Online Courses and Schools for Architectural Drafting and Design

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>Most schools that offer programs in architectural drafting and design provide on-campus courses, allowing students to utilize the school's computer-aided design (CAD) software, printers and equipment. While very few schools allow an entire architectural drafting program to be completed online, you can find schools that provide several online courses for architectural drafting programs. These schools may require some on-campus study or on-site intern participation. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Courses</b></td><td> Architecture and design in history, environmental impact of architecture, fundamentals of drafting, 3-D modeling, elevation graphics, building materials and construction techniques, blueprint reading, architecture fundamentals</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Online Options</b></td><td> Some courses are offered online, and drafting practice can be done remotely</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Program Options</b></td><td> Numerous; a few examples include Associate of Applied Science in CAD Drafting Technologies, Associate of Applied Science in Drafting Technology; Diploma in AutoCAD Drafting, Diploma in Drafting Technology; Certificate in Drafter's Assistant or Drafter's Aide</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesDoesAnOnlineSchoolOffer">What Courses Does an Online School Offer?</h3> <p>Distance learning programs in architectural drafting vary. Often, courses may be offered online, while actual drafting, lab work and internships must be performed on-campus or at an affiliated company. You may also find programs that make all courses, including practical applications, available online with only an on-site training session required. </p> <p>Coursework could include the following concepts: </p> <ul><li>Construction materials and methods </li><li>Basic engineering mechanics </li><li>Architecture 3-D modeling </li><li>Blueprint reading for architecture </li><li>Architecture fundamentals </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindsOfSchoolsOfferOnlinePrograms">What Kinds of Schools Offer Online Programs?</h3> <p>You can find online courses or programs related to architectural drafting at a range of schools, including 4-year universities, 2-year colleges and technical schools, fully online schools and even art and design schools. The following are just a few schools that offer online drafting and design courses and programs: </p> <ul><li>Penn Foster Career School </li><li>University of Houston Downtown </li><li>New York Institute of Art and Design </li><li>Chattanooga Technical College (hybrid, part face-to-face program) </li><li>Minnesota State College Southeast </li></ul><h3 id="section---WillINeedToPurchaseSoftwareToCompleteAnOnlineProgram">Will I Need to Purchase Software to Complete an Online Program?</h3> <p>In some instances, schools may require that you purchase additional design software to complete the architectural drafting program online. These applications are often offered at a significant discount for enrolled students. Typically, the school provides free, temporary access to some applications, which may be available on a trial basis or via remote access from the school's servers. In either case, you'll be able to practice course lessons and complete drafting assignments from your home computer. Check with the instructor or school's online catalog for a list of required software.</p>