Objectives
Drafting is a graphic language used by industry to communicate ideas and plans from the creative-design stage through production. Computer drafting and design is one way to produce drawings in traditional design and drafting fields. This program combines wherever appropriate computer-aided drafting with conventional methods of graphic communication to solve drafting and basic design-related problems. The program will help graduates prepare to work in entry-level positions in many diverse areas of technical drafting and design.

Students will be exposed to both classroom theory and laboratory projects. Students will be required to create a variety of drawings of various sizes on different drawing media, and will use conventional as well as computer-aided drafting equipment.

The goal of the Computer Drafting and Design program is to help the student acquire the skills to enter the workplace as a versatile draftsperson able to make basic design decisions and capable of addressing the challenges of future technological advances in the drafting and design profession.

Career Opportunities
Many industries use drafters who can translate ideas, sketches and specifications of an engineer, architect or designer into complete and accurate working plans needed to make products, engineer projects or create structures. Graduates may begin their careers in a variety of entry-level positions in various fields involving drafting and design, some of which include mechanical drafting, piping drafting, architectural and construction drafting, civil drafting, interior design, illustration and design detailing. The availability of micro-CAD systems has enabled even small drafting firms to utilize computer-aided drafting and design.

Graduates who have difficulty distinguishing colors may not be able to perform the essential functions of various positions involving computer drafting and design.

Admission Requirements
Refer to the Admission section of this catalog for information relating to Admission Requirements and Procedures for this program.

School Equipment
Students will have the opportunity to use the following school equipment as required throughout the program: drawing tables, light tables, parallel edges and print machines. The CAD laboratory is equipped with micro-CAD terminals, plotters and a draft printer. Students regularly use smaller tools such as portable drafting boards, drafting instruments, scales and calculators. Refer to Student Equipment in the Online Course Information section of this catalog for information relating to the student equipment requirements for the distance education courses that are taught online over the Internet.

Class Size
Classes range in size from 15 to 35 students. Depending on the course subject matter, certain classes may contain a greater or lesser number of students.

Program Outline

To view a list of the course descriptions, please click here.