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What is Drafting?
A drafting degree is a field of study emphasizing the composition of drawings to communicate functionality or construction details. Drafting and Design Technology is a critical function to communicate ideas from person to person and industry to industry. In an effort to effectively communicate ideas, a drafter will often utilize a common set of nomenclature. A common set of the following has been standardized and codified within the drafter's community: symbols, units of measurement, perspectives, notation systems, page layout, and visual styles. Unlike artistic drawings, a technical drawing will only have a singular interpretation thanks to the work by a drafter and design technologist.
Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types
Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS
2025 Best Drafting Degree
Rolla Technical Institute is a technical and vocational school in Rolla, Missouri. Drawing and design, automotive technology, cabinetmaking, and firefighting and rescue are among the educational programs available. The institution offers a drafting and design program wherein students will learn about architectural, mechanical, and survey drafting. It is a 2-year program that helps students learn about how to build, prepare, and illustrate the various types of products. The areas of study of the program include architectural drafting, survey drafting, traditional board members, geographic information system, and design techniques.
Acceptance Rate
64
Tuition
$10,800 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology-Memphis is committed to providing students with competitive training programs so that they can better adapt to the demands of today's workforce. It has cutting-edge facilities and offers full-time courses, online degrees, and business training in addition to higher education.
The institution offers a full-time program in computer-aided design technology that helps students become prepared to have work in the field. The program will develop the skills and knowledge of students in drafting electrical circuits, structures, machines, and maps. Students will also receive a certificate of a diploma upon completing the 1,728 clock hours.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,011 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers an outstanding education. Job specific courses are offered as well as academic courses. The institute is located in sunny Naples, Florida. Tuition runs from $3,500 to $9,000 depending on the program of study, which is lower than most schools that offer technical training. The center was started in 1974 and originally offered 13 programs to over 300 students. The school’s name was changed in 1988 to the James Lorenzo Walker Vocational Technical Center. James Walker played a key role in establishing the school. Finally, the name of the school was altered to the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. The institute is fully accredited. Individuals looking for career training have a lot of options at the Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology. Courses are offered in Accounting Operations, Automotive Technology, Automotive Collision and Repairing and Refinishing, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Nursing, Child Care Center Operations, Commercial Foods and Culinary Arts, surgical technology, Cosmetology, nails specialty, Drafting, multimedia design, ELCATE, Facial Specialist, and Licensed Practical Nurse. Lorenzo Walker Institute of Technology offers many outstanding services. Child care is offered as well as help for students with disabilities. Career counseling, tutoring, test accommodations, and help with state exams is available for individuals with disabilities. Job placement is offered and helps employers and students connect with each other. The advisor works with instructors to offer employment opportunities that meet the needs of the students. The schools employment advisor helps with job placement, but job placement cannot be guaranteed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,242 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Manatee Technical College is a community and technical college with the aim of preparing our community and workforce. Through collaborative and creative education, it attracts highly qualified and resourceful individuals. Individuals who aspire to become drafters can enroll in the drafting degree program offered by the institution. It prepares students for rewarding employment in the field of drafting including mechanical, structural, architectural, and civil. The program also emphasizes helping students receive industry certification in software programs. Upon completion, students will be able to create 2D and 3D drafting from modeling applications.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,332 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Tennessee Technology Center, located in Shelbyville, Tennessee, began operation in 1964 through a bill passed by the Tennessee General Assembly the previous year. The school operated under the supervision of the Tennessee department of education, though this changed in 1983 when control was given to the Tennessee Board of Regents System, becoming one the 46 schools that comprise the system. The school is a public two year institution dedicated to providing quality career training for residents in the region.
Academics
Students of Tennessee Technology Center will earn a diploma or certificate through one of the many career programs available at the school. These programs are for high demand fields, and provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully work in a professional environment immediately after graduation. The school is dedicated to providing students with a quality education to assist in their development and allow for career growth.
Programs offered include:
- Practical Nursing
- Welding
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
- Drafting and CAD
- Automotive Technology
Admissions and Financial Aid
Students wishing to enroll at Tennessee Technical Center must complete and admissions application, be a high school graduate or hold an equivalent GED, show proof of vaccination, and take a basic skills assessment test. Financial aid is available in the form of grants. Eligibility and awards are determined through a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which provides all the information necessary for the school to review.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$6,605 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
LeTourneau University encourages students to engage in community service by serving, studying, and putting their ideas into action. It also provides hands-on training from experienced faculty who are enthusiastic about their respective fields. Students who are interested in drafting can enroll in the computer-aided design and drafting degree offered by the university. Students will be taught by experienced instructors who are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and skills about solid modeling software and two-dimensional microcomputers. The course will also include the introduction to techniques and methods that are essential for a career in the industry.
