Study Mechanical Drafting: Degrees at a Glance
Drafters turn the designs created by professionals into technical drawings. These drawings are then referred to in the actual product or structure's construction. A mechanical drafter specializes in drafting various machinery, mechanical equipment and devices. Your job duties can include reviewing the specifications, revising the design when necessary and making sure the materials match the dimensions needed for the project.
Students who wish to specialize in mechanical drafting typically earn an associate's degree. As a program graduate, you will have developed skills in math, visualization, technical drawing and computers that can be used in a variety of industries, ranging from architecture and construction to engineering and the service industry.
While bachelor's degree programs in mechanical drafting are not offered, related coursework is available in a few drafting and design baccalaureate programs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted 6% job growth for all drafters in general from 2010-2020, which is slower than the average for other professions.
| Associate's | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this degree for? | Individuals who want to become professional drafters. | Students seeking a well-rounded education along with drafting and design skills. |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median salary) | - Mechanical drafter ($49,000)* - Drafter ($46,000)* - CAD drafter ($42,000)** | Bachelor's degree holders can have the same jobs as associate's degree holders |
| Time to Completion | 2 years full-time | 4 years full-time |
| Prerequisites | High school degree or GED | High school diploma or GED; relevant coursework a plus |
| Online Availability | Yes | None found at this time |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2011 **Salary.com April 2012.
Associate's Degree in Mechanical Drafting
An associate's degree is the typical level of education needed to become a professional drafter for mechanical and machinery applications. You may have the option of earning a mechanical drafting degree or earning the degree in something like drafting technology with a specialization in mechanical drafting. Besides general education coursework in subjects such as English, mathematics and science, you will receive instruction that is particularly focused on learning how to create technical drawings for use for assembly.
Pros and Cons of an Associate's in Mechanical Drafting
Pros
- Graduates develop skills usable in a variety of industries
- Learn how to use CADD (computer assisted drafting and design) technology
- Graduation after two years can lead to an entry-level position in the workplace
- Employers look to hire individuals with training, most typically from associate's degree programs
Cons
- Some associate's degree programs specialize in teaching only for particular industries, such as manufacturing or construction
- Training may be more specialized than what can be found in a broader 4-year program
- Being able to expand your skills for use in certain fields (such as architecture) may require additional education at the bachelor's degree level.
Courses and Requirements
The completion of coursework is typically the only requirement for earning the associate's degree. By taking courses, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to create the technical drawings used in creating mechanical products, systems and devices. Along with general education courses in English (composition, for example) and math (such as geometry, algebra and trigonometry), students take the core courses needed to work in this specialized profession. Common core courses include:
- Drafting
- Blueprint reading
- Technical drawing
- CADD
- Modeling
Online Degree Options
A few associate's degree programs offer students the opportunity to take the courses fully online or in a hybrid format that allows for both distance learning and traditional classroom settings. The coursework is much the same, with only the choice of format being different. In order to take certain courses online, you may need to meet certain technical requirements. For example, you may need to have certain equipment, such as a Web camera and video player, as well as particular software. An email account is usually required, and you may even have to work from a computer monitor that meets certain size specifications.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
If you are looking for a way to stand out to prospective employers once you have earned your degree, you might want to choose elective courses within the drafting field that expand your knowledge beyond your major. For example, you may be able to take classes in architectural design, jig and fixture design, construction design and CNC (computer numerical control). Some programs may offer the chance to gain work experience as an elective course.
Once you have graduated, gaining certification through the American Design Drafting Association is an option. While voluntary, gaining certification shows potential employers you have displayed a certain level of knowledge in the field. The association does not have any education or work experience requirements to take the exam.
Bachelor's Degree in Drafting and Design Technology
Bachelor's degrees specifically for mechanical drafting aren't offered, but if you prefer a 4-year program to a 2-year one, a few programs are available in drafting and design technology. Courses related to mechanical drafting may be included either as electives or as required courses for that major. Since associate's degrees are the norm for mechanical drafting, however, you may find it more advantageous to use the bachelor's degree to pursue related or more specialized training for architectural drafting, automated manufacturing technology or even geography or cartology.
Pros
- Offers a broader education than a 2-year mechanical drafting program
- Programs may allow you to specialize your education through choice of elective coursework and concentration options
- Includes coursework in design not available in a mechanical drafting program
Cons
- Very few baccalaureate programs for mechanical drafting are available (the National Center for Education Statistics lists three schools as of May 2012)
- Takes 4 years to complete, while most employers will hire prospective mechanical drafters after graduation from a 2-year degree program
Courses and Requirements
The courses you take in a bachelor's degree program in drafting and design may depend on how you choose to tailor your program. If you want to choose a mechanical design focus, you can end up taking courses in topics such as machine design, machine drafting and product design. Depending on how you choose to focus your program, your classes could include:
- CADD
- Technical illustration
- Descriptive geometry
- Machine tool design
- Architectural drawing
Online Degree Options
Since bachelor's degree programs of any kind for drafting and design technology are already rare, you will find it difficult to pursue online study at this level. Therefore, if a 4-year program is what you are looking for, you should be prepared to take it in a traditional classroom format.
How to Stand Out with this Degree Program
You can make yourself stand out to prospective employers by the option you choose. While the number of available bachelor's degree programs is limited, you can expand your employment opportunities by choosing a management option. Available coursework in such a concentration can include human resource management, labor relations, quality management and occupational safety. Coursework in multimedia and computer graphics can also enhance your chances for employment. Concentration options can also include CADD technology, technical literacy, architectural design, product design and computer graphics. Knowledge of the newest software packages and an understanding of how the software uses databases will present another advantage in the industry.
