Online CAD/Computer Aided Drafting Degrees
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Computer aided drafting, or CAD, is a computerized version of drafting and is the most common type of drafting today. Before computers, drafters used drafting tables and drew their sketches and outlines by hand. Today, with sophisticated software applications, almost all drafting is accomplished using computers. Drafters create blueprints and design the structural plans for a variety of construction projects, so they are required to have a good mechanical ability along with a strong visual sense. The training programs can prepare students and teach them some of the necessary skills, but often drafters will have some inherent sense of construction and design before begin an education program.
Most drafters are able to gain their education through universities or technical schools. Most technical schools only offer an associate degree, while universities offer bachelor's degrees. Furthermore, those who pursue an associate degree often get training in a specific specialization through the technical school, instead of getting a broader education in various types of computer aided drafting that bachelor's degree students receive.
The specific education program can vary greatly based on the school and on the specialization. For example, an electronics drafter would be expected to learn more about circuits and electricity than an architectural drafter. All programs have general education requirements, however, which can include mathematics, basic planning, computer technology basics, and construction material basics. All of these courses prepare students for the general work of creating plans to be used by constructors and other workers when developing a product or structure.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online CAD/Computer Aided Drafting Degrees
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Learn more about Penn Foster Career School - Design & Technology
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
Although different drafting specialties exist, they all employ the same underlying math and engineering principles and computer applications. Here are some examples of the different kinds of drafting specialties that exist:
- Architectural Drafting: This specialization prepares students to draw commercial and residential buildings and provides them with knowledge about the materials that will be used to create the structures.
- Civil Drafting: Civil drafting students learn to prepare drawings for engineering projects such as pipelines, bridges, and highways.
- Electrical Drafting: This specialty deals with drawing and preparing various wiring layouts and diagrams that are used by electricians to install the wiring.
- Aeronautical Drafting: Students who focus on aeronautical drafting learn to prepare detailed drawings for manufactures of missiles, aircrafts, and related parts.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: This degree is uncommon for CAD but takes 2 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
The most common degrees for computer aided drafting are the associate and bachelor's degrees. There are few master's degrees in CAD, but they typically prepare students for more advanced drafting techniques and management roles. Students in either the associate or bachelor's option will take general education classes in mathematics, computer science, and engineering as the foundation before taking actual CAD classes.
The associate degree is quite popular for CAD and can take approximately two years to complete. This accredited degree program introduces the students to AutoCAD, principles of drafting, and 3D animation, to name a few. The bachelor's degree option delves deeper into more advanced coursework in AutoCAD and engineering. In addition, at this point in the degree, if the student decides to specialize, he or she would begin taking courses toward the specialization. The master's degree can be completed in two years, but it is not a common degree that drafters seek, since the bachelor's degree is typically more than sufficient to advance in the field. However, those who are looking for management positions may find that the advanced degree opens more doors.
While a certification is not required for CAD graduates, obtaining certification through The American Design Drafting Association shows potential employers that graduates have a firm understanding of the field. The certification is always a good idea -- especially when the field of drafting is so competitive.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
Accredited degree programs in computer aided drafting train students in the skills to create computer-rendered drawings, blueprints, and models for engineering and manufacturing industries. In these programs, students take math and science classes that are pertinent to engineering, as well as courses in computer applications and specific uses of computer aided design. Computer aided drafting associate and bachelor's degrees also usually require a number of liberal arts courses in topics like social studies, history, and English.
Math, science, and engineering classes prepare students with the skills to understand technical drawings and to create structurally sound designs. For example, math classes in Descriptive Geometry and Trigonometry teach students to understand angles and the other mathematical principles that one can use to make a functional three dimensional object. Engineering classes, such as Statics and Materials Science, prepare graduates for the manufacturing world by teaching them the different elements of a good mechanical model or prototype. Along with these applied science courses, students in accredited CAD programs must, of course, learn the specific computer applications and techniques to render images using a computer. Classes in Computer Aided Drawing, Computer Applications in Technology, and Computer Aided Machine Technology discuss the different tools that drafters can use for particular drawing situations.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
In general, most accredited online CAD programs will require some class time on campus. Most programs in computer-aided drafting have a significant number of engineering classes, such as the Statics and Materials Science courses mentioned above, and these engineering classes usually have a lab component that requires students to build models and do other hands-on assignments that demonstrate particular properties or topics learned in the class. Some programs also require students to complete an internship in an architecture office or civil, mechanical, or electronics engineering firm.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Some schools offer more specialized computer aided drafting programs. Degrees in mechanical drafting teach students how to render specific machine types and parts, while electrical drafting focuses on electrical components; architectural and civil drafting students learn how to draw blueprints for buildings. However, while some specific coursework differs between each drafting program, the mathematical principles behind each type of drafting remain the same.
A bit more distantly related than these specific accredited drafting programs are degrees in electrical or mechanical engineering technology. These programs often include a few computer aided drafting courses in the curriculum, but students are not extensively trained in drafting techniques.
