Drafting

What is drafting?

Drafting is the profession of sketching or drawing objects and structural entities to provide a visual layout.

What should I look for in an online drafting school?

The best online drafting schools should possess either regional or national accreditation from an accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition, you can often recognize top online drafting schools based on:

• The school’s name and status
• The school’s history
• Teacher credentials
• Alumni network

In choosing the best online drafting school for you, you should consider the following factors:

• Admission requirements
• Residency requirements
• Class and teaching style
• Testing methods used
• Course content and presentation
• Program length
• Class size
• Student-teacher interaction
• Technology use
• Tuition and financial aid
• Transferability of credits
• Availability of a dedicated administration team and resources

What levels of online drafting programs are available?

The following levels of drafting degree online programs are available:

• Online Drafting Certificate Programs
• Online Associates in Drafting
• Online Bachelor in Drafting
• Online Masters in Drafting
• Online PhD in Drafting

How long does it take to get an online drafting degree?

The amount of time it takes a student to earn an accredited online drafting degree depends on the level of drafting degree being pursued and the pace of the student.

Typically, the breakdown is as follows:

• Online Drafting Certification Programs – 6 months to 1 year
• Online Drafting Associates Degree – 2 years
• Online Drafting Bachelor Degree – 4 years
• Online Drafting Masters – 2 years
• Online Drafting PhD – 2 to 5 years

What are some examples of online drafting courses?

Drafting courses involve computer aided drafting, blueprint creation and reading, and modeling. Typical drafting courses include:

• Technical Drafting
  This course introduces technical drafting from the fundamentals through advanced drafting practices. Students will learn lettering, metric construction, technical sketching, orthographic projection, sections, intersections, development, fasteners, theory and applications of dimensions and tolerances.
• Engineering Drawing Fundamentals
  Engineer drafting fundamentals introduces technical drafting from the fundamentals through advanced drafting practices, including lettering, geometric construction, technical sketching, orthographic projection, sections, intersections, development, and fasteners.
• Blueprint Reading
  This class covers industrial prints, auxiliary views, pictorial drawings, simplified drafting procedures, production drawing, operation sheets, tool drawing, assembly drawings, and detailed prints.
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  CAD courses teach computer-aided drafting concepts and equipment designed to develop a general understanding of components of a typical CAD system and its operation.
• Solid Modeling
  This course focuses on teaching students the design of parts by parametric solid modeling.

What areas of drafting specialization are available?

The profession of drafting is used across a variety of fields, thus requiring specialization in a concentrated area, including:

• Computer-Aided Design
• Solid Modeling
• Ship Drafting and Design
• Blueprint Reading
• Technical Drafting

What can I do with a drafting degree?

Drafting skills are crucial to many fields, including technical design, architecture, and auto and shipbuilding. Some professional drafting opportunities include:

• Architectural Design
• Graphic Design
• Automobile Drafting and Design
• Shipbuilding
• Mechanical Engineering Design

What is a drafter?

Professional drafters work in a variety of fields, creating models, blueprints, and other visual aid for products including cars, ships, mechanical equipment, and buildings. The skills to create accurate, sound, and detailed drafting products are learned through an online drafting degree program.

What does a drafter do?

A drafter’s responsibilities may range and vary, depending on the specificity of his or her field. Primarily, a drafter will work closely with a client to provide a detailed visual analysis of a subject, so that it can be applied to the creation or physical development.

How much does a drafter earn?

The best online drafting degree programs provide students with both academic and practical skills needed to compete in this industry. Graduates from an accredited online drafting program can earn between $28,600 for an entry-level position, to $68,000 for an advanced position. Many drafters hold advanced engineering skills, and are in an excellent position to move into the engineering field.

How do I become a drafter?

To become a drafter, an individual should attend an online drafting program. Online schools in drafting teach the essential skills that will be required of all working professionals in the field. Most prospective drafters also select a specialty, such as graphic design or architecture, to further focus on the specific needs and requirements of a given subject. In addition to a solid education, individuals should pursue internships at architecture firms, design companies, or other places that provide relevant drafting services.