Program Details
Program Details
Back to top

Program Details

Associate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology (Architectural Drafting)

Associate of Applied Science
Tidewater Community College

This program is included in: G3

The Architectural Drafting and Design Technology specialization is offered at the Virginia Beach Campus and prepares students for employment as advanced CAD drafters or designers in an architectural firm. Graduates have the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide variety of employment opportunities in the design and construction industry. Under formal articulation agreements, students may transfer course work toward a baccalaureate degree program in an engineering technology field or to some schools of architecture. Students planning on pursuing a baccalaureate degree should meet with the program head early in their academic plan and consult the receiving institution's catalog and transfer guide.

The faculty are experienced educators and professionals such as practicing architects and engineers. They bring in current practices and knowledge of the latest building materials, construction methods and computer technology. The program is highly regarded in the Virginia architectural community for its ability to challenge its students and teach essential technical skills for which employers are looking. Students in the program have the opportunity to sample a variety of interest areas within the discipline, including building and site planning, architectural graphic techniques, computer-aided drafting, rendering and animation, materials and construction technology, architectural history, international study, building codes, office practices, structures and more. Students may begin fall, spring, or summer semester.

The Specialization in Architectural Drafting and Design Technology prepares students for employment in these businesses and industries:
- Architect offices
- Engineering consulting firms (civil, mechanical, and electrical)
- Landscape architect offices
- Construction management firms
- Building contracting firms
- Building developers
- Computer drafting and mapping service companies
- Construction material suppliers and producers (sales, shop drawings)
- Facilities planning offices


Program Overview & Guidance
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree Yes, if you:
  • are interested in design
  • are detail oriented and creative
  • enjoy working with computers
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • 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 Tidewater Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights TCC had 8 graduates in 2020-21, 10 graduates in 2019-20, 7 graduates in 2018-19, 13 graduates in 2017-18, and 13 graduates in 2016-17 in the AAS program in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology (Architectural Drafting).
Related Programs & Certifications
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Credential That Prepares You For This Program
Credential
Link
Program Credit Requirements
Expand or Shrink Accordion
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The student development requirement at TCC is waived for students who have completed an associate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution. All other coursework is evaluated and transferred as applicable to your degree.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School TCC does not distinguish between students earning an associate degree while in high school or after high school graduation.
Credit for Prior Learning TCC recognizes you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. Credit for Prior Learning at TCC is academic credit awarded to students who successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You can have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.

For more information: https://help.tcc.edu/s/topic/0TO1R000000gnrkWAA/credit-for-prior-learning

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: Tidewater Community College
College Level Information
Expand or Shrink Accordion
Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
3647
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? At TCC, we believe everyone should have access to a high quality, affordable education. With diverse programs designed for immediate job placement, smaller class sizes, top-rated faculty and modern campuses, TCC is an ideal environment for a life changing education, right here in your own backyard.
Transfer Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined when an academic plan is selected by the student.
First Year Student Catalog Year Catalog year is determined by first semester of attendance.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions Completing the first two years of your degree at TCC can get you in the door - while saving you thousands on the cost of your education. We recommend that you start your transfer planning during your first semester at TCC. In addition to your regular academic advising, you should review the TCC guaranteed admissions agreements and the transfer guides for the college or university to which you would like to transfer.

https://help.tcc.edu/s/article/Guaranteed-Transfer-Programs.

Where Can This Degree Transfer
Expand or Shrink Accordion
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Marymount University Interior Architecture and Design (B.A.)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Mountain Empire Community CollegeAssociate of Applied Science Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design TechnologyAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
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 Drafting and Design Technology DegreeAssociateAssociate of Applied Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Careers Where This Degree Applies
Expand or Shrink Accordion
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
Expand or Shrink Accordion