The Mechanical Design and CAD Certificate at Oakton College prepares you for a rewarding career in drafting and design technology. Our program focuses on practical skills and hands-on training.
This certificate offers 30 credit hours of coursework designed to build expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) and mechanical design principles. You’ll gain in-demand skills across industries like manufacturing, engineering, and industrial design.
You’ll learn to create detailed 2D and 3D computer drawings and models used in manufacturing and prototyping, with a focus on real-world applications. You’ll also develop problem-solving skills to evaluate designs, select appropriate materials, and refine processes for production. Collaboration and communication are key components of this program, ensuring you’re prepared to work effectively in diverse teams and present ideas confidently.
This certificate offers a clear path to career advancement. It’s an ideal option for working adults looking to upskill or for starting a career in mechanical design. Flexible scheduling makes it easier to balance work, school, and other responsibilities.
The certificate provides the knowledge and tools you need to stand out in a competitive job market and increase your earning potential.
Explore the possibilities of a career in mechanical design and CAD at Oakton.
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
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