Drafting Technology—CAD
Drafting Technology offers three paths of entry into careers in drafting and design: Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD), Mechanical Design and Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). During the first year, students in all three areas share many courses so that they may explore, gain insight, and consult with advisors to make knowledgeable decisions about their careers. Choose individual courses to meet your needs, or work toward an Associate of Applied Science degree. You should choose CAD, Mechanical Design, or CAD/CAM as soon as possible during your first year.
You may be interested in our Cooperative Work Experience program, which allows you to earn college credit for work you do relating to your program. In your third term, as a full-time student, with the approval of the program chair you may enroll in DRF280A-L Cooperative Work Experience and earn college credit hours. For more information, look under Cooperative Work Experience in the catalog index.
After graduating, you may transfer to an institution such as Oregon Institute of Technology to complete the course work for a bachelor's degree in industrial management.
Program outcomes
Students completing the Certificate will:
- Produce accurate 2-D and 3-D drawings using CAD software.
In addition to the Certificate outcome, students completing Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD) will:
- Use effective communication skills as a team member.
- Produce sets of architectural drawings suitable for planning division approval.
- Produce sets of structural drawings to industry standards.
- Produce sets of civil drawings including streets, lots, and utilities for a subdivision suitable for planning division approval.
- Draft sets of mechanical drawings including detail and assembly drawings of related parts.
In addition to the Certificate outcome, students completing
Mechanical Design will:
- Use effective communication skills as a team member.
- Apply parametric analysis tools to design mechanical components and assemblies. Illustrate and animate mechanical assemblies.
- Calculate power requirements and design or select transmission components for mechanical systems.
- Analyze external and internal force effects on mechanical and structural components.
- Select materials for mechanical components based on application and manufacture process.
In addition to the Certificate outcome, students completing Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) will:
- Use effective communication skills as a team member.
- Program CNC machine tools at the machine control level.
- Perform advanced set-ups and operations using manual and/or Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) equipment to produce accurately sized parts.
- Create parametric solid models and generate CNC code through CAM software to manufacture parts on CNC machine tools.
- Design and build fixtures and tooling for manufacture production purposes to meet customer specifications.
- Determine optimal production process planning to meet customer requirements. Select and optimize available machines and equipment to meet product process requirements.
- Calculate power requirements, select drive and system components, and design criteria for mechanical systems.
Getting started
The first step to entering the following programs is to take part in an assessment process which includes taking the college's free placement test and meeting with Counseling and Career Services staff. You may need to complete pre-program courses. Then, your advisor will help you develop an individualized program of study, which may include one or more of the following:
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| CA121A | Keyboarding A (if less than 25 wpm) | 1 |
| CS101 | Introduction to Microcomputer Applications | 3 |
| MTH070 | Elementary Algebra | 4 |
| SSP051 | Studying for College | 3 |
| or | ||
| RD090 | College Textbook Reading | 3 |
| WR049 | Basic Writing | 4 |
If you have questions about the requirements, call Counseling and Career Services at 503.399.5120 or 503.399.5210. Failure to be assessed may delay your entry into program classes.
Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD)
Certificate of Completion
The CAD Certificate program is for students seeking a basic working knowledge of CAD systems. Full-time students can complete the program in three terms, although full-time enrollment is not required. All required courses are available online to provide maximum flexibility to non-traditional and working students.
This certificate provides initial training for entry-level CAD operator positions. This may not be suitable for students seeking employment as entry-level CAD design technicians.
