Professional Automotive Modeling Certificate Programs
Whether you are looking to develop a new career, make a career change or enhance your existing art or design skills, CCS certificate programs in Professional Automotive Modeling can help.
The certification programs in Professional Automotive Modeling prepare you for employment as a 3D modeler in transportation and product design industries. Learn the essential techniques of hand modeling for pre-visualizing of final products in clay, creating 3D digital design concept models or striking presentations of production designs using Alias, each of these skill sets is highly desired by OEMs.
Successful participants of the program have a high school diploma, some knowledge of any of the following: sculpture, ceramics, modeling making, auto body, a strong sense of 3D form, digital 3D modeling (Alias, Maya, CATIA, CAD, UG), drawing, drafting, product design, mechanical drawing, model-building, model-making, woodworking, and are willing to combine artistic finesse with technical accuracy.
Courses are to be completed in consecutive semesters. The certificate earned represents the successful completion of all course requirements, however it is not the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree. Courses are offered for credit or non-credit; non-credit courses are not transferable to an undergraduate program of study.
Curricula for both programs is overseen by CCS’s Transportation Design Department Chair, Paul Snyder. The program is managed by the Precollege and Continuing Studies Department Director, Jane Stewart.
Two Available Tracks
Participants in each track of study will attend their own courses within the stated term dates. Participants must register for each course separately during the stated registration dates. CCS recommends enrolling in and completing one track of study before enrolling in the second.
For all Professional Automotive Modeling certificate tracks, students are expected to work an additional 3 or more hours per week in the studio/software outside of the class time to be successful in this program.
Clay Modeling
Clay modeling is a critical skill that allows OEMs to previsualize automotive designs in 3D before going into production. In the first semester, students will learn essential automotive clay modeling skills while creating a speed form. Students will continue polishing their skills creating a 1/4th scale clay model of a production vehicle orthographic drawings.
During the second semester, students will focus on the artistry of clay sculpting, interpreting automotive design sketches from the CCS Transportation Design department. Two courses are required: ADTR 366 – Clay Modeling I (only available in the Fall semester) and ADTR 367 – Clay Modeling 2 (only available Winter Semester).
The certificate program is limited to six students per year.
Clay Modeling Tuition & Fees
Non-Credit Tuition: $2,300 per course*
Material Fees: $950 per course**
Estimated Total Cost: $6,500 for two semesters
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Alias® – Digital 3D Modeling
OEMs need digital sculptors who can prepare math data files for manufacture. This requires the ability to work with fine detail, problem solve structural and design issues and work at a high level of skills in Alias. Though involved in the creative process, sculptors are the last link between design and manufacturing and need to communicate well with both designers and engineers. The courses required: ADTR 231 – Alias I; ADTR 362 – Alias III; ADTR 461 – Alias IV.
Alias Digital Modeling Tuition & Fees
Three courses are required.
Non-Credit tuition: $2,300 per course*
Fees: $50 per course**
Estimated Total Cost: $7,050 for three semesters
Registration Opens March 1, 2025
Financial Aid
Non-credit Certification programs are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Therefore, completing a FASFA is not recommended. If you need financial assistance, you should research: private loans through banks, MiWorks!, TAA retraining program, and employer education/training vouchers.
There are currently no scholarship opportunities for this program through CCS.
International Student Visas for Certificate Students
CCS authorizes I-20 visa applications only for degree programs. CCS is unable to assist students who need visas for any certificate programs. Students currently holding a work/study visa with authorization for short-term study should contact the Precollege and Continuing Studies Office at 313.664.7456 to determine eligibility to attend.
Tuition and Fee Payments
*Students accepted into the PAM Clay Modeling program will receive notification via email by April 15th. Students must hold their spot with a $300 deposit by May 15th. Failure to place a deposit may result in a student losing their spot in the program.
PAM Digital Modeling students who wish to hold their seat may register directly with a $300 deposit.
Full payment for both the Clay Modeling and Digital Modeling certificate programs are are due by August 1, 2025 for the Fall 2025 semester and December 20, 2025 for the Winter 2026 semester. Payment Plans are available through ACI. CCS accepts all major credit cards, check, money orders. If you are eligible for employee tuition assistance programs, you may submit an authorized voucher from your employer at the time of registration.
** The college reserves the right to withdraw or change the program format, instructors and schedules; to revise tuition and fee structures; and to amend college policies for the efficient operation of the college. Tuition and fee rates are subject to change at any time.