Online Mechanical Drafting Courses and Schools
Through certificate, diploma or associate's degree programs in drafting, you'll learn how to create technical drawings from ideas and sketches. Online programs in this field are available, though uncommon, and may be offered in a hybrid format. Find out how online mechanical drafting programs work, and check the technical requirements. Get info on what you'll study and practice as a mechanical drafting student.
What You Need to Know
<p>While online mechanical drafting programs are uncommon, you could earn an online diploma in mechanical drafting with about 12 credits or a certificate in mechanical drafting with about 45 credits. Online associate degree programs generally require approximately 70 credits and can take about two years to complete.
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<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Course Options</b></td><td> Design drafting, mechanical drafting, technical drafting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Degree Options</b></td><td> A.A.S. in Drafting Technology, A.A.S. in Computer Aided Drafting and Design</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training</b></td><td> Lab activities, co-op work</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3>
<p>Since course study in mechanical drafting builds skills in creating illustrated renderings of how an item of machinery functions, you will learn elements of design, technical communications and engineering. You may take classes in technical drafting, computer aided design (CAD), design drafting, engineering drawing theory, solid modeling and rendering, manufacturing processes, fundamental welding and mechanical drafting. Associate's degree programs in mechanical drafting may also include courses in the following:
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<ul><li>AutoCAD
</li><li>2-D and 3-D Drafting
</li><li>Blueprints
</li><li>Geometry
</li><li>Electrical Schematics
</li><li>Plumbing
</li><li>Survey Maps
</li><li>Machine Processes
</li><li>Manufacturing Materials
</li><li>Fixture Design
</li><li>Workplace Safety
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAboutHandsOnTraining">What About Hands-on Training?</h3>
<p>Some programs require you to complete labs on campus. Your lab activities may include mechanical and technical drafting tasks. On-campus labs may give you the chance to get face-to-face help from your instructors. Some programs will also require you to participate in a co-op work experience where you can get additional mechanical drafting experience in a professional environment.
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<h3 id="section---WhatAreCommonProgramRequirements">What Are Common Program Requirements?</h3>
<p>Required general education courses in math, English, speech and psychology may be part of your curriculum. You'll typically need to have high-speed Internet access, and your computer will need to meet the program's technical hardware and software requirements. You may also have to purchase specialized software in order to complete coursework and assignments. Some programs may require you to lease a laptop pre-loaded with required software programs from the school.
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<h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfSchoolsAreAvailable">What Kinds of Schools Are Available?</h3>
<p>Though courses in mechanical drafting more commonly are offered in person, you can find some 2-year schools that offer online classes to help prepare for this type of career. A few online programs allow you to work toward earning an associate's degree, including programs at the following schools:
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<ul><li>Minnesota State College Southeast
</li><li>Penn Foster Career School
</li><li>Dallas County Community College District
</li><li>Central Georgia Technical College</li></ul>