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Computer Aided Drafting Certificate

NECC Home  /  Academics  /  Programs  /  Technology & Engineering  /  Computer Aided Drafting Certificate

A Computer Aided Drafting student in a computer classroom displaying her work on a CAD program.
If you are creative, visually oriented, and enjoy working on computers, the Computer Aided Drafting Certificate can prepare you for a thoroughly rewarding career. Best of all, you can apply your skills to almost any area of interest from engineering to electronics to industrial design and more.

Why Choose NECC?

You’ll work and learn on state-of-the-art equipment, and gain proficiency using industry-standard CAD software. You’ll be guided by experienced faculty and can participate in a co-op (internship) placement to gain real-world experience. With this program you will:

  • Learn how to represent engineering designs graphically and use two-dimensional computer aided drafting software and three-dimensional solid modeling
  • Produce architectural, mechanical, and electrical-based engineering drawings
  • Practice working in design teams, and produce projects which reflect real-world applications

Because of NECC

You will be able to pursue a wide variety of entry-level jobs across a broad array of fields. Common job titles include:

  • Computerized drafter
  • Architectural drafter
  • Engineering assistant
  • And more

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Career Paths & Job Market

Career Paths

Career Paths

Below is a sampling of placements for past interns and graduates in Electronics and Engineering:

  • AVID Technology
  • BOC Edwards
  • Bradford Engineering Company
  • CAD Associates
  • Charles River Laboratories
  • Circuit City
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • First Essex Bank
  • Internal Revenue Services
  • Media One
  • UPS

Selected Tasks Completed by Students on Job Sites

  • Develop effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Get experience in working as part of a team
  • Acquire capacity for detail
  • Develop interpersonal skills
  • Get involved in research structure
Helpful Links for Researching Careers

Helpful Links for Researching Careers

External Online Resources

External Online Resources

Job Search Links

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

Transferring to a 4 year College or University

See Transfer Programs and Transfer Events under Academic Support. NECC’s Academic Support has an extensive list of colleges that regularly recruit NECC transfer students.

Program Pathway

A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for Computer Aided Drafting.

Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes - Computer Aided Drafting Certificate

Student Learning Outcomes – Computer Aided Drafting Certificate

  • Analyze problems, isolate and describe the important components of a problem: what is given (design specifications, performance requirements and testing standards). Identify variables- known and unknown.
  • Represent problems in a visual form, such as a schematic, flow chart, diagram, data table, or model.
  • Validate strong fundamentals in the aptitude to formulate and solve problems by applying principles of mathematics, science and technology.
  • Prove the capacity to conduct an experiment, use laboratory materials, properly and safely, note observations accurately, precisely and describe procedures.
  • Effectively use software simulation and information acquisition tools to collect, analyze and interpret data. Develop proficiency in the use and application of new tools and methods from the field of math, science and technology.
  • Demonstrate the ability to be an independent and equal contributor on a team-based project. Be able to articulate the overall team project goals and roles of the members.

Courses and Requirements

Show Courses and Requirements
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Contact

Department Contacts

Department Contacts

Paul Chanley

Department Chair, Office: TC-219 Phone: 978-556-3502 Email: pchanley@necc.mass.edu

Douglas J. Leaffer, MSCE

Associate Professor – Engineering, Office: TC-219 Phone: 978-556-3676 Email: dleaffer@necc.mass.edu

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