ENGINEERING AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY: COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY (CADD)

• Associate of Applied Science Degree: Computer Aided Drafting and Design
  Specialization: Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology (729)
• Certificate: Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology (727.02)

The Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology specialization is offered at the Portsmouth and Virginia Beach campuses and focuses on preparing students to work successfully in computer aided design and related computer aided manufacturing operations (CAD/CAM). Graduates typically find employment in the fields of mechanical and machine design, structural, manufacturing, civil engineering, marine design, construction, and related areas. Using Autodesk Software, students learn to prepare working drawings reflecting national and international standards, practices, and procedures. Additionally, students learn to prepare engineering drawings supporting mechanical engineering and design utilizing welding details, industrial piping, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), electrical schematics, sheet metal developments, and solid modeling.

Business and industry professionals can update their skills and knowledge relating to: AutoCAD and Autodesk Software, current ANSI and ISO Standards and procedures, and improve their knowledge of material selection and processing for efficient design.

TCC utilizes the latest Audodesk Software Products. The Portsmouth Campus is a Premier Authorized Training Center for AutoCAD (ATC).

The CADD Certificate program provides the student with the basic skills and knowledge necessary for an entry-level position as a CAD operator or drafting/design assistant.

The degree program provides a more thorough background, with performance skills, and experiences necessary for higher-level positions and the potential for success in the field. Graduates of the program are prepared for employment in CAD/CAM areas of business and industry. Under a formal articulation agreement with Old Dominion University (ODU), and with appropriate course substitutions, students may transfer coursework into a related baccalaureate degree program. Students interested in transferring should see a TCC counselor or advisor early in their academic plan and consult ODU’s catalog, transfer guide, and website for additional information.

In addition to providing for college transfer opportunities and preparing students to move directly into business and industry upon graduation, the CADD Program is designed to work in partnership with local business and industry to meet their educational and training needs.

The Northrup Grumman Newport News Design Co-Op Work-Study program is an example of that cooperation. Northrup Grumman Newport News (NGNN) and Tidewater Community College have entered into an agreement to jointly train the next generation of marine designers at NGNN. There is no previous design experience required to begin this program. NGNN will pay all of the tuition costs of accepted CADD students to complete their AAS Degree in the Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology Program. This educational opportunity is based on a coordinated program of full-time study and on-the-job work experiences. Students will participate in a program of
full-time academic studies at TCC and two semesters of full-time employment at NGNN, where the student will be working in the design and engineering area. Students will work under the guidance and direction of practicing professional engineers and designers. Generally, CADD students are accepted into the Co-Op program at selected times of the year, defined by NGNN. Students starting the Co-Op program at the beginning of the CADD program would be expected to complete their AAS Degree in two and one-half years. Upon completion of the AAS Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology degree, the student may be offered a full-time job with Northrup Grumman Newport News in a design-related area. Contact Lorenz Drake (822-2426 or e-mail ldrake@tcc.edu) or Ralph Denton (822-7178 or e-mail rdenton@tcc.edu) for specific information about this Co-Op Work-Study program.

Associate of Applied Science Degree: Computer Aided Drafting and Design
Specialization: Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology (729)

Certificate: Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology (727.02)

 

1       Eligible courses are listed on page 48 in the 2007-2008 catalog.   See your faculty

         advisor or counselor to choose the appropriate course(s).

2       Consult with your faculty advisor or counselor. Eligible courses include any ARC, MEC, or

         DRF courses not required in the program.

3       Students planning on transferring to a four-year program should take MTH 163-164 in

         place of MTH 115-116 and PHY 201-202 and not technical electives.