Best Universities for 3D Design degree?

Is a quick career change into 3D CAD/3D printing design possible?

• Specifically, ramping up with short courses / bootcamp / certification / self-study in Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks or similar for use in 3D Printing. Or is a 4 year industrial design degree the only path available? By way of background, I'm a burned out Web designer with a recent passion for 3D Printing design. I REALLY like the process of 3D modeling (using ZBrush and SketchUp now) and seeing that model in the real world. Beyond selling my own creations or one off freelancing, is there (formal, full time) work out there for self starters like myself?

• Answer:

  CAD was a requirement for me when I was pursuing aerospace engineering.  It was a lot of fun and a 3 month course as part of an undergrad curriculum.  I would say that learning to draft and use the programs can easily be self-taught.  But real applications (eg. drafting something for CNC milling) will require schooling and practice.  You'll need to learn the standard convention for spec'ing out your drawings, tolerances etc.  The more critical the application is, the more you have to learn. As for making a living, 3D printing is still at the early stage of adoption, so it's not a sure thing.  CAD designer or draftsman is probably the better bet.