Computer Aided Design (CAD) Career Description

Computer Aided Design (CAD) careers are ideal for people who like to draw, work with computers, and design structures. In order to obtain a job in Computer Aided Design, you need to attend a school that offers a program in this particular career field. Many Computer Aided Design (CAD) careers require some type of degree or career diploma. Typical courses offered in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) program include Mechanical Drafting, AutoCAD, and Design and Manufacturing. By completing a CAD program, students are given the tools they need to become skilled drafters that will be successful in their chosen field.

A Computer Aided Design (CAD) operator uses special computer software to design structures and electronically store them. The drawings can then be retrieved in order to modify the structures according to the client's specifications. The designs a CAD drafter creates with the computer are used in the manufacturing of buildings, houses, machine parts, toys, and other products.

Online colleges offering programs for Computer Aided Design (CAD)

How to Become a Computer Aided Designer (CAD)

The drafter must be detail oriented, comfortable with using mathematics in the workplace, familiar with various drafting software packages, and able to work closely with clients and other professionals. A CAD operator or drafter can work in a variety of work environments including architectural firms, construction, and other industries that require the skill of a designer who can use computer software to create complex structures.

If you are interested in Computer Aided Design (CAD) careers, you can attend a local college or vocational school. On the other hand, aspiring CAD operators can learn Computer Aided Design through distance education as well. If you have access to the Internet, you can enroll in an online program that teaches you all of the necessary skills to find a job in computer aided design.

How Much Does a Computer Aided Designer (CAD) Make - Computer Aided Designer (CAD) Salaries

Typical salaries for a CAD operator vary according to where you live, but salaries usually begin at $33,233 a year. As with any position, several years of experience will increase salary expectations.

Online Colleges Offering Computers & IT Degrees

University of Phoenix - Online Campus

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Ashford University

Accreditation  

Ashford University® is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation by the commission provides assurance to prospective students that Ashford University has been found to meet the commission's stated requirements and criteria. .

Regis University

Accreditation  

Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

AZ Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

University of Phoenix - Online Campus

Accreditation  

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Arizona Academy of Beauty - North

Programs Offered  
  • Computer Science
    AK Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

    Stevens - Henager College

    Accreditation  

    Stevens-Henager College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), 2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201. ACCSCT is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education under the provisions of Public Law 82-550 and subsequent legislation that requires the evaluation of such agencies and issuance of an official list by the Department. Stevens-Henager College is exempt from registration with the Utah State Board of Regents, as allowed in Section 53B-5-105-5.2e of the Utah Postsecondary Proprietary School Act, revised January 24, 2002.

    McCann School of Business and Technology

    Accreditation  

    McCann School of Business & Technology is accredited to award occupational associate degrees and certification diplomas by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education,.

    WA Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

    Grays Harbor College

    Programs Offered  
    • Computer Science

      Western Washington University

      Programs Offered  
      • Computer Science

        Whatcom Community College

        Programs Offered  
        • Computer Science

          Cascadia Community College

          Programs Offered  
          • Accounting and Computer Science

            Highline Community College

            Programs Offered  
            • Computer Science
              VA Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

              Virginia Highlands Community College

              Programs Offered  
              • Computer Science

                Heritage Institute - Falls Church

                Programs Offered  
                • Mathematics and Computer Science
                  OK Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                  Pontotoc Technology Center

                  Programs Offered  
                  • Computer Science

                    Northwestern Oklahoma State University

                    Programs Offered  
                    • Computer Science

                      Autry Technology Center

                      Programs Offered  
                      • Computer Science

                        American Beauty Institute

                        Programs Offered  
                        • Computer Science
                          MD Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                          University of Maryland - University College

                          Programs Offered  
                          • Computer Science

                            Baltimore City Community College

                            Programs Offered  
                            • Mathematics and Computer Science

                              Bowie State University

                              Programs Offered  
                              • Computer Science

                                St Mary's College of Maryland

                                Programs Offered  
                                • Computer Science
                                  NJ Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                                  Union County College

                                  Programs Offered  
                                  • Accounting and Computer Science

                                    Harrison Career Institute - Delran

                                    Programs Offered  
                                    • Computer Science

                                      Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art

                                      Programs Offered  
                                      • Computer Science
                                      • Mathematics and Computer Science
                                      MI Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                                      Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology

                                      Programs Offered  
                                      • Computer Science

                                        Ferris State University

                                        Programs Offered  
                                        • Computer Science

                                          Wayne State University

                                          Programs Offered  
                                          • Computer Science

                                            Michigan State University College of Law

                                            Programs Offered  
                                            • Computer Science
                                              OH Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                                              University of Akron Main Campus

                                              Programs Offered  
                                              • Computer Science

                                                Northwest State Community College

                                                Programs Offered  
                                                • Computer Science

                                                  Kent State University - Geauga Campus

                                                  Programs Offered  
                                                  • Computer Science

                                                    Kent State University - Stark Campus

                                                    Programs Offered  
                                                    • Computer Science
                                                      NY Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                                                      Excelsior College

                                                      Programs Offered  
                                                      • Computer Science

                                                        CUNY Queensborough Community College

                                                        Programs Offered  
                                                        • Computer Science

                                                          Briarcliffe College - Bethpage

                                                          Programs Offered  
                                                          • Computer Science
                                                            NM Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                                                            Albuquerque Barber College

                                                            Programs Offered  
                                                            • Computer Science

                                                              Central New Mexico Community College

                                                              Programs Offered  
                                                              • Computer Science

                                                                San Juan College

                                                                Programs Offered  
                                                                • Computer Science

                                                                  New Mexico Junior College

                                                                  Programs Offered  
                                                                  • Computer Science

                                                                    New Mexico State University - Dona Ana

                                                                    Programs Offered  
                                                                    • Computer Science
                                                                      LA Campus Colleges Offering Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programs

                                                                      Louisiana State University at Alexandria

                                                                      Programs Offered  
                                                                      • Computer Science

                                                                        Baton Rouge School of Computers

                                                                        Programs Offered  
                                                                        • Computer Science

                                                                          ITI Technical College

                                                                          Programs Offered  
                                                                          • Computer Science