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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

2024 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The California University of Pennsylvania aims to provide high-quality education in a student-centered environment that prepares students to contribute responsibly to the national and global society. The university was established in 1852 to help the community of California, Pennsylvania, and its surroundings.

Associate degree in drafting and computer-aided design program aims to provide students with the knowledge, experience, and practical skills in design, computer-aided drawing, and technical drafting using the latest software. Students of this program will also gain knowledge in precision measuring tools and manufacturing processes of materials. The program has a total of 60 credit hours that covers courses such as engineering technology, interpreting technical drawings, and various elective courses. 

Acceptance Rate

97.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Youngstown State University is committed to taking on new challenges in order to have a bright future for its students and community. The university has 12,756 students enrolled and offers over 150 programs, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1.  The university has developed a program in drafting and design technology that prepares students to become excellent drafters in the mechanical or civil field. Throughout the program, students will study various design courses including the planning and drawing of drafts. Graduates will have an opportunity to secure employment in the technical drafting and design field and to communicate effectively with professionals in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

67.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

The University of Arkansas Community College provides flexible programs for its students by offering online and on-campus classes. It is a two-year institution that aims to help students achieve life-long success through academics and careers.

The university offers various courses and one of them is drafting and design technology major. The program aims to develop the technical and academic skills and knowledge of students in electrical, architectural, plumbing, structural, and other related fields. Upon completion, graduates of the program will have a chance to work as engineer drafters, project managers, estimators, architectural drafters, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

75.51

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

Black Hills State University serves more than 3,000 students on its small campus. It offers a personalized education wherein students are supported and well-known by their faculty and classmates.

The engineering technology program is offered in the university with the aim to help students obtain work in manufacturing, construction management, industrial sales and operation, industrial supervision, and more. Students will be taught by faculty members who are degree-holders and have years of experience in the field. Students can also earn an associate degree in drafting upon completing all the program requirements and gaining the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

83.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Since its foundation in 1917, the University of Alaska Fairbanks has been serving the Fairbanks region. On its suburban campus in Fairbanks, the university now has over 8,000 students.   Aspiring drafters can participate in the drafting technology certificate program offered by the university. It has a curriculum that covers the techniques and skills in computer-aided design, technical drawings, working plans, rough sketches, and more. Students are required to attend in-person classes to graduate in the certificate and have an opportunity to become employed in various firms such as construction, manufacturing, mining, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

75.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Grambling State University is recognized for providing an excellent education for individuals that has African American heritage. It houses more than 5,000 students each year on its campus in Grambling, Louisiana.  Its department of engineering technology offers a drafting and design degree program that can be completed within four years. It has a 120-semester hour course including robotics and automation, technical report writing, computer applications, statics, safety engineering, the strength of materials, and more. Throughout the programs, students are allowed to take elective courses as well as have an opportunity to become eligible for scholarships and financial aid. 

Acceptance Rate

97.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

24:1

The University of Alaska Southeast is a student-centered institution that offers vocational, technical, and liberal arts education. Each year, more than 4,000 students attend its rural campus in Juneau, Alaska.  The drafting certificate program teaches students the combined hands-on experience and technical information necessary for a career in various drafting-related fields. Students of the program will develop skills in computer-aided technology as well as have conventional drawing skills. Some of the courses of the program are focused on engineering concepts, design, architecture, drawing, and construction techniques. 

Acceptance Rate

60.57

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

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

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

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

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

Located in Pennsylvania, Triangle Tech Inc is an institution that provides vocational learning such as certificates and associate degree programs. It serves more than 5,000 students in its six locations across Pennsylvania.  The institution offers a 3D printing technology program that focuses on drafting principles, mechanical drafting, manufacturing process, and computer applications among others. Students will learn about architectural and mechanical courses together with additive manufacturing designed to help students become skilled professionals. Graduates of this program will be ready to build a career in the field as well as become responsible and competent citizens.

Acceptance Rate

-

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

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

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:

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

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