Factors to Consider While Selecting a Drafting Technology School
Higher Education Articles March 1, 2015Those interested in drafting technology careers should look into Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Industrial Technology. These programs usually offer concentration areas in design and drafting.
Although rare, bachelor’s degree programs in design drafting technology are a possibility. Students still interested should look into associate degree programs in computer-aided drafting (CAD); these programs are more common and may lead up to related bachelor’s degree programs.
Selecting a Drafting Technology School
Few schools, if any, offer bachelor’s degree programs in drafting technology. Instead, students may choose to earn a computer-aided drafting and design technology associate’s degree or an industrial technology bachelor’s degree. Universities, technical colleges, and community colleges usually offer these programs as part of the technology management or technical sciences divisions.
Bachelor’s Degree Options
A few schools offer programs that carry the particular title of a bachelor’s degree in design and drafting technology. Some schools also offer drafting technology courses within a bachelor’s degree program in industrial technology.
Concentration Options
Concentrations are typically available in B.S. in Industrial Technology programs, but vary by programs. Drafting and design courses may be available in architectural or mechanical concentrations. Students may benefit more by choosing drafting design or computer-aided drafting and design technology. However, drafting concentrations or courses are not guaranteed to be incorporated just because an industrial technology program is offered by a school.
Related Degrees Options
Students may prefer an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in place of a bachelor’s degree program in drafting technology. In associate degree programs, more courses in drafting and design are incorporated, and there is a greater focus on drafting technology.
Select schools offer associate programs as 2+2 programs allowing students to transition easily into bachelor’s degree programs in technology management or industrial technology. The primary focus of these programs is on numerous areas of drafting, including civil, machine, mechanical, and structural drafting.
Accreditation Status
Drafting technology students would benefit by enrolling in programs that carry the accreditation of the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA), wherein advanced concepts in multimedia design, simulation and technical animation are incorporated, in addition to the changing tools of the industry.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Industrial Technology
The bachelor’s degree program with a concentration in drafting technology with CAD courses included would suit the needs of students with an aptitude for industrial technology. Students who complete bachelor’s degree programs can seek employment with construction companies, industrial design consulting firms, engineering firms, and manufacturing industries. Drafting coursework is augmented by classes in:
•Communication security
•Industrial organization
•Operations management
Associate Degree Programs in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology
The primary focus of an associate’s degree program in drafting or design technology is typically on computer-aided drafting. Students usually complete these programs in two years. Coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Detailing and tooling design
•Civil and structural drawings
•Technical drawing
