Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
Certificate of Achievement Design · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
This certificate provides a solid foundation in computer-aided drafting and design (CADD). In addition to the common core of required courses, students choose an area of emphasis (architecture, engineering, or landscape) and complete at least 11 elective units from that emphasis. Completion of this program prepares students for entry-level support positions in a variety of local industries or for continuing their education. Typical job titles of students completing this certificate include designer, CAD technician, design drafter, and architectural and civil designer.
This certificate consists of 18 units of required core courses and at least 11 units of elective courses from one area of emphasis: architecture, engineering, or landscape.
Program Student Learning Outcome
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to design and create graphical representations of the built environment based on industry standards.
Course Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| DESN 101 | Computer-Aided Design and Drafting | 4 |
| DESN 110 | Graphics Communication | 3 |
| DESN 201 | Advanced AutoCAD Computer-Aided Design and Drafting | 3 |
| DESN 203 | Solid Modeling | 3 |
| DESN 204 | Modeling, Prototyping, and Manufacturing | 3 |
| DESN 286 | Professional Certification Preparation | 1 |
| DESN 290 | Portfolio and Presentation | 1 |
| orDESN 292 | Internship Studies | |
| orDESN 299 | Occupational Work Experience Education | |
| Select at least 11 units from one of the three areas of emphasis (Architecture, Engineering, or Landscape): | 11 | |
| Architecture Emphasis | ||
| DESN 100 | Fundamentals of Design | |
| DESN 102 | Architectural Drawing | |
| DESN 105 | Construction Materials | |
| DESN 200 | Architectural Design I | |
| DESN 207 | Revit Building Information Modeling | |
| Engineering Emphasis | ||
| BUS 133 | Project Management | |
| DESN 109 | Introduction to Engineering and Design | |
| DESN 111 | Engineering Design Graphics | |
| DESN 120 | Manufacturing Processes | |
| Landscape Emphasis | ||
| DESN 102 | Architectural Drawing | |
| HORT 117 | Plant Identification: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines | |
| HORT 126 | Irrigation and Water Management | |
| HORT 127 | Landscape Design | |
| HORT 220 | Computer-Aided Landscape Design Applications | |
| Total Units | 29 | |