Acceptance Rate
44.51
Student to Faculty Ratio
11:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro is one of the 47 institutions that are governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents System. TTC-Murfreesboro is an AA/EEO school which means that it accepts students from different races, nationality, disability, age, sex and color. It is located near the airport and the Old Fork Pathway, the TTC-Murfreesboro is very accessible to everyone.
The school is affiliated with different organizations which include the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, American Technical Education Association, Council on Occupational Education, National Vocational-Technical Honor Society and SkillsUSA. This is the reason why TTC-Murfreesboro is dedicated in developing programs that will produce highly competitive graduates in different industries.
Currently, the school offers fulltime and part-time programs to those who wish to earn credits in automotive technology, business systems technology, computer information technology, cosmetology, dental assisting, CAD technology, web development, HVAC technology, industrial electrical maintenance, phlebotomy, practical nursing and surgical technology. Aside from the fulltime and part-time programs, the school also offers online courses and distance learning education to those who want to get certificates in a particular industrial process.
TTC-Murfreesboro is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents which means that the tuition fee rates are the same for all technical centers. In fact, the flat rate per credit hour is $183 which was implemented during the academic year of 2012-2013. On the other hand, being governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents also has some advantages as students who wish to transfer to a local community college or state university can easily transfer their credential from TTC-Murfreesboro. To date, the TBR has six universities and 14 community colleges affiliated under the system.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$5,105 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
The Tennessee Institute of Applied Technology – Morristown is dedicated to providing students with competitive training so that they can better adapt to workplace demands. The institution has cutting-edge facilities and offers full-time and part-time courses, online degrees, and adult training in addition to higher education learning programs.
Individuals who are looking for a flexible degree in drafting and computer-aided design can enroll in the 1,728-clock hour program of the institution. Students will be taught how to translate rough sketches, ideas, specifications, notes, and calculations of architects, designers, and engineers. Students who will complete the program can earn a certification or diploma that they can use for employment in the field.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Ball State University was founded in 1918 with the aim to serve the community of Muncie, Indiana. Today, the university serves more than 21,000 students and offers over 220 undergraduate and graduate degrees on its 1000-acre campus. It offers a minor program called design technology that teaches students to prepare documentation and technical drawing that are important in reports, technical positions, and modern production. Students will gain technical knowledge of the process, application, and materials in design as well as the interdisciplinary principles and concepts to solve design problems. Graduates of this program will learn to practice professionalism and effective work ethics while developing sustainable designs.
Acceptance Rate
76.71
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Because of its rebranding, Washington Holmes – Technical Center is now known as Florida Panhandle Technical College. It provides a healthy atmosphere that encourages responsible and ethical behavior. It offers excellent technical and academic training with the goal of improving students' skills and preparing them to work in the industry.
It offers a 1500-hour drafting program that can be done within 50 weeks. Students of the program will learn to use computers to turn the specializations and concepts of engineers, architects, and other designers into blueprints. Some of the courses covered in the program focus on various types of drafting such as structural, civil, architectural, and more. Students are required to be 16 years old and older to become eligible for the program.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,890 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Students will further their expertise in their chosen field of interest at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Jackson. It provides services that provide students with outstanding hands-on career development education. Students who are interested to learn about rapid prototyping systems, drawing techniques, the use of engineering handbooks, and the like can enroll in the college’s computer-aided design technology program. Students are required to participate in the full classes for 16 months to earn a diploma or certificate in the field. Students will also gain knowledge in the material selection as well as the manufacturing process of the materials.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
The Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Newbern is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. It is a technical school that aims to produce excellent and competitive students that are adept in working at highly in-demand industries. The school is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and ranks as the number one supplier of qualified workforce in the city of Newbern in Tennessee.
Contributing to the growth and development of the community, TTC-Newbern invests on exceptional faculty members and staffs as well as state-of-the-art facilities to make learning more conducive to the students. The school currently offers fulltime programs that can easily be completed within two years. Such programs include automotive technology, CAD technology, computer information technology, business systems, electronics technology, machine tools technology, practical nursing and welding.
