Best institutions to study 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the use of three-dimensional (3-D) computer technology to create technical illustrations and models used in manufacturing, design, production, and construction.
13 U.S. institutions graduated 62 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.1307, a specialization of Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.13), and leads most directly to the Architectural and Civil Drafters occupation (BLS SOC 17-3011).
About 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the use of three-dimensional (3-D) computer technology to create technical illustrations and models used in manufacturing, design, production, and construction. Includes instruction in 3-D computer-aided design (CAD), 3-D printing, 3-D model design and construction, and 3-D scanning.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to utilize advanced three-dimensional computer technology for creating technical illustrations and models. This program is ideal for students interested in the fields of engineering and design, particularly those who aspire to work in manufacturing, construction, and production environments.
Students in this program will gain expertise in 3-D computer-aided design (CAD), 3-D printing, model design and construction, and 3-D scanning. Core skills include reading comprehension, mathematics, and critical thinking, all essential for effective drafting and design.
Credentials awarded
What 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year26 graduates / yr · 8 institutions42%
- Associate's degree25 graduates / yr · 4 institutions40%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years10 graduates / yr · 3 institutions16%
- Master's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution1.6%
Graduates over time
3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 62 |
CIP 15.1307 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 13 institutions for 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Macomb Community College Warren, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 12 | 18% | — | $44,701 |
| 2 | Carroll Community College Westminster, MDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 10 | 39% | — | — |
| 3 | Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MIPublicAssociate's | 9 | 21% | — | $45,844 |
| 4 | Ventura Adult and Continuing Education Ventura, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 97% | — | — |
| 5 | Front Range Community College Westminster, COPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 35% | — | $33,893 |
| 6 | Yavapai College Prescott, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 34% | — | — |
| 7 | Clackamas Community College Oregon City, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 23% | — | — |
| 8 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 28% | — | — |
| 9 | Linn - Benton Community College Albany, ORPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 29% | — | — |
| 10 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 59% | — | — |
| 11 | Wayne County Community College District Detroit, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 22% | — | — |
| 12 | Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NEPublicAssociate's | 1 | 38% | — | $41,599 |
| 13 | State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, NYPublicMaster's | 1 | 72% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.13) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 9 states
Where 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 3 | 22 | Macomb Community College12 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 10 | Carroll Community College10 / yr |
| Arizona | 2 | 7 | Yavapai College5 / yr |
| California | 1 | 7 | Ventura Adult and Continuing Education7 / yr |
| Oregon | 2 | 6 | Clackamas Community College4 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 6 | Front Range Community College6 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 2 | Utah State University2 / yr |
| Nebraska | 1 | 1 | Southeast Community College Area1 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 1 | State University of New York at New Paltz1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3011, Architectural and Civil Drafters, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as architectural and civil drafters, among other related occupations. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 10,000 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $64,280, typically requiring an associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.1307
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Architectural and Civil Draftersprimary SOC 17-3011 | $66,150 | +4.1% About as fast as average | ~10,000 | Associate's degree |
Mechanical Drafters SOC 17-3013 | $71,550 | -6.5% Decline | ~3,300 | Associate's degree |
Electrical and Electronics Drafters SOC 17-3012 | $76,870 | -5.6% Decline | ~1,700 | Associate's degree |
Drafters, All Other SOC 17-3019 | $63,520 | -6.9% Decline | ~1,300 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting devices.
- Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches or notes.
- Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to graphically represent building plans.
- Analyze building codes, by-laws, space and site requirements, and other technical documents and reports to determine their effect on architectural designs.
- Draw maps, diagrams, and profiles, using cross-sections and surveys, to represent elevations, topographical contours, subsurface formations, and structures.
- Lay out and plan interior room arrangements for commercial buildings, using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment and software.
Tools and technology used
Other Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 7 other 6-digit CIP codes under Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.13).
- Drafting and Design Technology/CIP 15.1301
Technician 4,212 graduates / yr217 institutions - CAD/CIP 15.1302
CADD Drafting and/ or Design Technology/ Technician 3,206 graduates / yr179 institutions - Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CIP 15.1303
CADD 1,734 graduates / yr106 institutions - Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CIP 15.1306
CADD 911 graduates / yr101 institutions - Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CIP 15.1304
CADD 87 graduates / yr12 institutions - Electrical/CIP 15.1305
Electronics Drafting and Electrical/ Electronics CAD/ CADD 76 graduates / yr12 institutions - Drafting/CIP 15.1399
Design Engineering Technologies/ Technicians partial data57 graduates / yr8 institutions
See all Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What is the duration of the program?+
The program typically awards credentials within 12 weeks to less than 2 academic years.
What types of credentials can I earn?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks, an Associate's degree, or an Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in 3-D modeling, CAD, mathematics, and critical thinking.
What career opportunities are available after graduation?+
Graduates can work as architectural and civil drafters, with a strong job outlook and competitive wages.
What is the CIP code for 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician?+
3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician is CIP 15.1307 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.13). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the use of three-dimensional (3-D) computer technology to create technical illustrations and models used in manufacturing, design, production, and construction. Includes instruction in 3-D computer-aided design (CAD), 3-D printing, 3-D model design and construction, and 3-D scanning.
How many institutions offer 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician programs?+
13 U.S. institutions reported 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 9 states, awarding 62 credentials in the year. That is 0.6% of all Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Architectural and Civil Drafters occupation, which 3-D Modeling and Design Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $66,150 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $44,701 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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