Drafting and Design Technology

The Drafting & Design Technology program at CLTCC is a two-year technical program designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for productive and efficient performance in the drafting field. The program prepares individuals to assist engineers and architects in designing and drafting electrical circuits, civil maps, machines, structures, and fluid systems.

Graduates of the program are skilled in creating engineering and architectural plans, layouts, detailing, charts, graphs, diagrams, and using handbooks and reference materials.

This comprehensive program is structured to provide both foundational knowledge and specialized skills required for success in various drafting disciplines. Certificates are available for students seeking foundational skills or specific competencies, offering flexibility for those not pursuing a full degree program.

Graduates are well-prepared to work in industry environments that increasingly demand proficiency in multiple drafting software applications. As such, the curriculum incorporates industry-standard Autodesk software alongside traditional CAD techniques to ensure students are career-ready.

The ultimate goal of the Drafting & Design Technology program is to simulate industry conditions and ensure students gain competencies that align with workforce expectations, including mastery of both basic and advanced drafting technologies.

Program Structure

Students progress through three distinct phases:

• Basic Drafting – Provides foundational skills in manual and computer-aided drafting.
• Intermediate Drafting – Introduces specialized drafting disciplines and advanced CAD applications.
• Specialized Drafting – Focuses on real-world projects designed to reinforce and expand knowledge and skills acquired in earlier phases.

The program includes training in key disciplines such as mechanical drafting and design, building information modeling, architectural drafting, parametric modeling, civil drafting, and structural detailing.

Program Objectives

1. Produce accurate drawings using geometric construction techniques, including lines, circles, ellipses, and tangents.
2. Identify the purpose, rules, and techniques for dimensioning technical drawings, and apply proper dimensions, notes, and symbols to meet industry standards.
3. Demonstrate proficiency with Autodesk software and demonstrate basic knowledge of executing Autodesk commands.
4. Produce competent work utilizing foundational drafting principles and techniques across various fields, such as architectural, structural, electrical, piping, civil, mechanical, and manufacturing drafting.
5. Apply advanced computer-aided drafting and design techniques in all phases of drafting and design technology.
6. Exhibit readiness for employment by demonstrating industry-standard skills and a professional mindset for contributing to the drafting and design field.
7. Learn and demonstrate the design of 2D and 3D objects using both traditional drafting methods and Autodesk software.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our Drafting & Design Technology program are prepared for entry-level positions in various industries, including:

• Architectural firms
• Engineering companies
• Construction companies
• Manufacturing facilities
• Government agencies
• Oil and gas industry
• Utilities and infrastructure companies

Our graduates work as drafters, CAD technicians, design assistants, and technical illustrators across multiple industries.

Admission Requirements

Our Drafting & Design Technology program welcomes students from diverse backgrounds. To apply, you'll need:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Completed application form
• Placement testing or qualifying ACT/SAT scores

Program Highlights

• Industry-Standard Software: The curriculum incorporates industry-standard Autodesk software alongside traditional CAD techniques to ensure students are career-ready.
• Certificate Options: Certificates are available for students seeking foundational skills or specific competencies, offering flexibility for those not pursuing a full degree program.
• Hands-On Learning: Real-world projects simulate industry conditions and ensure students gain competencies that align with workforce expectations.
• Comprehensive Training: Students gain proficiency in multiple drafting disciplines, preparing them for diverse career opportunities.
• Dedicated Faculty: Learn from experienced professors who bring industry experience into the classroom.
• Affordable Tuition: Financial aid options for qualifying students

Graduation Requirements

• Maintaining a minimum 2.0 grade point average
• Completing all required coursework (61 credit hours)
• Full-time students typically complete the program in approximately four semesters (two years)
• Completion time varies based on course load, withdrawals, and repeated courses

Campus Locations Offering Drafting & Design Technology Programs

Alexandria Campus (Main Campus)

Cost: $2,472 per semester (based on the highest credential available).

Credentials and Exit Points

The credentials and exit points for Drafting & Design are listed below. Students who pursue the highest credential for this program (Associate of Applied Science) have the opportunity to finish each semester with a competency certificate.

EXIT POINTS:
CTS – ENGINEERING AIDE II

Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS), Technical Diploma (TD), Degree (AAS)