Objectives
The Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) program consists of 1200 hours of instruction (67 quarter credit hours). The program requires twelve months of study for completion on the basis of approximately 25 hours of instruction per week. After the first term, the remaining terms of the program are independent of each other, thus the sequence in which they are offered to the students may vary.
The Computer Aided Drafting and Design program is offered residentally. The program is offered through Waterbury, CT and Chicopee, MA campuses, (residental only). As part of their program materials, students in this program receive a computer which is fully compatible with the Learning Management System (LMS) used in the delivery of instruction and are provided access to the latest software in use by architectural and engineering departments in business and industry.
Learning is achieved through a combination of live, synchronous interaction activities. Course materials, assignments, and homework are accessible in an asynchronous format 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week through the Learning Management System (LMS).
Students will need to schedule approximately 25 hours per week for on-ground instruction, activities and simulations, with an additional six hours per week for reading assignments and other homework activities.
This program covers basic drafting techniques and field specific specialties. Students will develop an understanding of the theory and practical application of diverse architectural and mechanical principles. Emphasis for both architectural and mechanical technology is placed on learning the most current drafting standards using AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, and Microsoft Office software, which are the most widely used programs in the field. Using these programs, students will explore the use of 2D drafting techniques as well 3D drafting techniques, namely parametric modeling.
The maximum number of students being taught in a course is twenty-five.
This program provides the student with the fundamental drafting skills necessary for entry level employment. Graduates from the Computer Aided Drafting and Design program will have sufficient knowledge and skill for entry-level employment as a drafter. Typically, initial jobs carry titles such as detailer, drafter, junior designer or CAD operator. As graduates gain experience, they tend to specialize in one of the following general fields:
- Architectural structures (homes, commercial buildings or institutions such as hospitals, schools, etc.)
- Mechanical equipment (tooling, machinery, or specific mechanical or electro-mechanical products)
- Wet process plants (piping and its related control devices and support structures)
- Space and aeronautics
- Boats and ships
- Mechanical systems design
- Industrial Design
Technology Requirements
For students who, under unusual circumstances, need to access the LMS on a device other than their school issued laptop, the technology requirements are:
Microsoft: Windows 10 (Need to use Chrome Browser or Firefox - current versions as released only)
iOS Devices: Current iOS release as issued by Apple
Chrome OS: Current version of ChromeOS as released by Google
Required Software: PDF viewing software - Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended
Bandwidth - recommend minimum of 5Mbps download and 1Mbps upload as tested on www.speedtest.net
Required Tools, Books & Supplies
There are certain tools, books and supplies that students will need to successfully master the skills and information taught in their program. For the most part, this equipment consists of items that will also be used when the student graduates and begins work in the occupation for which he or she has been prepared.
The Materials Fee covers all books, devices, instruments, supplies, and other materials that the students will receive from PCI during the course of their attendance in their program. (Any E-books issued are usually permanent once the student downloads them to their device. On-line access is usually limited to one year commencing with the day the E-book is activated. E-book access limits are based on publisher requirements and not within PCI’s control. Ebook license limits are subject to change by the publisher without notice.) The amount of this fee is specified at the time the student submits his or her application. Even if costs increase, students will never pay more than the fee specified in their Enrollment Agreement.
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