The Best Online Certificate in Design (CAD) Programs

Earning an online CAD drafting and design certificate unlocks a plethora of opportunities for students, often serving as a stepping stone for more advanced degrees and more career opportunities.The drafting and design field allows students to hone in 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.

For more degree and career info, jump to:

• What Else Can I Expect From an Online Certificate in Drafting Program?
• Careers with a Certificate in Drafting
• Accreditation for Certificate Programs
• Financing Your Online Certificate in Drafting Program

Best Online Certificate in CAD Programs

Online Certificate in Drafting Degree Program Ranking Guidelines: We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.

RANKING METHODOLOGY

Methodology for College Rankings

The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:

The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.

To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):

1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]

• Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
• Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
• Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
• Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
• Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
• Considers range of electives within that discipline
• Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline

2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]

• Considers education background of the faculty
• Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
• Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
• Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
• Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources

3. Reputation [weight = 20%]

• Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
  • Faculty
  • Curriculum
  • “Freshness” of academic knowledge
  • Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
  • Suitability of graduates for the workplace

4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]

• Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
• Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants

5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]

• Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
• Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business

6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]

• Considers the following of the online classes:
  • Types of online technology used to deliver content
  • Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
  • Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
  • Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
• Considers the following of instructors:
  • Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
  • Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
  • Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
  • Ratio to number of students in a class
• Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees

Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.

To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:

• Accreditation
• Public or private status
• Acceptance rate
• Retention rate
• Graduation rate
• ACT/SAT requirements
• Cost in-state / out of state
• Undergrad, grad, or both offered
• Region
• State
• City

Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!

If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.

Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org’s underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article “ Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS.” Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the rankings of other well-known educational ranking companies. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: “ Making Sense of College Rankings.” For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!

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1. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Murfreesboro is one of 46 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The school offers dozens of programs, including an online computer aided design option that leads to five credentials. Students can earn certificates in assistant drafter or detail drafter. They can also opt for diplomas in residential architecture drafter, mechanical drafter, or drafting and CAD technician.

The assistant drafter and detail drafter certificates require 432 and 864 hours of work, respectively. Students working toward a drafting diploma typically spend around 1,728 hours earning the credential. Part-time online learners usually earn a diploma in 16 months.

For admission, students must hold a high school diploma or be at least 18 years old. TCAT accepts students on a first-come, first-served basis.

2. Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria, Minnesota

Alexandria Technical and Community College is a public, two-year institution based in Alexandria, Minnesota. The school offers certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in around 40 areas of study.

ATCC offers a hybrid diploma in mechanical drafting, design, and engineering, as well as some unique course options. The rapid prototyping course teaches students to operate and maintain a rapid prototype printer. In the mechatronics class, students learn about electricity and construct basic circuits. Through a required machining course, students explore the basics of turning, milling, and grinding.

The certificate in drafting and design consists of 69 credits and takes just under two years to complete. Students enroll in 5-6 courses in the fall and spring semesters and take two summer courses. The time commitment ranges from 14-24 hours per week, depending on how many courses a student takes at once.

3. Ridgewater College

Willmar, Minnesota

Ridgewater College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology division offers a computer aided drafting program that students can complete entirely online. The program covers topics including elementary and advanced drafting, common manufacturing processes, and blueprint interpretation. Students also learn about the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ standards and best practices. Learners practice using popular industry tools, including AutoCad, Creo, Solidworks, and MasterCam 3D. Students gain hands-on experience through collaborative projects with Ridgewater’s manufacturing students.

Many of Ridgewater’s online courses hold certification from Quality Matters, an organization that evaluates web-based learning programs. The certificate in computer aided drafting and design boasts start dates in the fall and spring semesters.

Prospective students must submit an application along with a high school diploma or GED certificate. They do not need to submit transcripts, standardized test scores, or other materials.

4. St. Charles Community College

Cottleville, Missouri

St. Charles Community College, based in Cottleville, Missouri, offers associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training in more than 50 subject areas. The school offers 16 online degrees and certificates, including a certificate of achievement in computer aided drafting.

The online certificate in drafting and design comprises 34-35 credits, and students can complete 65% of the curriculum online. Learners take 13 credits of general education courses, which cover topics like algebra, English composition, U.S. history, and microcomputer applications. Students also take four core drafting courses and four electives. Elective options include 3D modeling, geographic information systems, and sustainable design. St. Charles delivers online classes through Canvas.

Online students gain access to helpful student services including online tutoring and tech support. Distance learners can schedule virtual tutoring sessions in math, science, English, or writing.

5. Central Georgia Technical College

Warner Robins, Georgia

Located in Warner Robins, Central Georgia Technical College offers training in industries including aerospace, computer technology, and health sciences.

Drafting students can earn three credentials through CGTC’s online courses. Learners can pursue technical certificates in computer aided design (CAD) operator or advanced computer aided design technician. Learners can also opt for a diploma in drafting technology. The CAD operator and CAD technician certificates require 20 and 31 credits, respectively. The drafting technology diploma comprises 46 credits, including eight general education credits. Certificate in drafting and design holders can go on to earn a 60-credit associate degree in drafting from CGTC.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old and hold a GED or high school diploma. For course placement, prospective students must submit standardized test scores, take the ACCUPLACER exam, or provide a postsecondary transcript.

6. Quinsigamond Community College

Worcester, Massachusetts

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Quinsigamond Community College offers more than 120 programs of study to over 13,000 students each year.

Quinsigamond offers a computer aided design certificate through its engineering technology department. The program, which emphasizes manufacturing technology, covers topics including manufacturing processes, materials, metallurgy, and electro-mechanical drafting. Students also learn to effectively convey their ideas through coursework on technical communication. Students complete 25 credits and typically finish the curriculum in two semesters. Learners can take at least 50% of their courses online.

The program includes a solid modeling course that prepares students for industry certification. Through hands-on projects, students learn to build complicated 3D models from 2D drawings. At the end of the course, students sit for the Certified SolidWorks Associate exam.

After completing the certificate in computer aided drafting and design, learners can apply their credits toward an associate degree in manufacturing technology.

7. West Kentucky Community and Technical College

Paducah, Kentucky

A member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, West Kentucky Community and Technical College offers 17 programs entirely online, including a diploma in computer aided drafting and design.

The drafting and design diploma comprises 48-50 credits and takes four semesters to complete. Students must complete two general education classes: humanities and quantitative reasoning. Learners build a drafting foundation through six technical core courses including drafting fundamentals and engineering graphics. Students can complete the rest of the 22 required credits through technical electives. Some electives include introduction to architecture, 3D printing technology, and construction management. Students take online courses in two 16-week terms each year.

Certificate in drafting and design holders can earn WKCTC’s associate in applied science by taking additional general education courses.

8. Mountain View College

Dallas, Texas

Mountain View College, founded in 1970, is one of seven institutions in the Dallas Community College District. Mountain View offers dozens of certificates and degrees that students can complete entirely online.

The college offers a fully online certificate in computer aided drafting and design that focuses on architectural drafting. The program includes unique courses in architectural blueprint reading and architectural illustration. In addition, students learn to use AutoCAD software to create architectural drawings for residential and commercial projects. Notably, the program includes a topographical drafting class, which introduces map drafting and contour drawings.

Drafting students complete 29-30 credits and finish the program in two semesters. Students take seven required courses and one elective. Elective options include 3D animation, pipe drafting, and civil drafting. Online learners take courses asynchronously through eight-week sessions.

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.

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.

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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 up 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.

1. 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%
2. 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%
3. 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%
4. 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%
5. 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.

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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.

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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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Last Updated: February 14, 2019