DRAFTING/DESIGN ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Drafting/Design Engineering Technology program at the Pierpont Community and Technical College is designed to prepare graduates with practical knowledge, technical skills, verbal and written communication skills, and the mathematical ability required to develop various drawings used for illustration, industrial applications, and architectural design.  Strong emphasis is placed on projection theory, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, and modern industrial practice.

Students graduate from this program with strong skills in math, science, written and oral communication, drafting/design technology, and the use of computers and peripheral equipment.  They receive experience in engineering graphics, architectural drafting, solid modeling, descriptive geometry, applied engineering calculus, technical drafting, and tool design.

The Drafting/Design Engineering Technology program has evolved to reflect an industry-wide shift from manual drafting skills to the use of computer workstations with application software.  The majority of courses now use our state of the art computer aided drafting and design (CAD) laboratory to produce engineering drawings and reports.

Many students complete the coursework for the A.A.S. degree in Drafting/Design Engineering Technology and then enter the workforce or transfer into baccalaureate programs within the School of Science and Technology such as Mechanical Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, Architectural Engineering Technology, Graphics or Technology Education.

The A.A.S. program in Drafting/Design Engineering Technology has been accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC of ABET).  111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012 (410) 347-7700.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DRAFTING/DESIGN MAJORS

Graduates with the associate degree are qualified for entry-level technical positions in engineering, architectural, or manufacturing-related firms.  The strong math, science, and communication background provided by this degree allows graduating students to enter the job market as technicians, supervisors, and project managers.  Specific job titles include drafter, tracer, design drafter, designer, CAD operator, engineering assistant, engineering technicians, graphics specialist, and project manager.  The demand for these positions will increase between 15-23% over the next 10 years.  The Drafting/Design Engineering Technology program at Pierpont Community and Technical College will prepare students to the meet this market demand.