Interested students who wish to apply in TTC-Newbern should know about the tuition fee rate. Since the school is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, the tuition fee remains the same across all technical schools under the system. Since the academic year of 2012 to 2013, the tuition fee rate remains at $183 for basic programs while programs such as practical nursing is $100 higher than the flat rate.
On the other hand, most graduates from TTC-Newbern seek to continue higher education in community colleges and state universities. Fortunately, the Tennessee Board of Regents also governs six state universities and 14 community colleges so students will find it easier to transfer their credits in the future. Examples of the accredited colleges and universities include the Tennessee University, Cleveland State Community College and Jackson State Community College.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,236 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
Established in 1890, the University of Oklahoma in Norman aims to give the best possible experience for students in terms of education, teaching, creative activity, research, and service to the community.
The college of architecture at the University of Oklahoma offers a planning, design, and construction program wherein students are given the opportunity to deepen their expertise in drafting and construction. With the guidance of faculty members, the students will obtain knowledge in interior design, construction science, planning process, architecture, and many more. Students can also take elective courses in geography, history, science, and engineering to broaden their abilities in or out of their field.
Acceptance Rate
80.41
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
SUNY College of Technology at Alfred is a student-centered state university. It offers students hands-on learning and outstanding training programs to improve their skills and prepare them for successful careers. It has a pleasant atmosphere, can host approximately 4,000 students, and offers more than 100 student groups in addition to 80 majors.
Through the School of Design and Architecture, the university has developed a degree program that concentrates on architecture technology. It is designed to provide a comprehensive architectural education for students that can be completed in four years. The school aims to give students the ability to broaden and deepen their ideas to plan and create their own unique designs. Its curriculum also teaches students to participate in sustainable social innovation and the urban renewal process.
Acceptance Rate
66.74
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
East Carolina University is recognized for being a provider of research and academic excellence that serves eastern North Carolina and beyond. It offers nearly 200 degree programs in business, health, technology, sciences, education, marketing, engineering, and more.
The bachelor’s degree in drafting and design is one of the programs developed by the university. It helps students to become architects, mechanical designers, technologies who are experts in the field. It has a purpose to teach students about site development, planning, designing, construction, and other related courses. Throughout the program, students will also focus on the techniques and methods that are used in sustainable contemporary designs.
Acceptance Rate
78.72
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Mid-Florida Tech, located in Orlando, Florida, was founded in 1963 to provide residents of Orange County vocational and technical training opportunities. The school maintains relationships with area employers to provide work opportunities to graduates and internships for current students. The school occupies 106 acres in southwest Orange County, and its facilities are among the most modern and advances in the state of Florida.
Academics
Mid-Florida Tech offers career training through technical and vocational educational programs. Students are asked to think critically and apply developing skills in a practical setting. The goal of the programs is to prepare students to work in professional environments within their area of study immediately after graduation. The school assists in placement where it can through established relationships with community based employers. Additionally, the school is home to the Central Florida Fire Academy, which trains individuals in firefighting and emergency service.
Programs offered include:
- Culinary Arts
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Air Conditioning Technology
- Automotive Service technology
- Applied Welding Technology
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals interested in enrolling at Mid-Florida Tech must be sixteen years of age and no longer in high school, must demonstrate proof of residency, and must complete a basic skill test. Applicants to the firefighting, medical technician or emergency vehicle driving programs may have to fulfill additional requirements. Students seeking financial aid must visit the financial aid office and complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Orange County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Financial Aid Checklist. Financial ais is available in the form of private scholarships and federal PELL grants.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$2,240 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
The D G Erwin Technical center is an educational facility located in Tampa, FL that is dedicated to preparing students for entry into the work force. Erwin has programs that are designed to train you in a number of different career types including: industrial, health, business, and design. The D G Erwin Technical Center strives to make sure you are qualified for any certifications or employments that may be ahead of you.
There are a number of courses on offer at D G Erwin Technical Center including: drafting, culinary arts, welding, and many more. Full time classes are designed to give the student everything needed for an entry level position in their chosen career field
There are a number of special programs available for non native English speakers to help with transition. There is a GED assistance program available for both English and Non-English speakers who attend the center. D G Erwin also offers career planning services in order to help you ensure your success after completing their courses. These services include planning out realistic career goals as well as information on job markets, career fairs, and a recommendation.
