Design Model Making and Rapid Prototyping

Dean: Debbie Vanschoelandt
Academic Chair: Matt Wolken
Faculty: Brett McKim

Courses

Rapid model making and prototype design is a valued part of many industries, including transportation, architecture, product and packaging, media, and entertainment. The growth of digital technology has opened up new areas of development in design representation, such as digital simulation and rapid prototyping.

Courses in the program study the elements of creative thinking and interpretation used in the design process, including the techniques and methods used to construct prototypes and models. In advanced courses, students choose a field of specialization to explore methods and materials in a number of options in digital simulation, modeling and rapid prototyping.

Major

The certificate program is designed to prepare students with the skills necessary for product design with both traditional and emerging technologies. Students will be given a unique insight into both the physical and digital disciplines of design, cultivating technical and art skills based on critical thinking.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the design model making and rapid prototyping program, students will be able to

Have the necessary technical knowledge and communication skills to identify, articulate and solve problems pertaining to the product development environment and perform the tasks required within the product design and development professions.
Design a simple object within constraints.
Construct a portfolio that communicates their body of work while in the program.
Use techniques, processes, and tools needed in the product development practice.
Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional products and designs using appropriate tools, materials, methods and techniques.
Analyze and critically evaluate two-dimensional and three-dimensional products using the current principles and language of art and design.

Potential Careers

An associate level degree in computer-aided design or certificate in civil or mechanical computer-aided design will prepare students for direct entry into a career or technical training program within these fields:

Automotive Design and Manufacturing
Biomedical and Healthcare Manufacturing
Computer Product Manufacturing
Construction
Environmental Design
Machinery Manufacturing
Metal Manufacturing
Military and Aerospace
Professional and Scientific Technical Services
Robotics and Automation
Telecommunications and Electrical Circuit Design
Utilities and Local Government

An associate level degree in computer-aided design or certificate in pre-engineering will also prepare students for continuing their education at a four-year institution, where earning a BS degree in the engineering field can prepare them for careers in:

Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Structural Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Materials Science Engineering

A certificate in design model making and prototyping will prepare students for direct entry into a career or technical training program within these fields:

Amusement park design
Automotive design and manufacture
Machining and manufacturing
Architecture
Media and entertainment
Product development
Package design
The toy industry
Transportation design

Programs

Associate in Science

Design Model Making and Rapid Prototyping, AS

Certificate of Achievement

Design Model Making and Rapid Prototyping, COA

Catalog and Student Handbook

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