Completion of the CAD Certificate includes a competency-based AutoCAD Assessment Exam. All credits apply toward the Associate of Applied Science degree in CAD Drafting Technology.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $692; class fees, $150; universal fee, $270; certification exam, $50. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing the required 45 credit hours with a grade of C or better in all courses:
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| COM051 | Communication Skills 1+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR121 | English Composition—Exposition+ | 3 |
| DRF110 | Applied Engineering Computations | 2 |
| DRF130 | AutoCAD 1 | 3 |
| DRF131 | AutoCAD 2 | 3 |
| MTH060 | Introductory Algebra+ (or higher) | 4 |
| Term 2 | ||
| DRF132 | AutoCAD 3 | 3 |
| DRF150 | Architectural Drafting 1 | 3 |
| DRF230 | Introduction to MicroStation PC | 3 |
| MTH070 | Elementary Algebra (or higher) | 4 |
| PSY101 | Psychology of Human Relations+ (or higher) | 3 |
| Term 3 | ||
| DRF095C | Special Projects in Drafting and Design | 3 |
| DRF140 | Advanced Technical Graphics | 3 |
| DRF170 | AutoCAD Certification Preparation | 2 |
| DRF240 | Architectural Drafting 2 | 3 |
| Drafting elective* | 3 | |
+Meets related instruction requirement.
*Drafting elective: Select a course with a DRF or CAM prefix.
Two-Year Degree Programs
Computer-Assisted Drafting (CAD)
Associate of Applied Science
Students graduating from the CAD program may become technicians in civil, mechanical, structural, or architectural drafting. Additional career opportunities include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), mapping, and technical illustration. Training encompasses computer-aided drafting in all of the fields listed, application of software and mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems, as well as broader skills in communication, teamwork and human relations.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $1,243; class fees, $330; universal fee, $576; equipment and supplies, $227. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn an Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing the required 96 credit hours with a grade of C or better in all courses:
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| COM051 | Communications Skills 1+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR121 | English Composition—Exposition+ (or higher) | 3 |
| DRF110 | Applied Engineering Computations | 2 |
| DRF112 | Sketching | 1 |
| DRF114 | Drafting Orientation | 2 |
| DRF130 | AutoCAD 1 | 3 |
| MTH081 | Technical Mathematics 1+ | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH111 | College Algebra+ (or higher) | 5 |
| Term 2 | ||
| CVL143 | Introduction to Civil Survey | 3 |
| DRF131 | AutoCAD 2 | 3 |
| DRF220 | GIS ArcView | 2 |
| MTH082 | Technical Mathematics 2 | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH112 | Trigonometry (or higher) | 5 |
| PSY104 | Psychology in the Workplace+ | 3 |
| Term 3 | ||
| DRF132 | AutoCAD 3 | 3 |
| DRF140 | Advanced Technical Graphics | 3 |
| DRF150 | Architectural Drafting 1 | 3 |
| DRF155 | Mapping and Platting | 3 |
| DRF160 | Technical Software Applications | 3 |
| or | ||
| CS125E | Excel—Workbooks | 4 |
| DRF221 | GIS ArcCAD | 3 |
| Term 4 | ||
| CVL230 | Applied Statics | 3 |
| DRF210 | Parametric Design | 3 |
| DRF242 | 3-D Studio | 3 |
| DRF245 | Civil Drafting and Design | 4 |
| PH081 | Applied Physics | 4 |
| Term 5 | ||
| CVL261 | Environmental and Sanitary Technology | 4 |
| DRF230 | Introduction to MicroStation PC | 3 |
| DRF240 | Architectural Drafting 2 | 3 |
| DRF241 | Structural Drafting | 3 |
| DRF256 | AutoLISP Programming | 3 |
| Term 6 | ||
| COM053 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR227 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| DRF165 | CAD System Administration | 3 |
| DRF231 | Advanced MicroStation | 3 |
| DRF243 | Architectural Design | 3 |
| DRF255 | Technical Illustration | 3 |
+Meets related instruction requirement.
Mechanical Design
Associate of Applied Science
Mechanical Design is a comprehensive drafting program with practical approaches to engineering and design concepts using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) methods.
You may train to become a technician in machine, control system, and tool-design drafting. The program emphasizes the use of the computer as a problem-solving tool in these job areas. Instruction in design also stresses the use of manufacturers— technical catalogs, technical handbooks, and practical applications of theoretical and mathematical concepts studied in courses taken concurrently.