The annual tuition for D G Erwin Technical Center is just under $2800. All admissions testing must be taken on site at the technical center and functions on a first come first served basis.
If you would like to look further in to what the D G Erwin Technical Center has to offer and how to apply then you can visit their official website.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$3,818 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Western Michigan University was established in 1903 as a research institution in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Offering classes in business, health, engineering, and many more, it can accommodate more than 20,000 students each year.
Individuals who are interested pursue an education that concentrates on drafting and design can enroll in the engineering design technology offered by the university. It offers courses that cover computer-aided engineering, manufacturing, and design to analyze the potential worth of products that can be used in construction. Students will experience excellent hands-on learning inside and beyond the classroom including internships, seminars, and many more.
Acceptance Rate
79.86
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
McFatter Technical Center, located in Davie, Fl, provides vocational and transfer programs for students. MTC is part of the Broward County Public School District, and operates a magnet high school on its campus. The McFatter Technical Center offers technical programs that prepare students for careers in technically demanding fields, and provides a quality education on order to ensure their success.
Academics
McFatter Technical Center offers many programs in a number of fields and has a teaching staff dedicated to ensuring that students have the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen career.
Some of the programs offered include:
- Culinary Arts
- Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Automotive Technology
- Architecture & Engineering
Admissions and Financial Aid
All applicants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or GED, and must meet the basic education requirement (which can be fulfilled prior to program completion). Financial aid is available to students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and it is recommended that students meet with a financial aid counselor once their FAFSA is processed.
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,455 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
Atlantic Technical Center, located in Coconut Creek, Florida, was founded in 1973 and was originally known as the Atlantic Vocational Center. The school was established to provide career training options for individuals residing in Broward County. Originally the school served 450 students across 11 programs, but has seen enrollment grow to over 8000 during the day classes alone. The school has over the years kept pace with its growth by adding additional facilities and programs. The school also maintains a magnet high school to provide additional education options in the area.
Academics
Atlantic Technical Center provides individuals with education and training in high demand fields for the purposes of long term employment upon completion. Programs take between one and two years to complete, and are taught through traditional classroom and practical courses. Practical courses are controlled environments that recreate real world settings and allow students to practice skills under the supervision of trained professionals. Upon completion students will be able to enter the workforce as qualified specialists in their area of study.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
ATC will admit any individuals over the age of eighteen that wish to pursue education and training in a technical high demand field. Individuals should supply transcripts and test scores if available, and may be required to complete a placement exam for certain programs. Students should also meet with a counselor to determine program choice and enrollment. Financial aid is available in the form of loan and grants which are awarded based on need and applied for by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Acceptance Rate
-
Tuition
$4,482 / year
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Penn Commercial Business – Technical School was established in 1929 with the aim of enhancing an individual's career through high-quality education. The school's programs have evolved over the years to meet the demands of today's in-demand professions.
The school has developed a program that focuses on computer-aided design and drafting that helps students create a detailed set of plans and drawings. Students can complete the program within 18 months wherein they’ll receive an associate degree upon graduation. Some of the courses of the program include technical mathematics, ethics, communication, and drafting lessons focusing on pipes, technology, machine, structure, and others.
Acceptance Rate
75.46
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
The mission of Sam Houston State University is to provide high-quality research, service, education, and scholarship to students and to the national and international communities. It was founded in 1879 with the aim to train individuals to become teachers.
The Engineering Design Technology program of the university aims to provide outstanding hands-on experience in the prototyping, electronics, design, safety, renewable energy, and electrical fields. Throughout the program, students will be taught about problem-solving skills, utilization of engineering graphics, and technology innovation. Graduates of the program will have an opportunity to work in various career fields including manufacturing, electrical, architecture, engineering, construction, and more.
Acceptance Rate
83.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
N.A
With more than 250 graduate, certificate, and undergraduate degree programs, South Dakota State University serves over 10,000 students each year. It has been operating since 1881 in the city of Brookings, South Dakota.
With the help of the university’s school of design, students are able to take programs that concentrate on various design, arts, and architecture majors and minors. Students who are interested to study designing, planning, drafting, and constructing their ideas into real-life projects can enroll in a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Upon completion, graduates can have an opportunity to work as architects, city planners, historic preservationists, architectural technicians, and city managers among others.
