What you will study
At the University of Central Missouri, our CADD minor gives you the tools and techniques
to prepare technical drawings and blueprints using computer modeling software. Throughout
your undergraduate studies, you’ll learn engineering design and drafting technology
concepts and have opportunities to apply them in dozens of hands-on projects.
Start with core coursework in:
- Fundamentals of Drafting
- AutoCAD Applications
- Advanced Parametric Modeling
- Structural Design and Detailing
- Intro to BIM
After you develop a foundation of knowledge and skills, you’ll specialize your CADD
minor with electives covering topics such as civil or machine drafting, MicroStation
and residential architecture drawing. No matter which electives you choose, you’ll
gain additional expertise in computer-aided design and drafting that will serve you
well in nearly any field.
Excellence in CADD
- Top 5%: Most Popular Colleges for CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology (College Factual,
2022)
Unique learning opportunities in computer-aided design and drafting
At the University of Central Missouri, we know it’s important to put your learning
into action. That’s why we’ve built in hands-on opportunities throughout the CADD
minor. Apply your knowledge and skills through:
- Internships: Students who pursue a CADD minor are encouraged to pursue an internship as one of
their electives. Gain real-world experience and apply the tools and techniques you’ve
learned in an internship with a business in the local community, in nearby Kansas
City or beyond.
- Student activities: With more than 185+ clubs and organizations, UCM gives you many opportunities to get
involved beyond your undergraduate studies. For instance, many CADD minors join UCM’s
chapters of the American Institute of Building Design and the Design and Drafting
Student Association. Both clubs allow you to pursue leadership roles, enjoy new learning
experiences and network with fellow CADD students.
What can you do with a CADD minor from UCM?
Do you have an interest in architecture or interior design? Are you considering a
career in construction or engineering?
Nearly every industry uses CADD. Taking computer-aided design and drafting coursework
and adding a CADD minor to your major area of study will prepare you for design-related
careers that span many industries. Students who complete a CADD minor with a UCM bachelor’s
degree also go on to master’s degree programs in business, engineering and management.
Discover a strong future in computer-aided design and drafting
Learn more about how computer-aided design and drafting can help fulfill your career
aspirations. Explore job options and salary expectations using the interactive tool
below.
Financial assistance options for your CADD minor
The University of Central Missouri has some of the lowest tuition and fees in Missouri.
We also offer many ways to help finance your college education.
Learn more about our general and program-specific scholarships by using the UCM Scholarship Finder.
Meet Mike W.
CADD Minor ’99
“UCM not only provided me with the education I needed for a successful career in the
engineering field, but it also provided a pipeline to many of the engineering firms
in the area. The skills and knowledge I gained were highly sought-after in the industry.
The program instills a solid understanding of the fundamentals necessary to meet or
exceed all expectations.”
Learn From CADD Experts
UCM’s program faculty have decades of professional experience
Our faculty members bring expertise to the classroom that spans the industry, ranging
from residential and commercial building design to civil and urban design, architectural
engineering to structural design and more. Learn from knowledgeable, experienced faculty
members who understand your goals and interests and can help you succeed.
Meet the Faculty
Meet Lydia D.
CADD Minor ’17
“At UCM, I was introduced to a variety of design and drafting software that prepared
me to pick up new programs as a working professional. UCM’s faculty members were always
friendly, helpful and available when I needed them and prepared me for the challenges
I face in my career.”
Top-Notch Facilities
Check out spaces just for CADD students
Our computer-aided design and drafting facilities are some of the most technologically
advanced in the Midwest. We provide students with more than 80 computers, the latest
workstations with up-to-date software and 3-D printers.
Get Support Throughout Your Studies
UCM’s faculty advisors are dedicated to your academic success
All our computer-aided design and drafting students are paired with an academic success
advisor and a faculty advisor from the CADD program. Throughout your bachelor’s degree
and CADD minor, you’ll have the guidance and mentorship you need to find success at
UCM and beyond.
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Industry Partnership
Our industry partners are mostly UCM alumni who hold leadership positions at global
and national engineering firms. In addition to providing continuous support to our
program, our industry partners participate in our annual advisory board meetings and
contribute to collaboratively educating knowledgeable, skillful, and successful individuals.
They also provide career opportunities for our students.
Student Organizations
There are two student organizations involved in the CADD program:
American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)
Design and Drafting Student Association (DDSA)
All CADD students are encouraged to join AIBD and/or DDSA to get involved in fun and
rewarding activities. Student organizations offer leadership opportunities, learning
experiences, and environments to network with fellow students, faculty, and industry
professionals. In fact, our AIBD student organization has been recognized as the Student
Chapter of The Year for the past two consecutive years.
Program Mission and Outcomes
Design & Drafting Technology Program Mission
The mission of the Design and Drafting Technology program at the University of Central
Missouri is to provide a nationally accredited program of study designed to provide
the technical, managerial, and general education needs of those desiring to enter
or continue in design and drafting related professional career.
Design & Drafting Technology Program Outcomes
The design & drafting technology program is designed to prepare design/drafting professionals
who possess the abilities (skill and knowledge) needed to be able to function competently
in a wide variety of technical, leadership, and management roles. More specifically,
the graduates of this program will demonstrate an ability to:
- Select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline
to broadly defined engineering technology activities;
- Apply written, oral, and graphical communication in both technical and non-technical
environments;
- Select and apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology
to design & drafting technology problems;
- Identify, analyze, and solve broadly defined design & drafting technology problems;
- Demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to address professional and ethical responsibilities
including a respect for diversity;
- Know the impact of design & drafting technology solutions in a societal and global
context; and
- Function effectively as a member or leader on a technical team
Continuous quality maintenance through accreditation.
