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Technical Diploma

Design & Drafting Technology

Design & Drafting Technology Overview

This embedded technical diploma will prepare you for a career in Mechanical Design. You will utilize the newest technology to develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, and tools using AutoCAD and SolidWorks software. While developing a student portfolio, you will learn to create two- and three-dimensional drawings, isometric drawings, and assemblies. Print reading visualization, sketching, and design document structuring will also be addressed. If you decide to pursue a Mechanical Design associate degree, this technical diploma will apply towards your degree.

Part of a career pathway, the Design & Drafting Technology technical diploma credits apply toward the Mechanical Design associate degree if you choose to continue your education. Call us at 715-833-6300 to learn more.

Earn credit for prior learning! Do you have previous educational or work experience in the field? You could be eligible to receive credit for prior learning.

Just the Facts

Design & Drafting Technology
16 Credit Technical Diploma

Program Length
One Year

Delivery Method
Face-to-Face, Online

Program Location
Eau Claire, Online

Start Months
August

 

Financial Aid Eligible

 

Non-Traditional Occupation

Estimated Program Cost 

Learn more about the cost of attendance.

Term 1

$

1,383

Term 2

$

1,307

Books

$

67

 What are estimated program costs? Estimated Total: $2,757

Program Courses Admission Information I'm Ready to Apply

Career Opportunities

Designer

Machinist

Welder Fabricator

Graduate Employers

OEM Fabricators Inc

Riverside Machine & Engineering

Stainless Technologies

Program Outcomes

CVTC graduates are ready for the workforce. Each year, we send our graduates the Graduate Follow-Up Survey asking several questions related to employment. Here are the program outcomes and job data.

// Program Scorecard
 

$55K*
Yearly Salary

Design & Drafting Technology professionals make an average starting salary of $54,899.

 

50%
Employed

50% of our recent Design & Drafting Technology graduates got a job in the industry.

 

13
Regional Jobs

There are 13 job openings in the CVTC district for the Design & Drafting Technology industry.

 
* This wage is not specific to CVTC graduates. Wage estimates are based on entry-level positions and are gathered from Lightcast which is an economic modeling software that blends historical and projected industry and occupation trends within CVTC's 11-county district. Wage estimates are based on Occupational Employment Statistics and the American Community Survey.

Transfer

Credits to Other Institutions

Should you choose to continue your education after you leave CVTC, we have agreements in place with several institutions to ensure an easy transfer.

View Transfer Options

Program Courses

These are a few of the courses you will take in this program. Courses and the recommended sequence change from year to year; once you are enrolled in a program at CVTC you will be given a recommended course sequence that outlines what courses you should take and the order in which to take them.

You may search for available courses. If you are ever unsure of what courses to take, talk to your academic advisor. If you are looking for course information for previous years, check out our past catalogs.

Here are a few of the courses you can take in the Design & Drafting Technology program.

Sample Courses

Basic CAD
Basic computer-aided drafting and design (CAD) uses two-dimensional AutoCAD software and commands to create entities, edit, store, and print CAD drawings. Topics include entity creation of arcs, circles, lines, coordinates, editing functions, scaling, making templates, text detailing, layers and line types, viewports, modelspace layout and paperspace practices, dimensioning styles, calculation strategies, blocks, groups, libraries, attributes, bills of materials, and plotting to scale. A final project permits the student to apply technical skills to a detailed mechanical design drawing.

Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) graphically defines limits of size, form, orientation, profile, location, and runout applications to ASME Y14.5-2009. GD&T standards include universal symbols and terms, position tolerancing verification, datum reference frame theory, datum (size) modifiers, datum targets, metrology and functional gage design application using a coordinate measuring open setup. Measurement of floating and fixed fasteners is applied to actual mechanical parts. GD&T will also be applied to welding fabrication drawings and assemblies.

Solid Modeling II
The student will develop complex parametric models, assemblies, and working drawings, apply drawing standards, materials, and tabulated dimensions. Part families, sheet metal parts, welded assemblies, exploded assemblies, software generated bills of material, and simple animation will also be covered.

View Full Course List

Request More Information

Please provide your contact information and an Admissions Advisor will get back to you ASAP with more information about this program.

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Earn Credentials Along the Way

Career Pathways  What is a career pathway?

Career Pathways are a clear, manageable way to access education that provides employer-recognized, stackable credentials tied to specific jobs, education, and career progression. Career Pathways are beneficial to high school students and teachers, parents, adult students, and employers.

Associate Degree

Mechanical Design

Your future is waiting…Are you ready to get started?

Apply Now
Shari, Mechanical Design Student

We’re learning to build 3D models of pretty much anything. We’re given parameters and figure out how to get from that to something that will work. You have to figure out the angles and how things are going to move.

Shari

Mechanical Design Student

Related Programs & Certificates

Whether you're looking to continue your learning to another program or to gain continuing education credit, CVTC offers a variety of learning opportunities for students.

Degrees & Diplomas

Architectural Structural Design, Associate Degree

Manufacturing Engineering Technologist, Associate Degree

Mechanical Design, Associate Degree

Continue Your Learning

CVTC can help you achieve your learning goals whether you are looking to advance your career or enrich your personal life.

// Explore Continuing Ed Opportunities

  Unsure of which program you'd like to go into? Learn more about our Career Assessment to help narrow down your options.

Additional Admissions Resources

Admission Requirements

Each program requires specific requirements a student must meet to be considered for admissions to this program.

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Advising Tips

We have compiled helpful tips and general information for students in this program.

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