13 Best schools for Online drafting courses 2022

Getting a drafting design degree is essential if you have a great interest in architecture. Here are the best schools for online drafting courses of 2022.

13 Best schools for Online drafting courses 2022
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This article contains detailed information on the best schools for online drafting courses of 2022. You will also get to know:

  • What is Computer-Aided Design and Drafting
  • Why people learn Computer-Aided Design
  • How much a Computer-Aided Design Drafter makes
  • How long does it take to get an Online Certificate In Drafting?

What is Computer-Aided Design and Drafting?

Computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) is a branch of engineering that has to do with the use of specific software that reflects designs as modular 3D computer models to design and craft objects and materials.

3D models entirely with detailed documentation such as dimensions, materials used, and even details of the design process are generated with the computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Why Learn Computer-Aided Design?

One of the main reasons to learn Computer-Aided design is to be able to communicate design intent with others electronically. The master model produced by most CAD software can be the design authority and the input data source to a great number of related tasks: CAM for production, CAE for design simulation, analysis, rendering/animation for marketing, shop/assembly / other documentation, field service documentation, and many more.

In addition to the more robust design intent communication, CAD software can help in giving details, presenting model checks, and doing various other tasks that can reduce error as well as increase the time to market from design concept to released product.

Most engineering and design-related communication happen using CAD software of some kind which makes the understanding of 3D capable CAD approximately equal to using productivity software (word processor, spreadsheet, graphics, illustration). CAD is rapidly becoming affordable and accessible to almost everyone who wants to become literate in the software field.

How Much Does A Computer-Aided Design Drafter Make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mechanical drafters earn $55,920 while architectural and civil drafters earn an average annual salary of $54,920.

Also, electrical and electronics drafters earned an average of $60,070 while the average hourly pay for a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Drafter is $18.76. According to BLS further reports, these earnings can vary based on the level of responsibility, location, and specialty area

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Certificate In Drafting?

The duration takes to get an online certificate in drafting and design depends on a number of factors. Firstly, each school offers its own unique program, therefore one school might take less time to get the same certificate as another school. The structure of an online program can differ from school to school despite that online programs do afford students a level of flexibility.

Other undergraduate programs feature an individually paced format, enabling students to finish their work asynchronously, at their own speed. These students can also finish their work from any location at any time of day.

Online certificate programs operate in a cohort learning format, keeping every student on the same track and pace, wanting them to complete work at a specific time, and sometimes attending live online class sessions. These programs Basically, consist of about 60 credits of coursework and take about two years to complete.

13 Best schools for Online drafting courses 2022

There are a number of factors to consider when searching for the best schools for online drafting courses. This includes factors such as program length, cost, flexibility, and accreditation. Below are the best schools that offer online drafting courses in 2022.

1. Hodges University

Naples, FL

Hodges University offers an online drafting program and awards associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs to the campus and online courses. The online digital design and graphics program offers a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and features a certification from the American Digital Design Association. It earns the support of organizations, such as the International Code Council, the American Society of Testing Materials, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 

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Hodges University started, formally known as International College in 1990, changed to its current name in 2007. The university highlights locations in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida, and has regional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Hodges permits students to transfer from other colleges or universities, applying the credits they gained toward their bachelor’s degree at Hodges. Hodges allows students who began an associate program at the university to carry those credits into the bachelor’s program.

At the end of this course, students will learn communication, research, and critical-thinking skills. Graduates seek careers as graphic designers, newspaper or periodical designers, public relations specialists, video game designers, and graphic design specialists.

APPLY HERE

2. Minnesota State College Southeast

Winona, MN

Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical is a public community and technical college that offers an online computer-aided design drafting course that consists of three courses in liberal arts and sciences. Students must finish 16 general education credits and 44 technical credits. Furthermore, the 60-credit curriculum offers classes in print reading for CAD design, geometric tolerances, mechanisms, Solidworks, and AutoCAD

Finally, students learn how to finish industry-standard assembly drawings, apply and define proper design materials, and also calculate mating part conditions. Hence, graduates seek careers as plant designers, mechanical drafters, CAD technicians, and mechanical designers. Therefore, all courses are taught using CAD 3D Parametric software.

APPLY HERE

3. Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Murfreesboro  

MURFREESBORO, TN

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Murfreesboro is a member of the 46 institutions on the Tennessee Board of Regents System. The school offers an online computer-aided design option that leads to five credentials. Students can get certificates in assistant drafter or detail drafter. the assistant drafter requires 432 hours of work while the detail drafter certificates need 864 hours of work.

Students working toward a drafting diploma basically, spend around 1,728 hours getting the credential. Also, Part-time online learners normally earn a diploma in 16 months they can also choose diplomas in residential architecture drafter, mechanical drafter, or drafting and CAD technician.

Furthermore, students must be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma to be eligible for admission. TCAT admits students on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

APPLY HERE

4. Alexandria Technical & Community College

ALEXANDRIA, MN

The Alexandria Technical and Community College is a public, two-year institution located in Alexandria, Minnesota. The school offers a hybrid diploma in mechanical drafting, design, and engineering and awards certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in about 40 areas of study.

This is a rapid prototyping course that teaches students to manage and sustain a rapid prototype printer. In the mechatronics class, students learn about electricity and construct basic circuits. Through a needed machining course, students examine the basics of turning, milling, and grinding.

