You are a creative thinker who is interested in putting your creativity to practical use, designing solutions, and making improvements. Drafters and designers prepare technical drawings and blueprints using computer modeling software, which are used by manufacturing, production, and construction workers to build everything from machine parts to automotive components, and buildings. Mid's 2-year CAD degree and 1-year training credential prepare you to succeed in this fast-growing field.

Job Outlook
  • $43k
    Median Salary for Michigan (Drafters)
  • 210
    Projected Annual Job Openings in Michigan
  • 97%
    Mid Grads Employed

Instructors who Work

Our instructors are CAD professionals who work in the field and incorporate real-world, relevant information into your CAD education. Because of their local connections, our instructors build relationships with area employers and assist graduates in finding meaningful jobs. That's because our instructors really care--not only about their industry but about the future of that industry, which lies in the students like you.

Skills that Work

Learn in hands-on labs and become fluent in the most significant software programs for the field including AutoCAD (2D mechanical drafting), SolidWorks (3D mechanical drafting/design), and AutoDesk Revit (2D & 3D architectural drafting/design). Bring your vision to life with Mid's 3D printers and processing equipment, and learn skills that set you apart as a well-rounded industry professional including technical sketching, visualization, blueprint reading, basic manual machine tool, CNC manufacturing, and technical applied mathematics.

Fast Career Entry

Mid offers two credentials to accommodate different goals. The associate degree pathway can be completed in two years when you attend full-time, and the certificate allows you to enter the workforce even faster.

2-Year Associate Degree

From basic skills to specialized systems, Mid's CAD Associate Degree allows you to gain employable, hands-on skills alongside a well-rounded base of knowledge.

1-Year Training Credential

Mid's CAD Training Credential allows you to build entry-level skills so you can enter the workforce quickly. This 1-year training credential ladders into the 2-year associate degree.

Mid's CAD Program offers flexible scheduling with online courses and open labs, including state-of-the-art 3D printing technology prototyping labs. The Program also transfers seamlessly to nearby universities for those students interested in pursuing advanced degrees. 

Student Success

  • 94% of students have successfully completed the CSWA Exam with an average passing score of 85%.
  • 92% of students that have successfully completed the CSWA have either been hired as a professional CAD Designer or have continued their education at a four-year college or university.
  • 91% of students who have successfully completed the CAD Associate Degree Pathway have been hired as full-time professional CAD Designers or have transferred to a four-year college or university to pursue advanced degrees.
  • 97%  of CAD Associate Degree graduates are employed.
  • 90% of CAD Associate Degree graduates are nationally certified.

Stay Connected to CAD at Mid

For the most up-to-date and interactive CAD Program information, search, like, and follow @MidMichCAD on Instagram and Facebook!

 

Lily... Why Mid? Why CAD?

Mid student Lily shares her why Mid and why she chose the Computer Aided Drafting Program at Mid.

Industry-Recognized Certifications

You may be wondering how employers will know what skills you've mastered by completing your degree at Mid. To highlight these skills, Mid has partnered with a variety of organizations to award industry-recognized skill certifications. Industry-recognized certifications provide a return on your education investment through hands-on training using state of the art tools and equipment. These certifications are earned in addition to your Mid credential and increase your employment potential.

cad certification partner logos

Industry-Recognized Certifications from respected companies, like SolidWorks, SoftPlan, and Stratsys, increase your employment potential by clearly demonstrating to employers the skills you have mastered. Learn more about these skill certifications below.

  • Standing out among SOLIDWORKS users from around the world can be challenging. Earning SOLIDWORKS Certification can help you get a job, keep a job, or possibly move up in your current job.

  • Additive plays a key role across industries, but there is a widening gap between the technology and the number of skilled workers who can drive it. Be completing this certification, you'll be prepared for the work of tomorrow by gaining skills in additive manufacturing technologies and applications like FDM and PolyJet materials, key technology specifications, design considerations from CAD to CAM, fabrication considerations, and post-processing methods.

New Industry Partner Provides Cutting Edge Equipment!

Lyseon Additive Manufacturing has been a leader in the additive manufacturing sector since its inception in 2014. Lyseon has partnered with Mid Michigan College to provide our students access to cutting-edge technology, allowing them to gain valuable experience in 3D printing and better prepare them as potential employees.

This cutting-edge equipment also provides a unique opportunity for local businesses to collaborate and partner with Mid and Lyseon on 3D printing projects–from prototyping to materials testing, and provides an opportunity for Lyseon to implement their strategic initiative to pursue growth opportunities in the mid-Michigan region with the eventual goal of expanding their operations in the area.

Local student prepared for success at Mid

"In high school I worked at a local dairy farm, but I knew I wanted to go to college. As I looked all my options over, I ruled out the idea of a big university because of the cost. Because Mid Michigan College was so close to home, I researched all the different programs they offer and became interested in the welding program.

A family friend taught me the basics, and that fall I started classes. After just one semester, I was already doing some small side jobs. The next semester, I took the Intro to CADD class. This particular course is all hand-drawing and learning about blueprints. Being the math lover that I am, I instantly fell in love. I changed my program of study to CADD and quickly set to work.

Mallory Mielke, Mid Graduate

In the next year, I pushed through and completed the CADD program. I graduated with an Associates Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design and a full-time job offer from Robinson Industries. The CADD program at Mid was the best decision I have made. The instructor cares about the success of his students and makes class enjoyable. The classes are both fun and challenging, and I think the program definitely prepares you for a successful career."

- Mallory Mielke, Mid CADD Graduate

Related Programs & Pathways

CONTACT
Dean of Career & Workforce Education
CONTACT
Lead CAD Instructor

Eric Sander

Phone
(989) 386-6676 

esander@midmich.edu