With specific course substitutions, you may transfer credits to the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program at Oregon Institute of Technology. See your advisor for details.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $1,087; class fees, $296; universal fee, $588; equipment and supplies, $319. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn an Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing the required 98 credit hours with a grade of C or better in all courses:
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| CAM100 | Blueprint Reading and Sketching | 1 |
| CAM105 | Precision Measurement | 2 |
| CAM111 | Industrial Safety Seminar | 1 |
| CAM130 | CNC Machine Setup/Operation | 4 |
| DRF110 | Applied Engineering Computations | 2 |
| or | ||
| GE101 | Engineering Orientation | 3 |
| DRF130 | AutoCAD 1 | 3 |
| MTH081 | Technical Mathematics 1+ | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH111 | College Algebra (or higher)+ | 5 |
| Term 2 | ||
| CAM115 | Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing | 2 |
| CAM116 | Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for CNC Lab | 1 |
| CAM160 | Programming CNC Mills | 4 |
| COM051 | Communication Skills 1+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR121 | English Comp—Exposition (or higher)+ | 3 |
| DRF131 | AutoCAD 2 | 3 |
| MTH082 | Technical Mathematics 2 | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH112 | Trigonometry (or higher) | 5 |
| Term 3 | ||
| COM053 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR227 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| DRF132 | AutoCAD 3 | 3 |
| DRF140 | Advanced Technical Graphics | 3 |
| DRF160 | Technical Software Applications | 3 |
| or | ||
| GE103 | Engineering Computations | 3 |
| or | ||
| CS125E | Excel—Workbooks | 4 |
| PSY104 | Psychology in the Workplace+ | 3 |
| Term 4 | ||
| CAM230 | CAM Applications/Mills | 3 |
| CVL230 | Applied Statics | 3 |
| or | ||
| EGR211 | Statics | 4 |
| DRF210 | Parametric Design | 3 |
| ELT100 | Electronics Fundamentals for Non-Majors | 4 |
| PH081 | Applied Physics | 4 |
| or | ||
| PH201 | General Physics | 4 |
| Term 5 | ||
| CVL231 | Applied Strength of Materials | 4 |
| or | ||
| EGR213 | Strength of Materials | 4 |
| DRF241 | Structural Drafting* | 3 |
| DRF251 | Power Transmission Design | 3 |
| or | ||
| EGR212 | Dynamics | 4 |
| DRF256 | AutoLISP Programming* | 3 |
| or | ||
| GE102 | Engineering Computations | 3 |
| DRF260 | Tool Design | 3 |
| Term 6 | ||
| DRF165 | CAD System Administration* | 3 |
| DRF255 | Technical Illustration* | 3 |
| DRF262 | Machine Design | 3 |
| ELT291 | Advanced Industrial Electronics | 4 |
| or | ||
| DRF280D | Cooperative Work Experience | 4 |
| or | ||
| EGR202 | Electrical Fundamentals 2 | 4 |
| MT227A | Pneumatics and Hydraulics Fundamentals | 3 |
+Meets related instruction requirement.
*Courses above 200 in math, physics, chemistry and engineering may be substituted.
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
Fundamentals Certificate of Completion
The CAM Fundamentals Certificate offers training in the knowledge and skills used by employees in manufacturing and related occupations. The certificate includes courses in manufacturing materials, interpretation of engineering drawings, measuring practices, bench and layout work and basic setup and operation of computer controlled mills and lathes. Graduates of this certificate may qualify for an entry position in a variety of manufacturing-related jobs.
Students completing the CAM Fundamentals Certificate will:
- Use effective communication skills as a team member.
- Apply basic and precision industry standard measurement practices.
- Set up and operate Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine tools to produce accurately sized parts.
- Apply cutting speeds and feeds to materials used in machining and manufacturing.
Students completing the CNC Operator Certificate will:
- Use effective communication skills as a team member.
- Apply basic and precision industry standard measurement practices.
- Set up and operate Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machine tools and program CNC machine tools at the machine control level to produce accurately sized parts.
- Apply cutting speeds and feeds to materials used in machining and manufacturing.
- Students completing the Manual Machine Operator Certificate will:
- Use effective communication skills as a team member.
