Computer Assisted Drafting & Design Degrees

Here's a puzzle for you. Who's the odd man out in this list?

• Aerospace engineers
• Jewelers and precious stone and metal workers
• Computer control programmers
• Landscape architects
• Mechanical engineers
• Tool and die makers
• Floral designers
• Aerospace manufacturers
• Engineering technicians
• Architects
• Design and drafting

And the answer is...floral designers. Not because they are the only ones who work with flowers, but because all the other jobs use computer assisted drafting or computer aided design (CAD). If you are interested in combining your design interests with state-of-the-art technology, computer assisted drafting and design degrees can prepare you to find work in a glittering array of careers.

What job opportunities will computer assisted drafting and design degrees create for me?

The above list shows many of the job areas you can enter and no doubt you'll find others. You are likely to work in one area, probably using CAD software developed specially for mechanical, architectural, or electronic applications. Most designers employ CAD these days, and you may wish to combine particular design skills (such as graphic or interior design) with your CAD expertise. CAD is now such a vital technology that you will find a huge variety of job opportunities either as an employee or as a freelancer.

What kinds of computer assisted drafting and design degrees/courses are available?

Computer assisted drafting and design degrees are usually offered at the associate's and bachelor's level. If you enroll in a program that's focused on general CAD software, you'll take core courses in drawing, drafting and design, and CAD fundamentals. You may then be able to choose courses in architectural design, manufacturing, mechanical design, or electronic design, among others. If you'd like to enjoy a wide choice of courses, you should look for a computer assisted drafting program that will prepare you for the kind of job you want to find.