The online drafting course is made up of 69 credits and takes just less than two years to complete. Students receive two summer courses after registering in 5-6 courses in the fall and spring semesters and. The time engagement ranges from 14-24 hours per week, depending on the number of courses a student takes at once.

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Murfreesboro is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

APPLY HERE

5. Ridgewater College

WILMAR, MN

Ridgewater College’s Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology division administers a computer-aided online drafting course that incorporates topics including elementary and advanced drafting, common manufacturing processes, and blueprint interpretation. Students also study the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ standards and best practices. Learners practice utilizing popular industry tools, including AutoCAD, Creo, Solidworks, and MasterCam 3D. 

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Also, students get 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 assesses web-based learning programs. The computer-aided online drafting course starts in the fall and spring semesters.

Further, a high school diploma or GED certificate is required from aspiring students along with their application. transcripts, standardized test scores, or other materials are not needed.

Finally, Ridgewater College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

APPLY HERE

6. St Charles Community College

COTTLEVILLE, MO

St. Charles Community College, located in Cottleville, Missouri, offers a  computer-aided drafting certificate of achievement course as well as other associate degrees, certificates, and vocational training in over 50 subject fields. There are a total of 16 online degrees and certificates offered in this college.

The online certificate in drafting and design covers general education courses, which comprise topics like algebra, English composition, U.S. history, and microcomputer applications which make up 34-35 credits, and students can achieve 65% of the curriculum online. Learners take 13 credits. Students also take four major drafting courses and four electives. Elective choices include 3D modeling, geographic information systems, and sustainable design. St. Charles gives online classes through Canvas.

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

APPLY HERE

7. Central Georgia Technical College

WARNER ROBINS, G

Central Georgia Technical College is located in Warner Robins, Central Georgia Technical College and offers training in industries comprising aerospace, computer technology, and health sciences.

Drafting students can get three credentials through CGTC’s online courses. Students can seek technical certificates in computer-aided design (CAD) operators or high-level computer-aided design technicians. Students can also opt for a diploma in drafting technology. The CAD operator and CAD technician certificates need 20 and 31 credits, respectively. The drafting technology diploma covers 46 credits, including eight general education credits. Certificate in drafting and design holders can go on to get a 60-credit associate degree in drafting from CGTC.

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

Central Georgia Technical College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

APPLY HERE

8. Quinsigamond Community College

WORCESTER, MA

Quinsigamond Community College offers a computer-aided design certificate through its engineering technology department. The program focuses on manufacturing technology and comprises topics including manufacturing methods, materials, metallurgy, and electro-mechanical drafting. Students also study to adequately convey their ideas through coursework on technical communication. Learners complete 25 credits and Typically, complete the curriculum in two semesters. Students can take at least 50% of their courses online.

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

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

Quinsigamond Community College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE).

APPLY HERE

9. West Kentucky Community and Technical College

PADUCAH, KY

West Kentucky Community and Technical College is a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and offers a diploma in computer-aided drafting course as well as 17 other online programs.

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

West Kentucky Community and Technical College is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

APPLY HERE

10. Mountain View College

DALLAS, TX

Mountain View College, established in 1970, offers a completely online certificate in computer-aided drafting and design that concentrates on architectural drafting. The college is one of seven institutions in the Dallas Community College District and it awards dozens of certificates and degrees that students can achieve completely online.

The online drafting course covers unique courses in architectural blueprint reading and architectural illustration. In addition, students learn to use AutoCAD software to design architectural drawings for private and commercial projects. Notably, the program involves a topographical drafting class, which introduces map drafting and contour drawings.

Drafting students conclude 29-30 credits and complete the program in two semesters. Also, students take seven essential courses and one elective. Elective choices include 3D animation, pipe drafting, and civil drafting. Online students take courses asynchronously through eight-week sessions.

APPLY HERE

11. Kansas City Kansas Community College

Kansas City, KS

The Kansas City Kansas Community College offers a Drafting (Computer-Aided Design) Associate of Applied Science program that comprises 63 credit hours. There is a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and distance students pay just $88 per credit hour. This is the most affordable tuition of any school on our list

The program covers courses in drafting technology, high-level computer drafting, print reading, and MicroStation and learners can finish most, or all, of the needed coursework online, depending on the course offerings each semester.

APPLY HERE

12. Ivy Tech Community College

Indianapolis, IN

Ivy Tech Community College offers an Associate of Science in Design Technology program that enables students to use electives to direct their studies in areas such as CAD, architectural design, and computer graphics. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has an average class size of just 22 students.

Furthermore, students concentrating in CAD will take courses in architectural design, mechanical graphics, and design technology. Depending on course offerings every semester, students may be able to complete their coursework online. The tuition rate is about $145 to $170 per credit for online courses.

APPLY HERE

13. Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, Ok

Last on our list of best schools for online drafting courses is the Oklahoma State University at Oklahoma City .

awarded over $70,000 of financial assistance to students during the 2017 to 2018 school year and has a student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1. The school offers an Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Technology with a focus on CAD Architecture. The program consists of 66 credit hours and covers courses in CAD drafting and drawing, construction drawing, and 3D modeling

There is a tuition rate of about $151 (in-state) to $395 (out-of-state) per credit hour, and students can finish most classes online.

APPLY HERE

Conclusion

Computer-aided online drafting is a branch of engineering that has to do with the use of specific software that reflects designs as modular 3D computer models to design and craft objects and materials.

If you have a great interest in architecture and want to work in the tech industry, you should make a choice from any of these best schools for Online drafting courses 2022. 

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