General Design Certificate

Oakton College’s General Design Certificate provides you with the advanced skills needed to excel in the field of design and drafting. Our flexible program is perfect for those seeking to boost their career potential, earn higher income and gain greater job satisfaction.

In 19-credit hours, you’ll learn how to use industry-standard CAD software like AutoCAD, Inventor, Revit and SolidWorks. These tools are essential for creating detailed 2D and 3D models used in architecture, interior design and building information modeling. 

This certificate prepares you for rewarding roles like CAD draftsperson or general CAD designer. Throughout the program, you’ll develop designs, evaluate CAD models with critical thinking, and confidently present prototypes. 

Earning this certificate allows you to capitalize on high-paying job openings.

Oakton’s program is designed for flexibility, allowing you to balance other responsibilities. Small classes and experienced instructors ensure you receive personalized guidance throughout your journey. 

Degrees and Certificates

Mechanical Design and CAD

Mechanical design and computer-aided design (CAD) are essential skills for creating three-dimensional models used to make prototypes for consumer products, tools and machinery. This field requires a unique mix of imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and can lead to a variety of in-demand careers in industrial design, engineering, and general technologies.
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CAD Interior Design Certificate

The CAD Interior Design Certificate consists of 8 credit hours. It prepares you for CAD drafting positions tailored to Interior Design using AutoCAD for 2D and 3D design and drafting. You'll learn to create floorplans and elevation drawings using AutoCAD and create 3D computer models of interior floorplans. Possible job positions include CAD draftsperson and interior detail draftsperson.
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Mechanical Design and CAD Certificate

Mechanical design and computer-aided design (CAD) are essential skills for creating three-dimensional models used to make prototypes for consumer products, tools and machinery. This field requires a unique mix of imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and can lead to a variety of in-demand careers in industrial design, engineering, and general technologies.
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Industrial Design Engineering Certificate

The Industrial Design Engineering Certificate consists of 14 credit hours. This curriculum prepares you for CAD drafting positions using parametric modeling software (like Solidworks and Inventor) and 3D print computer models. You will develop proficiency in 3D Computer modeling and 2D drafting and annotation of part drawing techniques for manufacturing. With this certificate, you can pursue careers such as industrial draftsperson, 3D Print technician or mechanical designer.
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Solidworks Certificate

The Solidworks Certificate consists of 12 credit hours. It will help prepare you for CAD design and drafting jobs using Solidworks Parametric Modeling software. (Solidworks is used by manufacturing and engineering companies to design parts and assemblies and to analyze their functions using computer engineering techniques.) Possible job positions include mechanical draftsperson and industrial designer.
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Revit - Building Information Modeling (BIM) Certificate

The Revit Building Information Modeling Certificate consists of 12 credit hours. This curriculum prepares you for CAD design and drafting positions using Building Information Modeling (BIM). (BIM is an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering and construction professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct and manage buildings and infrastructure.
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Computer-Aided Design Certificate

In this 11-credit hour program, you’ll master the industry-leading software. You’ll learn to create 2D and 3D models used in manufacturing and design. The program also covers skills like drawing setup, drafting techniques and design fundamentals. You’ll gain hands-on experience to prepare for real-world challenges.


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What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

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Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.

99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.

To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.

We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.

Learn more about your options for paying for your education

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As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.

We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.

Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.

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Oakton College students celebrate graduating in full regalia.

Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Boguslaw Zapal
Professor and Chair
CAD/Mechanical Design and Manufacturing
A.A.S. Oakton College
B.S. University of Rzeszow, Poland
M.S. University of Rzeszow, Poland
bzapal@oakton.edu
847.376.7707
Office: P135, Skokie

Ken Albert
Engineering Technology Instructor
Niles West High School

Bill Barkules
Vice President, Engineering
ADA Metal Products, INC

Barb Butnik
Human Resources
Federal Mogul Sealing Systems

Jamie Chanez
RIGHTech Fabrications

Michael Cotton
Marketing Manager
OSG Tap & Die Inc.

Steve Elliott
New Product Development
Nu-Way Industries
(Precision Metal Products)

Jim Fitch
VP of Engineering
Nu-Way Industries

Tony Gemigani
General Manager
MAU Co, R.F.

Howard Goldstein
Owner
Stonecutters, INC

Timothy Hipp
Manager-Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing Technology
U.S. Fabrication
S&C Electric Company

Steven J. Huy
President
Ultra-Metric Tool Co.

Erik Iverson
President
Chicago Dial Indicator Co. Inc.

Jonathan Lawrence
Manufacturing Instructor
Evanston Township High School

Keiko Mimuro
Marketing Specialist
OSG Tap & Die Inc.

Gloria Kapica
Human Resources
United Displaycraft, INC.

Amy Romito Kastory
Executive Director
NSERVE

Chris Sikora
Associate Professor – Computer Aided Design
Elgin College

Gregory Turnowski
Engineer
Woodward MPC

Ron Worth
Principal, Co-Founder
Flashcut CNC


Ex-officio Members

Boguslaw Zapal 
Assistant Professor-Coordinator: Mechanical Design/CAD & Manufacturing
Oakton College

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