Drafting & Computer Aided Drafting
Program Summary
Drafters prepare technical drawings and plans used by production and construction workers to build everything from manufactured products, such as toys, toasters, industrial machinery, and spacecraft, to structures, such as houses, office buildings, and oil and gas pipelines. Their drawings provide visual guidelines, show the technical details of the products and structures, and specify dimensions, materials, and procedures. Drafters fill in technical details, using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations previously made by engineers, surveyors, architects, or scientists.
Today, most drafters use computer-aided design and drafting (CAD) systems to prepare drawings. Persons who produce technical drawings with CAD, however, still function as drafters and need the knowledge of traditional drafters, in addition to CAD skills. Despite the near-universal use of CAD systems, manual drafting and sketching still is used in certain applications.
Specific questions relating to the content of these courses should be directed to the Engineering Technology Office at (301) 322-0751. The following courses are open to credit and non-credit students.
Employment Trends
- The type and quality of postsecondary drafting programs vary considerably; prospective students should be careful in selecting a program.
- Opportunities should be best for individuals with at least 2 years of postsecondary training in drafting and considerable skill and experience using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) systems.
- Demand for particular drafting specialties varies geographically, depending on the needs of local industry.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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CST394
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Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting (Using AutoCAD)
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63
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CST395
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Three Dimensional CAD with AutoCAD
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63
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CST312
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Customizing AutoCAD
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55
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CST393
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High Reliability Soldering and Fabrication
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36
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Program total
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217
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Which software package is used during the course? Do I need technical drawing skills to take this class?
Specific questions relating to preparation and the content of these courses should be directed to the Engineering Technology office at 301-322-0751.
- Are all the courses offered each semester?
No. Customizing AutoCAD is offered during the spring semester and Three-Dimensional CAD with AutoCAD is offered during the fall semester. Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting is offered each semester, including summer. High Reliability Soldering and Fabrication is offered each fall and spring semester.