Ferris State > Associate Degree CAD Drafting 
Associates Degree CAD Drafting
Associates Degree Tool Design
College of Engineering Technology
Ferris State University
1009 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan MI (USA) 49307-2280
Phone: (231) 591-2890
The CAD Drafting Degree and Tool Design Degree programs concentrate on the use of CAD design in product drawing, dies (metal stamping), molds (plastic processes) and jigs, fixture and gauge design. CAD drafting degree and Tool Design Students are involved with computers throughout the program to familiarize them with CAD software and design applications such as detailing, GD & T, general tolerancing, wire frame, surfacing, solid modeling with parametric technology and Rapid Prototyping. Computer-aided engineering software for mold design and mechanical applications are also used. CAD drafting student solid models are processed and created on our rapid prototyping equipment.
Tool design is critical to the manufacturing industry. Tooling is the foundation for product design and the manufacturing industry. CAD drafting degree students learn to design and detail basic tooling requirements for the manufacture of products. Consideration for safety of the tool design and manufacturing processes are also emphasized. College degree tool design students also gain an understanding of the related areas of mathematics, materials and machining.
Converting an abstract idea into a working design is the job of the drafter and tool designer. The drafter/designer may be involved in drawing one of many parts of a complete assembly, then designing the tooling-jigs, fixtures, gauges, dies, injection molds and special machines-to produce one or all of those parts.
For the drafter/tool designer, creativity and attention to detail are essential in production of such diverse products as automotive and aircraft components, consumer products, medical products, electronics, food processing and special machinery.
College graduates of the CAD drafting degree and Tool Design degree programs find immediate employment as computer-aided tool detailers, product drafters, entry-level tool designers, CAD operators and other technical-related positions. Many students choose to continue into B.S. programs such as Product Design Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Plastics Engineering Technology, Business Management or Occupational/Teacher Education.
Admission to the College of Engineering Technology is open to high school graduates who demonstrate academic preparedness, maturity and seriousness of purpose with backgrounds appropriate to their chosen CAD Drafting or Tool Design program of studies. Among first-time students in our technical programs, the average high school GPA is 2.8, and the average ACT composite score is 20.
Students entering the CAD Drafting degree and Tool Design degree program should have a background in CAD drafting and a desire to develop and advance their tool design skills. Admission is open to high school graduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA and a minimum ACT math sub score of 15 (19 recommended).
The CAD Drafting degree and Tool Design degree programs at Ferris State Univerity lead to an associates degree in applied science. Graduation requires a minimum 2.0 GPA in the core CAD drafting degree classes, in the major and overall. Students must complete all general education requirements as outlined on the general education Web site.
Associates Degree CAD Drafting
Associates Degree Tool Design
College of Engineering Technology
Ferris State University
1009 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan MI (USA) 49307-2280
Phone: (231) 591-2890
