2D / 3D CAD Certificate

About the Online CAD Certificate

Penn State's 2D/3D CAD non-credit certificate was created by individuals with years of experience in AutoCAD and SolidWorks. The two online courses are designed for architects, drafters, engineers, technicians, or anyone desiring formal training in computer-aided design.

Certificate Requirements

To receive the non-credit 2D/3D CAD Certificate, participants must successfully complete the two required courses, maintain at least a "C" average, and pass a final project/examination given during the last session of each course.

Career Potential

AutoCAD and SolidWorks are commonly requested skills throughout Northeast, PA, specifically in manufacturing companies. While a portion of the positions require an Engineering Bachelor’s degree plus AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks; other positions including Drafter, Engineering Technician and Commercial and Industrial Designers are also needed.

Source: Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insight™ Real-time Labor Market Information tool.

Online CAD Course Offerings

3D with SolidWorks – CSE 5451

In the first half of the 2D/3D series, participants will be introduced to SolidWorks, which includes parametric modeling, solid geometry concepts, feature design tree, geometric relations and construction tools, the BORN construction technique, part drawings and associate functionality, reference geometry and auxiliary views, symmetrical features in design, assembly modeling, and more. As a result of having taken this class, students will have begun preparation to take the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam.

  • Dates:  January 14 - April 1, 2025
  • Times: Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom 
  • Cost: $925

Register for 3D w/ SOLIDWORKS

2D with AutoCAD – CSE 5450

In the second half of this 2D/3D series, participants will be provided with an introduction to AutoCAD which includes: CAD tools, basic draw commands, basic edit commands, layers, CAD construction techniques, creating text, block and drawing import options, dimensions, crosshatching, grips, introduction to layouts, and plotting basics.  Participants will acquire the fundamental skills necessary for the development of mechanical, architectural, and/or civil drawings. 

  • Dates: April 3, 2025 - May 1, 2025
  • Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
  • Location: Online Instructor-led training via Zoom 
  • Cost: $925

Register for 2D W/AutoCAD


Please contact 570-963-2600 or email [email protected] for information or to be place on our mailing list.

Note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.