Program Details
Associate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology
Associate of Applied ScienceTidewater Community College
This program is included in: G3
The Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CAD) Technology program has three different options for students seeking to obtain a degree or choosing to develop or update their technical skills. Those working toward the degree program have a choice between two degree options. The Architectural Drafting and Design Technology specialization prepares students for work in architectural, engineering, and design firms. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree concentrates on mechanical drafting and design and prepares students for employment in the fields of mechanical and machine design, structural, manufacturing, civil engineering, marine design, and construction. The third option, for those seeking only to acquire or hone their technical skills, is the 33-credit Certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology which primarily consists of technical courses. Students who already have a degree frequently see this Certificate as an excellent choice.
The Associate of Applied Science degree is offered at the Portsmouth and Virginia Beach campuses and focuses on preparing students to work successfully in computer-aided design and related computer-aided manufacturing operations (CAD/CAM). Graduates typically find employment in the fields of mechanical and machine design, structural design, manufacturing, civil engineering, marine design, construction, and related areas. Using Autodesk software, students learn to prepare working drawings reflecting national and international standards, practices, and procedures. Additionally, students learn to prepare engineering drawings supporting mechanical engineering and design utilizing welding details, industrial piping, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, electrical schematics, sheet metal developments, and solid modeling.
Under formal articulation agreements, students may transfer course work to a baccalaureate degree program in an engineering technology area. Students planning on pursuing a baccalaureate degree should meet with the program head in his/her academic plan and consult the receiving institution's catalog and transfer guide.
In addition to preparing students to move directly into business and industry and providing for college transfer opportunities upon graduation, the CAD program is designed to work in partnership with local business and industry to meet their educational and training needs.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Yes, if you:
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| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights | TCC had 5 graduates in 2020-21, 5 graduates in 2019-20, 11 graduates in 2018-19, 5 graduates in 2017-18, and 10 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology. |
Program Credit Requirements
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.
For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer.
https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
If you are interested in transferring to a four-year degree view this degree on the Transfer Virginia site to explore degrees aligned with this program at Virginia's 4-year institutions.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Design Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-3011.00 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering practices, and mathematics to complete drawings. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-3012.00 | Electrical and Electronics Drafters | Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-3013.00 | Mechanical Drafters | Prepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
| 17-3019.00 | Drafters, All Other | All drafters not listed separately. | Architecture and Engineering Occupations |
Cost To Complete