Associate in CAD and Architectural Drafting: Degree Overview
An associate degree program in CAD (computer-aided design) and architectural drafting provides students with the skills necessary to become candidates for the many positions available to the skilled CAD or CADD (computer-aided design and drafting) operators. CAD is used in many industries today, including engineering, manufacturing, electronics and even fashion design.
Associate in CAD and Architectural Drafting Degree
The Associate in CAD and architectural drafting degree program uses AutoCAD, a popular CAD application. Students pursuing this degree may choose from Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) degree programs.
The AOS prepares aspiring drafters for immediate employment after graduation, while the AAS and AS are ideal for individuals wishing to transfer to 4-year colleges or universities. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for admission.
Required Courses
Students become skillful at creating 2D and 3D designs used in the architectural field. They also learn blueprint reading and advanced drafting techniques. Students typically design projects using CAD and drafting application software as part of senior capstone courses. This program usually requires completion of the following courses:
- Architectural drawing
- CADD
- General construction
- Precalculus
- Engineering drawings
- Mechanics
- Architectural CAD applications
Popular Career Options
Whether they choose to work immediately upon graduating or to further study, graduates of CAD and architectural drafting programs have many career options. Some career choices include:
- CADD designer/drafter
- Architectural drafter
- Mechanical drafter
- Draftsman
- Detailer
- Contractor
Continuing Education Information
Although drafters are not required to be certified for employment, certification demonstrates an individual's knowledge of the procedures and an understanding of the drafting practices used in the industry today. The American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) offers various types of certification for drafters. The examination tests students' knowledge of drawings, geometric concepts, drafting terminology and general drafting concepts.
Graduates of CAD and architectural drafting degree programs may start their careers after graduation or may pursue bachelor's degrees, which offer different options. They may transfer to a 4-year college to pursue an engineering technology degree. Alternatively, they may also enter a technical or industrial bachelor's degree program to study to become a public school teacher.
Related to Associate in CAD and Architectural Drafting: Degree Overview
- Related
- Recently Updated
- Popular
Top Architectural Drafting and CAD Degree Programs - Chicago, IL
The College of DuPage is a 2-year public school located 23 miles west of Chicago, IL, in Glen Ellyn. The college...
Top Ranked Degrees in CAD Drafting and Architectural Design - Fort Worth, TX
Mountain View College is a 2-year community college in Dallas, TX, about 30 miles east of Fort Worth. It offers a...
Architecture Draftsman: How to Start a Career in Architectural Drafting?
Architectural draftsmen work with architects and engineers to prepare structural plans for building construction or...
Top School for an Associate Degree in CAD Drafting and Architectural Design - Atlanta, GA
Georgia Piedmont Technical College, located near Atlanta, GA, offers programs for those seeking associate's degrees in...
Best Degree Programs for Architecture and Architectural Drafting - Denver, CO
- Best Degree Program for CAD Drafting and Architectural Design - Long Beach, CA
- Top CAD Drafting and Architectural Design School - Madison, WI
- Bachelors Degree in Architectural Drafting and Design
- Top Degrees in Nursing - Kansas City, MO
- Top School for a Paralegal Studies Degree - Jacksonville, FL
- Top Computer Information Technology Schools - Milwaukee, WI
- Top Ranked School for Human Resource Management - Henderson, NV
3 Popular Schools
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- California (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
-
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (3 campuses)
- Arkansas (1)
- Arizona (3)
- California (14)
- Colorado (2)
- Florida (12)
- Georgia (3)
- Iowa (2)
- Idaho (1)
- Illinois (3)
- Indiana (5)
- Kansas (2)
- Kentucky (2)
- Louisiana (2)
- Massachusetts (2)
- Maryland (1)
- Michigan (6)
- Minnesota (2)
- Missouri (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (4)
- Nebraska (1)
- New Jersey (1)
- New Mexico (1)
- Nevada (2)
- New York (3)
- Ohio (9)
- Oklahoma (2)
- Oregon (2)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (4)
- Tennessee (5)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (5)
- Washington (3)
- Wisconsin (4)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Computer Drafting and Design
-
-
School locations:
- Nevada (1 campus)
Classroom-Based Programs
-
Associate
-
- Associate in Drafting Technology & Design
-
Other Schools:
-
School locations:
- Indiana (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at Indiana University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biomedical and Medical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- Mechanical Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Northern Michigan University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
-
School locations:
- Indiana (2 campuses)
Areas of study you may find at Purdue University include:
-
- Graduate: Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
-
School locations:
- Minnesota (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Dunwoody College of Technology include:
-
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Civil Engineering Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Surveying
- Drafting and Design Engineering
-
School locations:
- Oklahoma (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Oklahoma State University include:
-
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Architectural Drafting and Design
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Surveying
Other Related Schools:
-
School locations:
- Michigan (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Ferris State University include:
-
- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- CAD Drafting and Design Technology
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Engineering - Architectural
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Surveying
-
School locations:
- Utah (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Utah State University include:
-
- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Engineering
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Drafting and Design Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
