CAD/CAM Technology

Application Code:
0593
Degree Received:
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Department:
Mechanical Engineering Technology

Description:

The CAD/CAM technology program (computer aided design/drafting - computer aided manufacturing) is a "technology age" program preparing the graduate for a number of opportunities in many traditional engineering or manufacturing related fields. Today's CAD/CAM technician needs a broad background and needs to be versatile enough to adapt to one of several CAD program levels or platforms, including AutoCAD, Autodesk Mechanical Desktop, and Pro/ENGINEER, and to be familiar with various CAM software such as MasterCAM.

Laboratory experience provides an opportunity to verify theoretical principles, gain experience with automated system operation, and experience the use of the CAD/CAM systems for drafting, part design, and computer numerical controlled systems.

A laptop computer is required for students entering the CAD/CAM technology program. The College will provide a list of appropriate laptops and wireless modem cards in April to all students who have been accepted to attend Alfred State College.

Program Education Objectives

Program Educational Objectives were established with the assistance of the Industrial Advisory Committee and are reviewed periodically. The CAD/CAM Technology program produces graduates who:

  1. Will be able to solve design and manufacturing problems using sound engineering principles and practices.
  2. Will be able to produce CAD drawings which communicate the appropriate manufacturing details, standards, and specifications.
  3. Will have the ability to effectively communicate with others using verbal, written, and graphical methods and procedures.
  4. Will be able to function effectively on teams or on group projects, and assume leadership roles when appropriate.
  5. Will perform in a professional and ethical manner and maintain currency in technological advancements.

Entrance Requirements & Recommendations:

  • Required: Math A (algebra)
  • Recommended: Math B (geometry and trigonometry), Physics

Accreditation/Certification:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, (215) 662-5606 and internal review every five years.

Features & Facilities:

  • Focuses on the important computerrelated technologies which support engineering development work and manufacturing.

Articulation Agreements:

Graduates may enroll in the Alfred State bachelor of science program in mechanical engineering technology. The Alfred State BS program can be accomplished in two years beyond the AAS degree (if math through Technical Calculus I and physics through General Physics II are taken in the two-year program).

Graduation Requirements:

  • 66 credits + HPED xxx1 physical education
  • 22 credits of liberal arts and sciences
  • 2.0 grade point average in major courses (in bold text above)
  • 2.0 cumulative grade point average
  • Approval of department faculty

Transfer Opportunities:

Graduates are eligible to continue their education by enrolling in a baccalaureate degree program in such areas as mechanical or industrial technology, but should work closely with their adviser on selection of technical and science electives. This program offers 100 percent transferability to Alfred State's bachelor of science in mechanical engineering technology program as the first part of the 2+2 format.

Career Opportunities:

  • Structural or Piping System Design
  • Development
  • CAD/CAM Programmer
  • Technical Sales
  • Sales Representative in Quality Control, Production Planning, and Tool Design
  • Draftsman
  • CAD or Model Specialist
  • Quality Control or Materials Testing
  • Field Installation
  • Appliance Product Design Technician in Manufacturing
  • Product Reliability Analyst
  • Test and Quality Specialist
  • Machine or Heavy Equipment Design
  • Material and Finish Specialist
  • Cost Analyst or Estimator
  • Tool & Die Design
  • Computer Numerical Control Specialist
  • Installation Supervisor

Typical Semester Layout:

Students spend 13 to 17 hours a week in lecture classes and four to 10 hours in laboratory hands-on experiences. The lecture hours include mechanical engineering technology courses and also general studies courses in mathematics, English, and social sciences. This totals about 17 credit hours a semester. Class sizes are normally between 20 and 35 students. Class schedules for each semester are arranged with the help of the student's faculty adviser. The combination of technology courses and general studies courses entitles the graduate to an associate in applied science (AAS) degree which is also transferable to an upper division BS program.

First Semester credits
MECH 1001 Freshman Year Experience 1
MECH 1603 Graphics/CAD 3
MECH 1643 Manufacturing Processes 3
MECH 1641 Manufacturing Processes Lab 1
MECH 4523 Control Systems 3
MATH xxx3 Math Elective 3
      14
Second Semester credits
MECH 1203 Materials Science 3 3
MECH 2543 Advanced Draft'g Applics 3
COMP 1503 Freshman Composition 3
PHYS 1024 General Physics I 4
MATH xxx3 Math Elective 3
      16
Third Semester credits
MECH 1343 Computer Problems 3
MECH 1423 Intro to Solid Modeling 3
MECH 3203 Computer Aided Mftg 3
  xxx3 Technical Elective 3
LITR 2603 Introduction to Literature 3
  xxx3 Soc Sci or Gen Ed Elective 3
      18
Fourth Semester credits
MECH 3643 Manufacturing Management 3
MECH 2603 Applied Mechanics 3
MECH 4333 Advanced CAM 3
MECH 4423 Robotics 3
MECH 4433 Advanced Solid Modeling 3
  xxx3 Soc Sci or Gen Ed Elective 3
      18

Typical General Education Electives:

HIST 1143 Survey of American History I
HIST
2153 Survey of American History II
PLSC 1053 International Relations
HIST 1113 History of Western Civilization
PLSC 1043 American Government

Technical Electives:

MECH 3223 Mechanical Design Principles
MATH 2124 Statistical Methods & Analysis
MATH 1063 Technical Calculus I
PHYS 2023 General Physics II

Social Science Electives:

SOCI 1163 General Sociology
SOCI 1193 Marriage & Family Across World Civ
PSYC 1013 General Psychology

Entry level of student into Math and Composition/Literature sequences is a function of student’s high school preparation and Mathematics and English placement examinations.

PHYS 2023, MATH 1063 and SOCI 1163 General Sociology are required for upper-division bachelor of science program applicants.

Also required: One unit of Physical Education.

Employment and Transfer Report
Employment and Transfer Rate:
100%
Salary Information
NACE Annual Average Salary Survey Data
(2003-04 survey for associate degree program;
2006-07 for baccalaureate degree program)
$27,100
DOL Annual Mean Salary
(2006 survey for those employed in this career path)
$46,000
Survey Details200420052006
Receiving Degrees 10 8 2
Responding to Survey 9(90%) 8(100%) 1(50%)
Employed 4(44%) 2(25%) --
Employed in Field 3(75%) 1(50%) --
Transfered 5(56%) 6(75%) 1(100%)
Unemployed & Seeking Employment -- -- --
Unemployed & Not Seeking Employment -- -- --