Computer Aided Drafters are technical specialists with broad-based skills for architectural, civil, mechanical, and manufacturing fields. In this program, the students are taught manual drafting techniques and 2D and 3D CAD. Specific skills taught include, but are not limited to, lettering, geometric construction, orthographic projections, dimensioning and tolerancing, and related technical processes. These skills are required to transform specifications and instructions of architects, designers, and engineers into complete and precise drawings. The drafter is a skilled technician with a thorough understanding of the graphic language and is an indispensable contributor to the engineering design team. Progression in the Computer Aided Drafting program is contingent upon achievement of a grade of “C” or greater in each technical and mathematics course with maintenance of a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or above (on a 4.0 scale).
An Associate in Applied Science degree in General Occupational/Technical Studies is available.
Associate in Applied Science
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Computer Aided Drafting – Mechanical Drafter Option
General Education: (18 credits)
ENG 101 Writing I.............................................................................. 3
MT 110 Applied Mathematics OR Higher level course....................... 3
Heritage/Humanities.................................................................... 3
Science........................................................................................ 3
Social Interaction........................................................................ 3
Oral Communications.................................................................. 3
Technical Core: (28 credits)
Computer Literacy...................................................................... 3
ADFT 130 Introduction to Architecture................................................ 4
DFT 102 Drafting Fundamentals......................................................... 4
DFT 112 Engineering Graphics............................................................ 4
DFT 122 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting............................. 4
DFT 130 Descriptive Geometry.......................................................... 4
DFT 152 Intermediate Computer Aided Drafting................................. 4
DFT 299 Cooperative Education OR.................................................. 1
DFT 298 Practicum.......................................................................... (1)
Mechanical Core: (19-24 credits)
DFT 212 Industrial Drafting Processes................................................ 4
DFT 222 Mechanical Design............................................................... 4
DFT 240 Advanced Dimensioning and Measurement........................... 4
DFT 292 Industrial Applications......................................................... 4
Elective (As approved by Program Advisor)............................. 3-8
Total Credits 65-70
Certificates and Diplomas
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Diplomas
Mechanical Drafter
General Education: (6 credits)
MT 110 Applied Mathematics OR Higher level course....................... 3
Choose one from the following categories:
Heritage/Humanities.................................................................... 3
Science........................................................................................ 3
Social Interaction........................................................................ 3
Oral Communications.................................................................. 3
Technical Core: (28 credits)
Computer Literacy...................................................................... 3
ADFT 130 Introduction to Architecture................................................ 4
DFT 102 Drafting Fundamentals......................................................... 4
DFT 112 Engineering Graphics............................................................ 4
DFT 122 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting............................. 4
DFT 130 Descriptive Geometry.......................................................... 4
DFT 152 Intermediate Computer Aided Drafting................................. 4
DFT 299 Cooperative Education OR.................................................. 1
DFT 298 Practicum.......................................................................... (1)
Mechanical Core: (19-24 credits)
DFT 212 Industrial Drafting Processes................................................ 4
DFT 222 Mechanical Design............................................................... 4
DFT 240 Advanced Dimensioning and Measurement........................... 4
DFT 292 Industrial Applications......................................................... 4
Elective (As approved by Program Advisor)............................. 3-8
Total credits 53-58
Certificates
Computer Assisted Drafter
General Education: (3 credits) Choose one from the following categories:
Mathematics................................................................................ 3
Heritage/Humanities.................................................................... 3
Science........................................................................................ 3
Social Interaction........................................................................ 3
Oral Communications.................................................................. 3
Technical Core: (21-28 credits)
Computer Literacy...................................................................... 3
DFT 102 Drafting Fundamentals......................................................... 4
DFT 112 Engineering Graphics............................................................ 4
DFT 122 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting............................. 4
DFT 152 Intermediate Computer Aided Drafting................................. 4
Elective (As approved by Program Advisor)............................. 2-9
Total Credits 24-31
Detailer
Computer Literacy...................................................................... 3
DFT 102 Drafting Fundamentals......................................................... 4
DFT 112 Engineering Graphics............................................................ 4
DFT 122 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting............................. 4
Elective (As approved by Program Advisor)............................. 2-6
Total Credits 17-21
Drafter Assistant
Computer Literacy...................................................................... 3
DFT 102 Drafting Fundamentals......................................................... 4
DFT 112 Engineering Graphics OR..................................................... 4
DFT 122 Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting.......................... (4)
Elective (As approved by Program Advisor)............................. 2-6
Total Credits 13-17
This field consists of recording and conveying engineering information in the form of accurate working drawings used to manufacture parts or products. Drafters fill in technical details using drawings, rough sketches, specifications, codes, and calculations. Workers must be detail oriented.
Although demand for drafters is likely to grow more slowly than average job growth through 2014, drafters are beginning to break out of the traditional drafting role and do work traditionally performed by engineers and architects. Most job openings are expected to arise from the need to replace drafters who transfer to other occupations, leave the labor force, or retire. (Source: DOL Occupational Outlook Handbook 2006-2007)
Gateway helps place drafting graduates with specialty equipment manufacturers, packaging equipment makers, drafting contractors, aerospace manufacturers and similar employers.
Technology is the cornerstone of a career in Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD). Highly trained drafters use CADD systems to electronically create and store technical drawings that can then be viewed, printed or programmed directly into automated manufacturing systems. Such drawings are used to build everything from toys, toasters, industrial machinery and spacecraft to houses, office buildings and pipelines.
Students in Gateway’s program develop a thorough understanding of lettering, descriptive geometry, orthographic projection, dimensioning, and conventional practices common to all drafting fields. Students learn CADD and conventional drafting techniques to create accurate and complete working drawings. The program instills a sense of craftsmanship, pride and teamwork as students learn to understand industry expectations for job performance, precision, efficiency and attitude. The curriculum underscores the vital importance of technology in modern American life and provides students with the necessary skills to succeed in this highly skilled field. The program is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in mechanical drafting. Progressing to higher-level jobs requires additional education as emphasized in the Gateway curriculum.
Look up the median annual base salary In Northern Kentucky for occupations related to this program at
www.Salary.comCurriculum in the KCTCS system is constantly being reviewed, improved and updated to ensure quality and relevance. Exact course requirements will be provided by a program advisor at an advising session or upon enrollment. Courses listed in this document are representative, but not binding on Gateway College.
