Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Abstract

This study investigated what community colleges were teaching in CAD associate degree programs in manufacturing and construction fields, and what knowledge and skills were required to empower CAD students to become successful in the workplace. In order to better meet business and industry needs, a model curriculum for CAD associate degree programs was developed and presented. This model curriculum could more effectively prepare students with the required knowledge and skills for successful employment. A three-round Delphi technique was used to collect data from CAD professors at community colleges and experts in industry. A total of 32 members in the Panel of Institution Experts, and a total of 30 members in the Panel of Industry Experts were selected from 29 states in four regions of the United States using a stratified random sampling method. The analysis of demographic data revealed geographic representation, professional background, and rich experience for the members of the two panels. The study found that AutoCAD was dominant in industry for CAD applications, and AutoCAD was the primary software used for CAD programs at community colleges. Also, the study found that all the surveyed colleges were accredited by six major regional accreditation agencies, and all the colleges were satisfied with program outcomes. In addition, a list of forty-seven items of required knowledge and skills were identified by the two panels, which should be included in the model curriculum as key elements. As a result of the study, a model curriculum, containing a core curriculum with 24 courses in four categories plus suggested generalEducation courses, was validated by the two panels. This ideal curriculum for CAD associate degree programs provided a combination of solid theoretical foundation, classroom studies, and laboratory practice. To make it deliverable at community colleges, adjustments may be necessary to accommodate generalEducation courses and the core curriculum courses for an individual college.

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