Computer Aided Design Drafting Technology
The design drafting profession affects everything done, every day, by every individual. Without a plan or visual graphic, nothing can be manufactured, built, made, or sold. Everything has a plan for creation and design drafters are the people who make it happen.
The Computer Aided Design Drafting Technology graduate works on many levels in the engineering, architectural, and manufacturing world. Graduates qualify for career opportunities with engineering and architectural firms, machinery manufacturers, architectural and structural metal manufacturers, and construction companies. On the drafting level, they create working drawings from rough sketches or layouts that have been prepared by engineers, architects, and designers. The drawings and 3D models are prepared in accordance to specifications dictated by their company and industry standards. Computers are the tools of their trade. They are competent on the latest versions of CAD and modeling software. They are exposed to a variety of disciplines including mechanical, structural, architectural, electrical, and virtual construction simulation technology. They are expected to be able to make technical computations involved with layout, dimensioning and detailing of machine and structural parts. On the design level, they calculate stresses, size members of structural components and mechanical parts, do layout work for drafters to follow, write technical reports and supervise drafting groups.
The design/drafter must be able to visualize forms and shapes from blueprints and sketches, understand and apply theoretical principles and technical knowledge, concentrate on details for long periods of time, and use independent judgment in planning work and solving problems. Designers/drafters should enjoy technical work; work that involves close tolerances, set limits and industry standards. The successful designer/drafter should be able to organize, work rapidly, work under pressure, and produce quality work.
Graduates Employed or Continuing Education Five-Year Average
Idaho Median Income
National Median Income
- Program accepts students in August
- Typical classroom hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Program admits 30 students each year
- Accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
Computer Aided Design Drafting Associate of Applied (2 years)
- Course Sequence Associate of Applied Science Computer Aided Design Drafting
Computer Aided Design Drafting Advanced Technical Certificate (2 years)
- Course Sequence Advanced Technical Certificate Computer Aided Design Drafting
Mechanical Drafting Intermediate Technical Certificate (1 year)
Architectural Drafting Intermediate Technical Certificate (1year)
- Course Sequence Intermediate Technical Certificate Computer Aided Design Drafting - Architectural Certificate
Bachelor of Applied Science (4+ years)
- Engineering and architectural firms
- Machinery manufacturers
- Architectural and structural metal fabricators
- Construction companies
|SAT||English: 360||Math: 500|
|ACT||English: 14||Math: 19|