Acceptance Rate
90.04
Student to Faculty Ratio
17:1
As a Catholic institution, Siena Heights University was founded in 1919 to help people become more purposeful, ethical, and competent. It is located in Adrian, Michigan, and serves more than 10,000 students yearly. One of its courses is the computer-aided drafting major program wherein students can learn about the 3D and 2D dimension designs. Students will be trained through the use of software programs that are essential for a career in the design and drafting field. It is a 3-credit hours course that provides an opportunity for students to apply the skills and techniques they have learned to their future projects.
Acceptance Rate
73.4
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
From 1870 to 1913, the University of Akron was known as Buchtel College. It is now a STEM-focused institution with over 16,000 students and faculty focusing on polymers, materials, and engineering. The University of Akron offers a certificate program that concentrates on drafting and computer drafting. It is developed by the department of science technology and engineering and has a total of 17-credit hours. Students will learn how to survey drafting, plan reading, 3-D modeling and design, computer-aided drawing, fundamentals of engineering, and introduction to the land and geographic information systems.
Acceptance Rate
73.04
Student to Faculty Ratio
18:1
Top Drafting Degrees
Historically, a design course would require students to spend countless credit hours working at a drafting table meticulously drawing, sketching, updating, and revising blueprints. Today, students will spend the majority of their time on a computer. Drafting via a computer in class and in the field, helps drafters quickly design and iterate given changes in plans or aesthetics. Degree seeking students will find a school profile overview here or with the school's admissions team for drafting and industrial design degree programs. Thegeneral education state is driven by local guidance forindustrial design majors and drafters.
Popular drafting degrees include certificate programs and associate degrees. Each program can provide substantive value to students as they prepare to enter the workforce. The program that is best for you depends on your goals and aspirations. Take the time to dig into each program and select the path that suits you best.
Certificate Drafter Programs
Classroom-based certificates or online certificates in drafting are focused courses that provide students with the essentials. Classes can be focused on a variety of drafting programs that include general, architectural, mechanical, civil, CAD, CAM, as well as online versions of each class. Certificate programs in the drafting and industrial design program will help students understand the basics of dimensioning, prototyping, designing, constructing pictorial designs, extracting data, create 3D drawings, and interfacing 2D & 3D elements. Industrial design students will find the classroom lectures will be mixed with hands-on learning opportunities to help students become career ready.
Associate Degrees for Drafters
An associate degree in drafting can be conferred as an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS). You will find the degree conferred in specific ways in the schools course catalog as a function of the curricular design and program emphasis. Associate degrees will generally take students 2-years to complete. The program will include a blend of liberal arts classes with drafting courses. General education credits may include classes like philosophy, sociology, history, art, economics, and communications.
Core drafting classes will vary slightly from school to school. However, most programs will include a common set of classes that will typically include:
- Technical Drawing
- Geometry
- Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)
- Electrical Drafting
- Instrumentation Drawing & Design
- Construction Materials
- Construction Methods and Processes
- Residential Architectural Drawing
- Commercial Architecture
- Pipe Drafting
- Mechanical Design
- Civil Drafting
- Machine Shop Essentials
Drafter Requirements for Students
In terms of educational requirements, drawing and design degree holders will have typically studied the following courses while in college:
- English Language
- Construction
- Math
- Engineering
- Communications
- Education & Curriculum Training
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:
Work Overview & Drafter Specializations
For students that earn a college degree in Drafting and Design Technology, there are several fields of specialization that one can pursue. The options range from drafters work full time or part time teaching, architects, civil engineers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, landscape architects, mechanical engineers, and surveyor to name a few possible career tracks.
Employment Growth & Drafters Career Outlook
The job growth in the greater architectural design domain is expected to remain steady for the foreseeable future. For example, the rate of job growth for drafters is expected to remain steady through 2024 and architects 7% growth rate is expected during the same period. Given the broad nature of the architectural design degrees, compensation after graduation can vary greatly from career field to career field given prior experience and geographic location. Related fields include architects, teaching, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial designer, surveyor, construction management, and engineering management.
Student Drafting & Engineering Associations
- Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA)
- ACM SIGGRAPH
- American Design and Drafting Association (ADDA)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- ANSI Online
- Association of Professional Model Makers (APMM)
- ASCE
- ASME
- CAD Society
- JT Open
- ISO Online
- National CAD Standard (NCS)
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
- OpenGL.org
- SME
- SPEC