Professional Automotive Modeling Certificate Programs
Looking to launch a new career, make a change, or boost your art and design skills?
The CCS Certificate Programs in Professional Automotive Modeling prepare you for immediate employment as a 3D modeler in the transportation design industry.
You’ll master essential techniques highly sought after by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including: Hand modeling in clay for pre-visualization of final products, Creating 3D digital design concept models, and Developing striking production design presentations using Alias.
Who Should Apply?
Successful applicants generally have a high school diploma and some experience in fields like sculpture, ceramics, auto body work, drawing, or product design. Candidates must possess a strong sense of 3D form, a willingness to combine artistic finesse with technical accuracy, and a background in areas such as digital 3D modeling (Alias, Maya, CATIA, CAD, UG) or model-building.
Program Details
Courses must be completed in consecutive semesters. While the certificate represents the successful completion of all course requirements, it is not equivalent to a four-year undergraduate degree. You may enroll for credit or non-credit; however, non-credit courses are not transferable toward an undergraduate program.
The curriculum is overseen by Paul Snyder, Chair of CCS’s Transportation Design Department, and the program is managed by Jane Stewart, Director of the Precollege and Continuing Studies Department.
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.
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.
*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 due by August 1, 2026 for the Fall 2026 semester and December 20, 2026 for the Winter 2027 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.
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: $2,350 per course*
Material Fees: $950 per course**
Estimated Total Cost: $6,500 for two semesters
Apply Now!
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: $2,350 per course*
Fees: $50 per course**
Estimated Total Cost: $7,200 for three semesters
Register Now!