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Bachelor's Degrees in Drafting: Online and Campus-Based Programs
Bachelor's Degrees in Drafting: Online and Campus-Based Programs
Getting a bachelor's degree in Computer-aided design (CAD) drafting will prepare you with the skills needed for the early stages of construction design. Read on to learn about program options that cover drafting at the bachelor's level, courses to expect, online degree options, and possible careers and salaries in the field.
What Types of Drafting Degrees are Available at the Bachelor's Level?
Bachelor's degrees in drafting are available through computer-aided drafting and design technology or industrial technology programs with specializations in architectural drafting, mechanical drafting, CAD and computer graphics. However, drafting programs are more frequently available at the associate's degree or undergraduate certificate level. Some schools offer programs so that if you complete an associate's degree in drafting, you can transfer and earn a degree in a related area (such as mechanical engineering technology or industrial technology) at the bachelor's level.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Programs</b></td><td> Bachelor's: Design and Drafting Technology, Industrial Technology, Mechanical drafting, CAD and Computer Graphics; Associates/Certificates: CAD</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td>Technical illustration, drafting systems, tolerancing and geometric dimensioning</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Mostly available for associate's degrees and certificates.</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$58,270 (<i>mechanical drafters</i>); $57,500 (<i>architectural and civil drafters</i>); $54,500 (<i>all other drafters</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% decline <i>(drafters)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatClassesWillITake">What Classes Will I Take?</h3><p>The bachelor's degree program will take at least four years to complete. In addition to general education courses (which will also be part of an associate's degree if you go that route), you will have to complete major, core and specialized drafting courses. Some topics covered in these courses could include the following:
</p><ul><li>CAD and manual methods of drafting
</li><li>Technical illustration
</li><li>Design planning techniques
</li><li>Tolerancing and geometric dimensioning
</li><li>Drafting systems
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanIEarnItOnline">Can I Earn it Online?</h3><p>There are very few online or distance-learning programs available in drafting at the bachelor's level, though there are some. Usually, these have some on-campus requirements, although you'll be able to complete most of the coursework and the lectures via the Internet. Online drafting programs are more commonly available for associate's degree and certificate programs. Some of such programs are available entirely online, although you can choose to complete portions on campus.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithThisDegree">What Can I Do With This Degree?</h3><p>The specialization you choose will provide training in the area of your choice, though many options are open to drafters. You could become an architectural drafter, which includes drawing structures and commercial or residential buildings. You could be a mechanical drafter, creating plans for mechanical devices such as clocks or robots. You could enter civil drafting, which includes preparing topographical maps and drafting plans for highways, bridges or sewer systems. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>), the median annual salary for architectural and civil drafters in 2020 was $57,500; for mechanical drafters it was $58,270, and the median for other drafting positions was $54,500 per year.</p>
