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Design and Drafting Technology, BS – Mechanical Design Technology Option

Mechanical CADD Degree

The University of Central Missouri’s Design and Drafting Technology – Mechanical Design Technology degree program, also known as the Mechanical CADD degree, offers an exciting path into the world of mechanical and product design development. UCM’s Mechanical CADD program has evolved alongside industry advancements, equipping mechanical design majors with cutting-edge software and 3D printing technologies.

While working towards your Drafting degree, you'll create detailed design specifications, develop 3D models and analyze product performance. UCM's small class sizes and experienced faculty ensure personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. 

Upon graduation, your product design degree will have you well-prepared for diverse mechanical CAD career opportunities. Begin your journey of creativity, innovation and academic excellence. 

UCM’s Design and Drafting Technology program has experienced a 100% job placement rate for graduates in recent years. Begin your path to a lucrative career with a Design and Drafting degree.

 

Accredited by
The Association of Technology, Management, & Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

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100% job placement in recent years

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Paid internship opportunities

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Labs with industry-leading software

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Student-led professional organizations

 

What you will study

Through the Drafting degree’s innovative curriculum, you'll dive into real-world projects and gain practical experience in the architecture, engineering, construction (AEC) and manufacturing industries. As a Mechanical Design major, you can design and 3D model your own product or machine part and then 3D print it.

In addition to a broad foundation of knowledge in all design and drafting disciplines, you will study the following mechanical design technologies:

  • Computer Aided Design
  • Product Design
  • Machine Design
  • MEP Design
  • Structural Design
  • 3D Modeling
  • 3D Printing 
  • Detailing

 

Excellence in Design and Drafting Technology

  • Nationally accredited by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
  • A Most Popular College for Drafting and Design Engineering Technology (College Factual, 2022)
  • #1 Best CAD/CADD Drafting &/or Design Technology Schools in Missouri (College Factual, 2023)
  • Best School for Bachelor’s Students to Study CAD/CADD Drafting &/or Design Technology in the United States (College Factual, 2023)
  • Top-Ranked Drafting & Design Engineering Technology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States (College Factual, 2023)

 

Unique learning opportunities in Mechanical CADD

At the University of Central Missouri, we understand that well-rounded, qualified design and drafting professionals require more than classroom learning alone. That’s why we also offer experiential learning opportunities to boost your undergraduate education, such as:

  • Internships: Gain valuable hands-on job experience and bridge the gap between the academic world and the working world through a wide variety of opportunities.
  • Industry partners: Collaborate with individuals with leadership positions at global and national engineering firms. In addition to providing continuous support, our industry partners participate in our annual advisory board meetings and offer career opportunities in the Mechanical CADD degree program. 
  • Student organizations: Join one of two student organizations for Design and Drafting Technology majors: the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) and the Design and Drafting Student Association (DDSA). These organizations offer leadership opportunities, learning experiences and a supportive environment to network with fellow students, faculty and industry professionals in the construction, engineering and architectural drafting fields.
  • Study Abroad: Among the many opportunities available to UCM students, including CADD students, is the Study Abroad program. Each year a growing number of Honors College students study abroad, taking classes and often pursuing research and creative projects in their areas of academic interest and expertise in countries such as Europe, Asia, Central America, Australia and Africa.

 

What can you do with a degree in Design and Drafting Technology from UCM?

With a degree in Mechanical Design Technology, you can pursue diverse careers as mechanical designers, CADD technicians, product design development engineers and more. From creating detailed design specifications to utilizing cutting-edge mechanical CAD software, this program opens doors to various industries and exciting opportunities in mechanical design and engineering.

The need for engineering, construction and architectural drafting and design program graduates has grown in recent years. Employers in the Kansas City area, throughout Missouri and across the United States actively recruit our Mechanical CADD and Civil and Architectural CADD majors. In fact, the current job placement rate for UCM CADD graduates is 100%.

Learn more about computer-aided design and drafting jobs

Use the interactive tool below to explore projected outlooks in the field of design and drafting. Discover what salary potential you will look like with a product design degree.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your Design and Drafting Technology degree

At the University of Central Missouri, we understand the importance of supporting students in their pursuit of academic excellence. That's why we offer a range of scholarships specifically tailored to students enrolled in the Design and Drafting Technology, Mechanical Design program, including: 

  • Anthony & Sarah Taylor Scholarship
  • Bill & Anne Downs Scholarship 
  • Department of Graphics Imaging Technology Scholarship
  • Department of Industrial Technology Scholarship
  • Drafting Student Scholarship
  • Jacob M. Cunningham Scholarship
  • Kingsville Stahl Scholarship
  • Taiwan Commemorative Scholarship 

You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the .

 

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Take your degree further.

After completing your BS degree in Design and Drafting Technology, you can continue to specialize in your area of expertise by pursuing one of the following grad programs:

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Make yourself more marketable.

You can enhance your Design and Drafting Technology degree with a minor or undergraduate certificate in a specialized area.

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Explore programs related to design and drafting technology.

Explore other programs offered in the School of Industrial Sciences & Technology, such as: 

Transfer students majoring in Design and Drafting Technology

Transferring to the University of Central Missouri for your bachelor’s degree in Design and Drafting Technology has many professional advantages.

  • A bachelor’s degree is required for many management-level drafting and design jobs and future career advancements.
  • A Design and Drafting degree can potentially help you land a  higher starting salary. A project lead designer often earns an annual salary of $70,000 or more. 
  • The current job placement rate for UCM Mechanical CADD graduates is 100% in recent years. 
  • UCM offers in-state tuition for surrounding and nearby states.

 

 

ATMAE Accreditation logo

 

Accredited by
The Association of Technology, Management, &
  Applied Engineering (ATMAE)

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