Drafting and Design Technology
Overview
Drafting and design technology programs prepare people to draw plans for architects, engineers, and others.Drafting and design technology programs teach people to use drafting machines, CAD programs, and drawing tools. Students learn to make calculations, estimate materials, and make blueprints.
Drafting and design technology programs include topics such as:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) programs
- Machine drafting
- Drafting calculations
- Blueprint reading
- Material estimation
- Technical communications
- Interpersonal communications
Concentrations
In drafting and design technology programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Electrical/Electronics Drafting & CAD/CADD
- Mechanical Drafting and CAD/CADD
- Civil Drafting and CAD/CADD
- Architectural Drafting and CAD/CADD
- CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology
Schools
Many community colleges and technical schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in drafting and design technology. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program at a community college usually takes two years of full-time study to complete.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in drafting and design technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering Technology
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Architecture
- Automotive Engineering Technology
- Building Construction Technology
- Cartography
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Composite Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering
- Construction Engineering Technology
- Construction Inspection
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Electromechanical Engineering Technology
- Engineering Technology, General
- Environmental Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Machine Shop Technology
- Manufacturing Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mining Technology
- Nuclear Technology
- Robotics Technology
- Solar Energy Technology
- Structural Engineering
- Surveying Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
- Engineering Technicians
- Industrial Designers
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program of study by getting your high school diploma or GED.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Algebra
- Business Computer Applications
- Drafting
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
An associate degree program in this field typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Advanced CADD Programming and Customization
- Algebra and Trigonometry
- Architectural Drafting
- Civil Drafting
- Computer Presentation and Animation
- Computer-Assisted Drafting and Design (CADD)
- Electromechanical Systems
- Electronics Drafting
- Fundamentals of Machining
- Introduction to Computers
- Mechanical/Industrial Drafting
- Technical Communication
Things to Know
Computer technology continues to change and new drafting software will be developed. You will need to take courses to keep your skills up to date.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla Community College
- Engineering Technology--CADD
- Engineering Technology--GIS, CADD, & Surveying
Walla Walla University
- Technology--Product Design
Wenatchee Valley College
- Digital Design
- Drafting Technology
King-Snohomish Area
Edmonds Community College
- Engineering Technology--Computer Aided Design & 3D Printing
Everett Community College
- Advanced Manufacturing Technology--Technical Design (CAD)
- Aerospace Design--CATIA v5
Green River College
- Design Drafting Technology
- Design Drafting Technology--Architectural Design Technology
- Design Drafting Technology--Civil Design Technology
Highline College
- CAD Technology
- Drafting
- Drafting Design
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
- Architectural Technology
- Architectural Technology--Revit
- Mechanical Design Technology
- Mechanical Design Technology--AutoCAD
- Mechanical Design Technology--CATIA
- Mechanical Design Technology--Solidworks
North Seattle College
- Advanced Design for Manufacturing
- Architecture Engineering Drafting
- CAD for Design and Construction
Renton Technical College
- Engineering Design Technology
Shoreline Community College
- Engineering--Solid Works
Kitsap Area
Olympic College
- Technical Design
- Technical Design--Architectural/Civil Technician
- Technical Design--Mechanical Technology
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Technology--BS in Applied Technology Option
Spokane Community College
- CAD Design & Drafting
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
Tacoma Area
Clover Park Technical College
- Architectural CAD Drafting
- Architectural Engineering Design
Tri-Cities Area
Columbia Basin College
- Engineering Technology
- Engineering Technology--Computer Aided Drafting
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Computer Aided Design & Drafting--Architectural CADD
- Computer Aided Design & Drafting--Civil CADD
- Computer Aided Design & Drafting--Mechanical CADD
West Side Area
Bellingham Technical College
- Engineering Technology--AutoCAD
- Engineering Technology--Mechanical Design
- Engineering Technology--Solidworks
Skagit Valley College
- Technical Design
- Technical Drawing
Yakima Area
Yakima Valley College
- CAD Technology
- Engineering Technology