Affordable Computer Aided Design (CAD) Degree & Schools Online
CAD is becoming a more popular field. Even if you are an interior designer, it is expected for you to have some CAD skills. These skills are no longer restricted to architects or mechanical, civil and architectural drafters. CAD is good if you want potential employers to sit up and take notice of you even if your experience is solely in designing kitchens or garden space for a nursery. People with degrees or certificates in Computer Aided Design do everything from making skyscrapers to putting buttons on CD players to designing the gas pumps found at a gas station.
A degree like this is not accessible for students who have not learned new technical skills or mastered basic computer software. An online bachelor’s degree may be easier to obtain because your social life can be dominated by activities that you pursue because you are on a campus. If you are just doing online bachelor’s degree work, you tend to schedule your assignments around your professional and personal life.
Degrees and Certifications Related to CAD
- AutoCAD Level II Certification
- Certificate in Professional Engineering (PE)
- AS in Interactive Media Design (CAD)
- ASEET – Associate of Science in Electrical
Engineering Technology - BS of Drafting Technology
Careers in CAD
- Civil drafters
- AutoCAD drafters
- Mechanical drafters
- AutoCAD managers
- Architectural drafters
- Engineering manager
- Engineering consultants
- Steel/ Metal manufacturing
- Electrical engineering technician
- Engineering design for construction
Salaries for Computer Aided Design Professionals
Overall, there is no difference in salary between someone earning an online CAD degree or a traditional degree. The following are average examples of jobs and salaries with a CAD degree or certification:
- Metal and plastic workers – $44K
- Engineering managers – $100K
- AutoCAD drafters – $39K
Pros of an Online CAD Degree or Certification
- Taking online courses is extremely convenient as there are no weather related issues for getting to class
- A flexible schedule is good for those who can work alone
- There are very few tests as your school work is mostly projects
- You can read lectures, books and websites anywhere, anytime
- You will be dealing with professionals who are already in your line of work
- You can keep your current job and not have to worry about needing a job transfer
- Good for parents with young children
- Higher salary if you had no degree or a lower certification
- You can opt to take as few or as many courses as possible since there is no financial aid given
- Better jobs will be available after completing your degree without your having to go to a campus
Cons of an Online CAD Degree or Certification
- Some higher paying companies prefer a traditional education over an online education
- An online graphic design education is more expensive than a traditional graphic design campus education
- You lack the benefits and facilities of a traditional campus such as gyms, swimming pools, stocked library, tennis courts
- Little or no guidance for financial aid or career
- This style can be a great disadvantage to those who need interactive learning to better comprehend and understand class work and projects
- It can be really bad for those who are not disciplined enough to arrange their schedules to fit their assignments and test into their professional and personal lives
Leading Schools for CAD/Computer Aided Design Degrees and Certifications
- Westwood College
- Lincoln Technical College
- Capella University
- ITT Technical
- Strayer University
- Penn Foster College
- Penn Foster Career School
- Stratford Career Institute
- Keiser University
- Herzing University
- Accreditation: Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
For further information, The Higher Learning Commission can be contacted by phone at 800-621-7440 or on the Commission’s website at: www.ncahlc.org. - Disclaimer: For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.herzing.edu/student-data.html.
- The Chubb Institute
- TESST College of Technology
