (including absolute value, quadratic and systems of linear equations), perform operations on radical expressions, write equations of lines and evaluate functions.
CAD 120 Descriptive Geometry, 3 credits.
The descriptive geometry branch of geometry is concerned with the two-dimensional representation of three-dimensional objects. By means of such representations, geometrical problems in three-dimensions may be solved in the plane. The graphical analysis of points, lines, and planes that are used in the development of Euclidean plan geometry problems will be covered. Terms, definitions, and axioms will be discussed during the scope of this course. Algebraic functions will be applied to specific problems to compute and determine measurement results. Students will use critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematical calculations, and appropriate technology to solve spatial problems. This course will use hands-on activities to reinforce descriptive geometry theorems.
CAD 130 Architectural Drafting I, 7 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125 or previous AutoCAD experience)
This course prepares students in the area of architectural drafting for an entry level position under an architect or engineer. Students develop a complete set of residential floor plans using the latest AutoCAD software.
CAD 131 Architectural Drafting II, 7 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 130)
This course builds on the foundation of Architectural Drafting I. Students develop a complete set of commercial floor plans using the latest AutoCAD software.
CAD 140 Structural Steel Detailing, 3 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125 or previous AutoCAD experience)
This course prepares the student in the area of structural steel drafting for an entry level position. Students cover proper symbols and terminology.
CAD 145 Civil Drafting, 6 credits. (Prerequisite: CAD 125 or previous AutoCAD experience)
Students learn to identify and draw different types of maps, identify different types of surveys, calculate leveling fields, global positioning systems, map symbols, and legal descriptions.
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires Salina Area Technical College to report about its graduates' gainful employment. In order to be eligible for funding under the Title IV programs, an educational program must lead to a certificate or degree (associate, bachelor's, graduate, or professional) or prepare students for "gainful employment in a recognized occupation" (GE Programs). Complete information on the GE Program requirements is available on the designated Gainful Employment Information Page that can be found at http://ifap.ed.gov/GainfulEmploymentInfo/.
| On-Time Completion Rates | |||
| Academic Year | Enrolled | Completed | On-time Completion Percentage |
| 2006-2007 | 16 | 13 | 81% |
| 2007-2008 | 16 | 13 | 81% |
| 2008-2009 | 15 | 12 | 80% |
| 2009-2010 | 17 | 15 | 88% |
| 2010-2011 | 9 | 6 | 67% |
| Academic Year | Placement Rates | |
| 2006-2007 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2007-2008 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2008-2009 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2009-2010 | link to SATC Placement Rates | |
| 2010-2011 | Data for 2010-11 will be collected in Fall 2011 & reported in Winter 2012. | |
| Academic Year | Total # of Loans taken by Post-Secondary CAD students | Median Loan Debt |
| 2006-2007 | 13 | 0 |
| 2007-2008 | 13 | 0 |
| 2008-2009 | 2 | $0 |
| 2009-2010 | 11 | $3,500 |
| 2010-2011 |