- Apply basic and precision industry standard measurement practices.
- Set up and operate manual machine tools to produce accurately sized parts.
- Apply cutting speeds and feeds to materials used in machining and manufacturing.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $569; class fees, $162; universal fee, $174; equipment and supplies, $150. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing the required 29 credits with a grade of C or better in all courses.
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| CAM100 | Blueprinting Reading and Sketching | 1 |
| CAM105 | Precision Measurement | 2 |
| CAM110A | CNC/Manual Fundamentals | 4 |
| CAM111 | Industrial Safety Seminar | 1 |
| CAM130 | CNC Machine Setup/Operation | 4 |
| MTH052 | Introduction to Algebra and Geometry+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| MTH081 | Technical Mathematics 1 | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH111 | College Algebra (or higher) | 5 |
| Term 2 | ||
| CAM115 | Geometric Dimensioning/Tolerancing | 2 |
| CAM116 | Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for CNC Lab | 1 |
| CAM140 | Metallurgy for Manufacturing | 2 |
| COM051 | Communication Skills 1+ | 3 |
| MTH053 | Introduction to Trigonometry and Geometry | 3 |
| PSY104 | Psychology in the Workplace+ | 3 |
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)
Operator Certificate of Completion
This CNC Operator Certificate builds on the training provided in the CAM Fundamentals certificate with an emphasis on the setup and operation of computer-controlled machines. The certificate includes courses in manual programming (“G code”) for both mills and lathes. Graduates of this certificate may qualify to work as a CNC machine tool operator or in a variety of manufacturing related jobs.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $719; class fees, $234; universal fee, $264; equipment and supplies, $200. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing the required 44 credits with a grade of C or better in all courses.
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| CAM100 | Blueprint Reading and Sketching | 1 |
| CAM105 | Precision Measurement | 2 |
| CAM110A | CNC/Manual Fundamentals | 4 |
| CAM111 | Industrial Safety Seminar | 1 |
| CAM130 | CNC Machine Setup/Operation | 4 |
| MTH052 | Introduction to Algebra and Geometry+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| MTH081 | Technical Math 1 | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH111 | College Algebra (or higher) | 5 |
| Term 2 | ||
| CAM115 | Geometric Dimensioning/Tolerancing | 2 |
| CAM116 | Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for CNC Lab | 1 |
| CAM140 | Metallurgy for Manufacturing | 2 |
| CAM160 | Programming CNC Mills | 4 |
| MTH053 | Introduction to Trigonometry and Geometry | 3 |
| PSY104 | Psychology in the Workplace+ | 3 |
| Term 3 | ||
| CAM150 | Cutting Tools and Materials | 3 |
| CAM190 | Programming CNC Lathes | 4 |
| CAM280D | Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) | 4 |
| COM051 | Communication Skills 1+ | 3 |
Manual Machine Operator
Certificate of Completion
The Manual Machine Operator certificate builds on the training provided in the CAM Fundamentals certificate with an emphasis on machining skills related to the setup and operation of manual machine tools such as drills, mills, lathes, saws, grinders. Graduates may qualify to work as a machine tool operator, entry level machinist, or in a variety of manufacturing related jobs.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $654; class fees, $234; universal fee, $264; equipment and supplies, $200. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn a Certificate of Completion by successfully completing the required 44 credits with a grade of C or better in all courses.
