Earning an online CAD drafting and design certificate unlocks a plethora of opportunities for students, often serving as a steppingstone for more advanced degrees and more career opportunities. The drafting and design field allows students to focus on their engineering, design, drafting, and architectural skills. Often, these students pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in areas such as architecture, mechanical engineering, or industrial engineering. These programs prepare students to work as various types of engineering technicians, or as drafters in a variety of disciplines. Earning a more advanced degree in the field can lead students to more prestigious architecture and engineering occupations.
Online Certificate in Drafting Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected these accredited online drafting certificate programs based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards, rankings and reputation, including the reputation for providing online degree programs.
The Best Online Certificate in CAD Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro |
Murfreesboro, TN | ||
| 2 |
Alexandria Technical & Community College |
Alexandria, MN | ||
| 3 |
Ridgewater College |
Wilmar, MN | ||
| 4 |
St Charles Community College |
Cottleville, MO | ||
| 5 |
Central Georgia Technical College |
Warner Robins, GA | ||
| 6 |
Quinsigamond Community College |
Worcester, MA | ||
| 7 |
West Kentucky Community and Technical College |
Paducah, KY | ||
| 8 |
Mountain View College |
Dallas, TX |
End of list, bravo!
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Certificate in Drafting Program?
Example Courses for an Online Certificate in Drafting
Drafting and design courses may vary depending on the school, but they all share a common goal to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in drafting and design careers. Sample curricula have been listed below.
- AutoCAD
- In the AutoCAD course, students learn how to use to most popular computer-aided drafting software. The course reviews AutoCAD functions used in drawing including basic and advanced commands. Students also learn about 3D CAD in the course.
- Mechanisms
- The mechanisms course teaches students about the inner workings of machines, particularly mechanisms. Course topics include linkages, belt and chain drives, cams, bearings, speed reducers, and gears. Students also explore topics in fluid power.
- Print Reading for CAD Design
- In print reading for CAD design courses, students learn about drafting essentials including line types, tolerances, auxiliary views, dimensions, sections, and other basics required to conduct basic engineering drawing.
- CAD Drawing Using Free Software
- Students in the CAD drawing using free software course learn about CAD functions used by professionals and the functions used by those with no experience in the CAD drafting field. They take a hands-on approach to coursework and learn in a 3D environment using Google Sketchup or other free CAD software found on the Internet.
- Manufacturing Processes for CAD Design
- The manufacturing processes for CAD design course teaches students about manufacturing materials and methods. Course topics include machining, steels, plastics, molding, casting, and material selections. Students also learn about material handling and inventory reductions, emphasizing the understanding of manufacturing processes and systems.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Certificate In Drafting?
Students should consider a variety of elements when determining how long it will take them to earn an online certificate in drafting and design. First and foremost, each school offers its own unique program, meaning one school might take less time to earn the same certificate as another school. Though online programs do afford students a level of flexibility, the structure of an online program can vary from school to school.
Some programs feature an individually paced format, allowing students to complete their work asynchronously, at their own pace. These students can also complete their work from any location at any time of day. Other online certificate programs operate in a cohort learning format, keeping all students on the same track and pace, requiring them to complete work at a certain time, and sometimes attend live online class sessions. These programs Typically, consist of about 60 credits of coursework and take around two years to complete.
What Can I Do with a Drafting Certificate?
Certificate programs in drafting and design provide students with the certification to work in drafting and design, while a degree in the same or a related area qualifies them for a broader range of career opportunities. Certificate programs often take less time and money to complete than degree programs.
Career Paths for Graduates of Drafting Certificate Programs
Earning a certificate in drafting and design can open a variety of career paths for graduates. Typically, these individuals go on to begin careers as drafters, civil engineering technicians, surveying and mapping technicians, industrial engineering technicians, or architectural and civil drafters. Many employers accept candidates who hold a certificate in drafting and design, though some require an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- Drafter
- Drafters work with rough sketches and specifications created by architects and engineers to design plans with computer-aided design (CAD) software. They also design products using manufacturing and engineering techniques.
- Median Annual Salary: $54,170
- Projected Growth Rate: 7%
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Civil engineering technicians review and read project plans and drawings to determine the size of different structures. They confer with engineers to prepare plans, evaluate various pre-construction field conditions, and set up and help maintain records and project files.
- Median Annual Salary: $51,620
- Projected Growth Rate: 9%
- Surveying and Mapping Technician
- Responsible for visiting sites to record survey measurements and other forms of descriptive data, surveying and mapping technicians operate surveying instruments like electronic distance-measuring equipment to collect data on a location.
- Median Annual Salary: $43,340
- Projected Growth Rate: 11%
- Industrial Engineering Technician
- Industrial engineering technicians derive and suggest revisions to operations methods, equipment layout, or material handling. They also collect data to help with the process of improving activities.
- Median Annual Salary: $54,280
- Projected Growth Rate: 1%
- Architectural and Civil Drafter
- Architectural and civil drafters create detailed drawings of structural and architectural features of buildings or topographical relief maps and drawings used in civil engineering projects.
- Median Annual Salary: $55,110
- Projected Growth Rate: N/A
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Educational Paths for Graduates of Drafting Certificate Programs
Many students who earn a certificate in drafting and design make the decision to pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Earning an undergraduate degree allows you to explore more diverse career opportunities with higher earning potential. Typically, students who earn a certificate in drafting and design go on to bachelor’s or associate programs in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, computer aided drafting and design technology, computer engineering, or architecture.
- Architecture
- Architecture bachelor’s programs emphasize the connection between building technology, architecture, design, and computation with the history, arts design, and theory of architecture.
- Industrial Engineering
- Industrial engineering bachelor’s students learn to design creative solutions to make a business and industry function safer, leaner, faster, and more efficient.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering learn to understand all aspects of designing machinery including static machine components, applied differential equations, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics.
- Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology
- The associate of applied science in computer aided drafting and design technology program covers lessons in prototyping, modeling, and drafting. Student learn on 3D printers and take courses covering AutoCAD, CREO, and Inventor.
- Computer Engineering
- Computer engineering programs cover topics including computer applications, computer networks, digital design, and computer architecture. Students often take courses in signal processing and digital design.
Accreditation for Certificate Programs
Attending an accredited school should remain a top priority for drafting and design students. Two main types of accreditation exist: regional and national. Regionally accredited institutions are evaluated by regional agencies. Six different agencies exist in various regions, awarding regional accreditation.
Regionally accredited institutions often get included in tuition reimbursement plans and feature easily transferable credits. Nationally accredited institutions are often excluded from tuition reimbursement plans and credits are often declined from other learning institutions and many employers. Regional accreditation exists as the more prestigious and popular designation.
Students should look to obtain their certificate program from a regionally accredited institution to ensure their credits can easily transfer to an undergraduate program and satisfy the minimum requirements for most employers.
Financing Your Online Certificate in Drafting Program
Students interested in earning their certificate in drafting and design can explore a variety of financial aid opportunities to help them pay for their program. All students should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine what opportunities they hold eligibility for. Students can gain funding through scholarships, loans, grants, and even work-study opportunities to help pay for their education.
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