The Computer-Aided Design program is designed to teach students the skills needed for related careers in Architecture,

Computer-Aided Design, Engineering Graphics, and Technical Illustration. What will you need for a better lifestyle in the twentyfirst century? What kind of house will you live in? What kind of car will you drive? What will computers do next? If you use your
imagination, you can start thinking about how things will be designed in the future. The products we use in our daily life are
manufactured according to the drawings that describe them and without them; the products would never become reality. The
United States Space Shuttle, the Concorde supersonic airplane, the Bugatti Veyron, and Frank Lloyd Wrights Falling-Water are
just a few of the worlds most outstanding architectural and engineering achievements. In industry, ideas like these are
communicated through a design process called Computer-Aided Design. Computer-Aided Design is an exciting form of
communication that is technical and precise. This program provides experience with design techniques and visual
communications used throughout the world.
The computer software used includes AutoCAD, AutoDesk Inventor, Revit Architecture, Corel Draw Graphics Suite, Microsoft
Office, and West Point Bridge Designer. Autodesk AutoCAD software was the first CAD program available for personal
computers, it is the most widely used CAD software for design careers related to Architecture and Engineering, and its
advantages include legible notes and dimensions, high quality prints, faster design process, increased accuracy, and editing
capabilities.
The special features of the Computer-Aided Design program include work-based learning opportunities that provide students
with "real world" experience, students can earn (12) college credits for Muskegon Community College CAD 100, CAD 110, CAD
152, and CAD 230 courses of study, and students can earn Math credit toward the high school graduation requirements.
The careers that students are prepared for include Architect, Mechanical Engineer, Landscape Architect, Automotive Engineer,
Interior Designer, Aerospace Engineer, Construction Management, Industrial Designer, Building Inspector, Technical Illustrator,
Civil Engineer, Industrial Engineer and Structural Engineer.
The types of learning include Online Reading assignments that may provide an introduction to a unit, provide information, or
include articles that have been authored by experts in the field, Virtual Fieldtrips in which students may be given links to websites
that either enhance the content of readings or show them where information and resources can be found as well as provide
related discussion questions, Discussion Questions in which students apply course concepts to circumstances, provide opinions
about course content, and share experiences, Collaborative Projects involving teams of students working together on simulation
activities, research papers, and presentations as well as providing interactions to build on leadership and planning skills, and
Reflective Activities such as Design Projects as the primary method for students to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate content.
Students learn Employability Skills through our Attendance Policy, Work Ethic, and Teamwork.