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| CAM100 | Blueprint Reading and Sketching | 1 |
| CAM105 | Precision Measurement | 2 |
| CAM110A | CNC/Manual Fundamentals | 4 |
| CAM111 | Industrial Safety Seminar | 1 |
| CAM130 | CNC Machine Setup/Operation | 4 |
| MTH052 | Introduction to Algebra and Geometry+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| MTH081 | Technical Mathematics 1 | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH111 | College Algebra (or higher) | 5 |
| Term 2 | ||
| CAM115 | Geometric Dimensioning/Tolerancing | 2 |
| CAM116 | Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for CNC Lab | 1 |
| CAM120 | CNC/Manual Milling | 4 |
| CAM140 | Metallurgy for Manufacturing | 2 |
| MTH053 | Introduction to Trigonometry and Geometry | 3 |
| PSY104 | Psychology in the Workplace+ | 3 |
| Term 3 | ||
| CAM121A | CNC/Manual Lathe | 4 |
| CAM150 | Cutting Tools and Materials | 3 |
| CAM280D | Cooperative Work Experience | 4 |
| COM051 | Communication Skills 1+ | 3 |
Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
Associate of Applied Science
The Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) program offers training in using computers as tools in engineering, drafting, machine tool control inspection (the CMM), and industrial mechanical design.
The first year of study emphasizes machining skills as they relate to Computer Numerical Control machining. Students completing the first year may find employment as entry-level machine tool operators and basic CAD drafters.
Second-year classes concentrate on integrating mechanical design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing programming. Students apply knowledge and skills to solve increasingly complex design and machining problems. After successful completion, graduates may find employment in the fields of engineering technology and manufacturing operations. Graduates will use computers on the job for drafting, design and programming, and operating machine tools.
In addition to tuition, estimated costs for students who complete the entire program listed below are books, $1,388; class fees, $321; universal fee, $570; equipment and supplies, $287. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 503.399.5018 to find out if you qualify for help with these costs.
You may earn an Associate of Applied Science degree by successfully completing the required 95 credit hours with a grade of C or better in all courses:
| Course | Title | Credit Hours |
| Term 1 | ||
| CAM100 | Blueprint Reading and Sketching | 1 |
| CAM105 | Precision Measurement | 2 |
| CAM110A | CNC/Manual Fundamentals | 4 |
| CAM111 | Industrial Safety Seminar | 1 |
| CAM130 | CNC Machine Setup/Operation | 4 |
| DRF130 | AutoCAD 1 | 3 |
| MTH052 | Introduction to Algebra and Geometry+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| MTH081 | Technical Mathematics 1+ | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH111 | College Algebra+ (or higher) | 5 |
| PSY104 | Psychology in the Workplace+ | 3 |
| Term 2 | ||
| CAM115 | Geometric Dimesioning/Tolerancing | 2 |
| CAM116 | Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing for CNC Lab | 1 |
| CAM120 | CNC/Manual Milling | 4 |
| CAM140 | Metallurgy for Manufacturing | 2 |
| CAM160 | Programming CNC Mills | 4 |
| MTH053 | Introduction to Trigonometry with Geometry | 3 |
| or | ||
| MTH082 | Technical Mathematics 2 | 4 |
| or | ||
| MTH112 | Trigonometry (or higher) | 5 |
| Term 3 | ||
| CAM121A | CNC/Manual Lathe | 4 |
| CAM150 | Cutting Tools and Materials | 3 |
| CAM190 | Programming CNC Lathes | 4 |
| COM051 | Communication Skills 1+ | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR121 | English Composition—Exposition+ (or higher) | 3 |
| DRF095B | Special Project Drafting and Design | 2 |
| or | ||
| DRF280B | Cooperative Work Experience | 2 |
| Term 4 | ||
| CAM230 | CAM Applications/Mills | 3 |
| CVL230 | Applied Statics | 3 |
| DRF210 | Parametric Design | 3 |
| PH081 | Applied Physics | 4 |
| or | ||
| PH201 | General Physics (or higher) | 4 |
| Term 5 | ||
| CAM260 | CAM Applications/Lathes | 3 |
| CVL231 | Applied Strength of Materials | 4 |
| DRF251 | Power Transmission Design | 3 |
| DRF260 | Tool Design | 3 |
| Term 6 | ||
| CAM290 | CAD/CAM Integrations | 4 |
| COM053 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| or | ||
| WR227 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| DRF165 | CAD System Administration | 3 |
| DRF262 | Machine Design | 3 |
| MT227A | Pneumatics and Hydraulics Fundamentals | 3 |
+Meets related instruction requirement.
Updated March 2007 by the College Advancement Department.