If you plan on becoming an artist, graphic designer, engineer, or architect, be sure to incorporate computer-aided design (CAD) training in your curriculum. Unless you have a strong foundation in CAD technology, your career prospects may be limited.

Computer-aided design (CAD) technology has revolutionized the way that:

graphic designers create magazine spreads
architects design new buildings
engineers test the structural integrity of new bridges

Rather than painstakingly draw out each design by hand, CAD software allows you to create new images with mere keystrokes. Rather than work out the physics and mathematics of every blueprint for a new building, CAD technology can run through all the numbers for you.

What once took weeks of drafting and designing can now take place in mere minutes thanks to CAD software. However, it takes awhile to master the technology, which is why many employers prefer to hire those with CAD training already under their belts.

What Can You Learn through CAD Training?

Because artists, architects, engineers, and graphic designers all use CAD technology for slightly different purposes, there is no universal track that they all follow. However, most CAD training programs share the following disciplines in common:

2D and 3D art
drafting, plotting, and overlays
animation
math, physics, and engineering
computer science

Thereafter, you can take courses specific to your particular career field. An engineer, for example, might want extra training in CAD-related mechanics and physics. Similarly, a graphic designer might need greater exposure to shadows, lighting, and texture.

CAD Training and Career Outlook

Many of the jobs most dependent on CAD technology (i.e. graphic designers, architects, and engineers) are expected to enjoy average or faster than average growth through 2018. If you complete enough CAD training in addition to whatever educational requirements apply to your particular career, you should be able to sustain fairly high demand for your services over the next decade.

Stanley Rubenti

Stanley Rubenti is a world traveling writer and editor who has lived in Japan, the US, Thailand, and France. He currently resides in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia where he offers college admissions advice for international students interested in studying abroad.

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Graphic Designers • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Architects, Except Landscape and Naval • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos038.htm#outlook • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Bureau of Labor Statistics • Engineers • Dec 17, 2009 • http://www.bls.gov • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos027.htm#outlook • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.
Canadian schools are listed at the bottom.

Westwood College - Anaheim

[Anaheim, CA]

The Anaheim, CA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design
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Westwood College - Long Beach	[Long Beach, CA]
Programs: Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting Bachelor Degree - Interior Design Request More Information >

Westwood College - Los Angeles

[Torrance, CA]

The Los Angeles, CA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design
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Westwood College - Denver South

[Denver, CO]

Your future in technology starts right here. The South Denver campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood’s staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Computer-based high-tech degrees can be earned in as little as 17 months. Large, modern classrooms and labs offer students the best in hands-on learning. Industry-specific equipment provides students with the best-in-class education available.
Programs:
Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
Bachelor Degree - Interior Design
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Westwood College - Atlanta

[Atlanta, GA]

The Atlanta, GA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
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Westwood College - Atlanta Northlake

[Atlanta, GA]

Westwood College - Chicago - Loop	[Chicago, IL]
Programs: Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia Bachelor Degree - Animation Request More Information >

Westwood College - O'Hare Airport	[Chicago, IL]
Programs: Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia Bachelor Degree - Animation Bachelor Degree - Interior Design Request More Information >

TESST College of Technology - Baltimore	[Baltimore, MD]
Programs: Certificate: Graphic Engineering Drafting with CADD Request More Information >

The Art Institutes International Minnesota

[Minneapolis, MN]

The Art Institutes system of schools is a leading educator of students in the creative and applied arts, including design, media, fashion, and culinary programs. Every program of study offered to you is regularly reviewed by industry leaders, advisors, and employers for relevance in the marketplace. Changes are made, if necessary, to integrate subject matter into the curriculum so that our degree programs reflect the way things are done in the real world of work. Programs listed are not offered at all locations.
Programs:
  Advertising
  Digital Film & Video Production
  Fashion & Retail Management
  Graphic Design
  Interior Design
  Interior Planning with AutoCAD
  Media Arts & Animation
  Photography
  Web Design & Interactive Media
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CDM Institute - Marlton

[Marlton, NJ]

Over 92% of CDM Institute students in our Career Placement program land the jobs they want. Gain accelerated training in business, technology, CAD, and healthcare, some of the hottest fields today. Take only the classes you need to achieve your dreams, and gain the specific skills employers demand. All of our programs are designed with your needs in mind. Receive the skills to launch or advance your career while working full time and attend school with other working adults.
Programs:
AutoCAD Drafting and Design
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CDM Institute - Vineland	[Vineland, NJ]
Launch a career in business, technology, healthcare, and CAD—fast with real-world training employer’s demand from CDM Institute. Programs: AutoCAD Drafting and Design Request More Information >

CDM Institute - Woodbridge	[Woodbridge, NJ]
Launch a career in business, technology, healthcare, and CAD—fast with real-world training employer’s demand from CDM Institute. Programs: AutoCAD Drafting and Design Request More Information >

Kaplan College - Columbus	[Columbus, OH]
Programs: Associate of Applied Science: Engineering Drafting with CAD Request More Information >

Technology Education College - Columbus	[Columbus, OH]
Technology Education College (TEC) of Columbus, Ohio, provides students with the skills they need to excel in the fields of Technology, Business and Medical Services. Programs: Associate of Applied Science: Engineering Drafting with CAD Request More Information >

CDM Institute - Allentown

[Allentown, PA]

Penn Foster Career School

[Scranton, PA]

Get the skills you need to prepare for a new career in one of today's hottest career fields with a diploma or certificate from Penn Foster Career School. Choose from over 80 quality distance education programs in areas like health services, business, legal studies, education, engineering, technology, trade, automotive, creative and design, or high school. Our expert faculty and friendly support staff are dedicated to helping you succeed.
Programs:
  Drafting with AutoCAD
  Furniture and Cabinet Maker
  Interior Decorator
  Landscaper
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Capitol City Trade and Technical School - Austin	[Austin, TX]
Programs: Drafting and CAD Program Request More Information >

Westwood College - Dallas

[Dallas, TX]

The Dallas, Texas campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Associate Degree programs in Computer Network Engineering and Graphic Design & Multimedia can be earned in as little as 17 months. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities that exist in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Westwood’s experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
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Westwood College - Fort Worth	[Fort Worth, TX]
Programs: Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia Request More Information >

Westwood College - Houston

[Houston, TX]

The Houston, TX campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
Request More Information >

Westwood College - Arlington Annandale

[Annandale, VA]

The Arlington, VA campus of Westwood College is committed to student success. Westwood's staff will get to know you personally, and they'll give you the support you need to establish and achieve your goals. Focus is on computer-based technology degrees. The experienced faculty is made up of instructors with in-depth industry experience and knowledge.
Programs:
  Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting
  Associate Degree - Graphic Design and Multimedia
  Bachelor Degree - Animation
  Bachelor Degree - Interior Design
Request More Information >

Westwood College - Arlington Ballston

[Arlington, VA]