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

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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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.
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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

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.
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.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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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... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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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

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 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 Draft & Design | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology (Architectural Drafting) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
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 |
17-3019.00 | Drafters, All Other | All drafters not listed separately. | 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 |
Cost To Complete

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