Earning a degree from the A&E CAD department is the best way to pursue a career in CAD. The Associate of Applied Science degrees are the most complete programs available and provide a solid foundation for your future professional CAD career in the field of your chosen specialization. If you’re not sure which specialization is right for you, browse the degree plans below and see what degree plan interests you the most.
Please click the degree titles below to expand and learn more about each.
A.S. ARCHITECTURE
The Associate of Science (AS) in Architecture degree program is for students preparing to transfer to university architectural programs. The degree plan incorporates the Architecture Field of Study Curriculum as adopted by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).
The AS in Architecture degree began at ACC in the fall semester of 2020. The program equips students with the credits and knowledge necessary to transfer to a public four-year university in Texas to further their education in Architecture.
At the completion of the Associate of Science degree in Architecture, the student will be able to:
Write and speak effectively and use representational media appropriate for both writing and speaking within the architectural profession and with the general public (Professional Communication Skills)
Raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative outcomes against relevant criteria and standards (Design Thinking Skills)
Identify and effectively use basic formal, organizational and environmental principles and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design (Architectural Design Skills)
Identify and apply the fundamentals of both natural and formal ordering systems and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design (Ordering Systems).
Contact the Architecture program coordinator Morgan Slusarek for further Elective Options
A.A.S. ARCHITECTURAL
This workforce education program trains students to pursue careers in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. The Architectural CAD curriculum emphasizes utilizing current industry technology including computer aided drafting (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and three-dimensional modeling and rendering software applications such as AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, and 3ds Max.
At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree with an Architectural Specialization, students will be able to (PSLOs):
Operate AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) software including computer aided drafting (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and 3D modeling applications to plan and prepare construction documents and technical graphics appropriate to the architectural and construction industries.
Utilize various architectural drawing types and determine their appropriate uses in architectural projects to demonstrate knowledge of building systems and familiarity with building codes.
Demonstrate knowledge of architectural concepts of foundational architecture courses as outlined in the 2014 Student Performance Criteria (SPC) established by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Contact the Architectural CAD Program Coordinator Theo Krause for further Elective Options
A.A.S. CIVIL
This program is intended for students pursuing careers in the field of Civil CAD Drafting. Civil drafters create drawings for the civil engineering industry, including areas of land development, transportation, public works, environmental, landscaping, surveying, design visualization and many others. Students may also use the training offered in the Civil CAD Specialization to prepare for transfer to a university program. Students who choose the Civil CAD Specialization career track are often employed by Civil Engineering firms, Surveying companies and Government agencies. The Civil CAD curriculum emphasizes the utilization of current industry standard software, with AutoCAD Civil 3D as the primary software. Additional CAD software used in this program include: the Autodesk Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection, Autodesk Storm & Sanitary Analysis, E-ON VUE Infinite and Bentley Microstation.
The Autodesk Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection (which features Civil 3D, AutoCAD, InfraWorks, and 3ds Max) is utilized in the Civil CAD curriculum to plan, design, document & visualize civil engineering student design projects. E-ON Software VUE Infinite is also utilized in the Civil CAD curriculum to create stunning and realistic 3D renderings of student design projects.
At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree with a Civil CAD Specialization, students will be able to (PSLOs):
Utilize CAD drafting & design software to plan and prepare construction documents, technical graphics and visualizations appropriate to the civil infrastructure industry.
Demonstrate knowledge of civil drafting and design procedures; familiarity with design criteria, and their appropriate uses in civil infrastructure projects.
Perform analyses and calculations suitable for civil infrastructure drafting & design processes.
Contact the Civil CAD Coordinator, Jeffrey Muhammad, for further elective options.
A.A.S. ELECTRONIC
This program is intended for students pursing careers in the field of Electronic CAD (ECAD). In this field, CAD technicians and designers are responsible for creating the graphics used in the manufacture, service, and installation of electronic equipment including the layout and design of Integrated Circuits, Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), and MEMS (Micro-Electromechanical Systems) devices. Students who choose the Electronic CAD Specialization career track may find employment opportunities with semiconductor design and manufacturing companies and other related industries. The A&E CAD curriculum stresses knowledge of Cadence Virtuoso and Allegro as the base CAD software. Course work also includes the study of DC and digital circuits and the Unix operating system.
At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree with an Electronics Specialization, students will be able to (PSLOs):
Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare technical graphics and documentation appropriate to the Electrical/Electronic Engineering industry.
Utilize CAD software to translate schematics, logic diagrams, and other technical graphics into the physical layout of Integrated Circuits and Printed Circuits.
Employ CAD-based verification tools and techniques to debug Integrated Circuit layouts.
Contact the Electronic CAD Coordinator, Doug Smith, for further elective options.
A.A.S. MECHANICAL
This program is intended for students pursuing careers in the field of Mechanical CAD. Mechanical drafters create the graphics used in the mechanical engineering field. Students may also use the training offered in the mechanical specialization to prepare for transfer to a university program. Students who choose the Mechanical Specialization career track are often employed by mechanical engineering firms. CAD software used in this program includes Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Mastercam, and PTC Creo.
At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science Degree with a Mechanical CAD Specialization, students will be able to (PSLOs):
Utilize CAD software to plan and prepare documents and technical graphics appropriate to the mechanical engineering industry.
Generate code from CAD/CAM software to operate a 3-axis CNC milling machine to manufacture a mechanical part.
Illustrate correct usage of ASME Y14.5 and other associated mechanical standards in technical graphics of capstone projects.
Contact the Mechanical CAD Coordinator, Kim Duren, for further elective options.
Advising
If you’re here looking for degree programs that might interest you, we highly recommend you speak to our advisors to learn more. Please see the advisor directory below to meet with the advisor(s) of the degree program(s) that catch your eye!
Doug Smith
Kim Duren