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Program Details

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology

Associate of Applied Science
Mountain Empire Community College

Classes offered in the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major program will introduce you to architectural and mechanical design that will prepare you to work as a drafts person. Approximately one-half of the courses taken are in drafting and design technology. Students will also take courses in related areas and general education. MECC utilizes CADD operations extensively. Micro-Station PC, AutoCADD, and 3D software programs are available. These programs are the most widely used in industry in our service area. Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major classes are available to evening students.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of drafting conventions including symbols, linetypes, lineweights, and dimension styles as applicable to the design discipline.
2. Perform and support estimating functions including quantity, types, costs, labor requirements, equipment, and scheduling functions.
3. Demonstrate the ability to develop and/or interpret 2D and 3D projects to solve common engineering problems.
4. Illustrate the engineering design process from the transformation of an idea or need into a completed project.
5. Develop quantitative reasoning skills useful in working in industry.
6. Collaborate with team members to identify and evaluate solutions to engineering problems.


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Classes offered in the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major program will introduce you to architectural and mechanical design that will prepare you to work as a drafts person.
Program Requirement Notes
Program Requirement Notes

An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.

Considerations When Selecting Courses

Approximately one-half of the courses taken are in drafting and design technology. Students will also take courses in related areas and general education. An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Mountain Empire Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major classes are available to evening students.
Doing More With Your Degree Successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science degree in the Computer-Aided Drafting & Design Technology major will prepare you for employment in areas in drafting and design including: mechanical, architectural, structural steel, and civil engineering.
Program Successes & Highlights MECC utilizes CADD operations extensively. Micro-Station PC, AutoCADD, and 3D software programs are available. These programs are the most widely used in industry in our service area.
Program Credit Requirements
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The table below provides the requirements to complete this program. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You should consult an advisor or counselor to find courses you can take at your current institution that will transfer to this degree.

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology
68
Associate of Applied Science in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Technology Degree
68
Course Requirements for 729
68
Core Requirements for 729
68
SDV 100
1
Earn 1 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
ENG 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 160
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 200
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 111
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Humanities Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
DRF 201
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 201
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CIV 171
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 231
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Social Science Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
UMS 107
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CIV 172
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 298 or 290
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
DRF 232
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
DRF 233
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 210
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
PHY 131
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
GIS 205
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MEC 122
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
MTH 105 and 106
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
GIS 200
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
BLD 110
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Residency
68
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 51 credits may be applied to this program.
Plan GPA for 729
68
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities.
Credit for Prior Learning VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Mountain Empire Community College
College Level Information
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Transfer Admission Application
External Link
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? Mountain Empire Community College’s mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce.
Transfer Student Catalog Year
First Year Student Catalog Year The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays VCCS degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to most efficiently transfer your current course work. So, you can use this list to find a degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

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
New River Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Engineering Design TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Draft & DesignAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Tidewater Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology (Architectural Drafting)AssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
17-3011.00Architectural and Civil DraftersPrepare 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
17-3019.00Drafters, All OtherAll drafters not listed separately.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3012.00Electrical and Electronics DraftersPrepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
17-3013.00Mechanical DraftersPrepare detailed working diagrams of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.Architecture and Engineering Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 68 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology at Mountain Empire Community College
These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $167 Per Credit $11,356 $0 $11,356
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.
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