Bachelor's Degree in Drafting Technology - AutoCAD

<p>Though rare, there are schools that offer bachelor's degree programs in design and drafting technology. Usually, AutoCAD instruction courses are available through a school's associate's degree program in drafting technology. Degree programs in drafting technology don't necessarily specialize in AutoCAD, but many of them utilize it as the main CAD platform. AutoCAD is the most prominently used software in the practice of computer-aided design. </p> <p>You might use the database maintained by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to help you locate a drafting technology degree program that contains AutoCAD instruction. Also, the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) maintains an online directory of accredited schools that may offer AutoCAD instruction. You may also find the database of accredited programs maintained by the Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) to be useful in your search. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Levels</b></td><td>Bachelor's, associate of applied science, associate of science</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Specializations</b></td><td>Civil, mechanical, electrical or electronic drafting specialties</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Typical Coursework</b></td><td>residential drafting and design, 3-D modeling, CAD, engineering technology, product design, architectural drafting, mechanical drafting, industrial design and graphics.</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>Drafters: 4% decrease, Architectural and Civil drafters: 3% decrease, Electrical and Electronics drafters: 1% increase, Mechanical drafters: 8% decrease*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectInAProgram">What Can I Expect in a Program?</h3> <p>You can earn an Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Science in an area such as drafting technology or design and drafting by way of a program that consists of about 60 credits and can last two years. You may have an opportunity to specialize in an area such as civil, mechanical, electrical or electronic drafting. If you decide not to enter the workforce immediately, you may have the opportunity to transfer credits earned toward a bachelor's degree program. A Bachelor of Science program generally consists of about 120 credits and takes four years to complete. Completion of a program may qualify you to become a civil, mechanical, electrical or industrial engineer. Typical AutoCAD-related courses you might encounter include residential drafting and design, 3-D modeling, CAD, engineering technology, product design, architectural drafting, mechanical drafting, industrial design and graphics. You may have the opportunity to complete one or more internships at a school-partnered, independent firm. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCanYouTellMeAboutOnlineOpportunities">What Can You Tell Me About Online Opportunities?</h3> <p>Though opportunities are rare, you can find schools that allow you to complete drafting technology programs online. More commonly, schools offer programs leading to CAD or AutoCAD certificates. In addition, Autodesk, the parent company of AutoCAD, offers many online courses in various applications and versions of AutoCAD. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeEmploymentAndWageProjections">What Are Some Employment and Wage Projections?</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has made employment projections for the 2019-2029 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>) period. Opportunities for electrical and electronics drafters will increase by 1%. However, opportunities for architectural and civil drafters drafters were projected to decrease by 3%. Positions for mechanical drafters are expected to decrease by 8%. </p> <p>In 2020, the BLS determined mean annual wages. Architectural and civil drafters came in at $59,120, mechanical drafters at $61,490 and electrical and electronics drafters at $65,720. The mean annual salary for industrial engineers was determined to be $93,610. Civil and mechanical engineers came in at $95,440 and $95,560, respectively. Electrical and electronics engineers topped the list at $112,320.</p>