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

Program Web Page

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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	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 via College Connect
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

Credential That Prepares You For This Program

Credential

Certificate - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology

Link

Program Credit Requirements

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

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

Transfer Center

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External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

3364

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

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.)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Art	4-Year	In-Person
Mountain Empire Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
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

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

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 67 credits remaining to be completed

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Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Associate of Applied Science - Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology (Architectural Drafting) at Tidewater 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	$165	Per Credit	$11,055	$0	$11,055	Tuition is subject to change by action of the State Board for Community Colleges. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Fees
Institutional Fee	$7	Per Credit	$469	0	$469	Used to fund expenses related to campus parking including, but no limited to parking improvements, signage, parking lot repairs, lot security, and overall improvements. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Student Activity Fee	$3	Per Credit	$201	0	$201	Used to fund various student activities and programs including, but not limited to honor societies, leadership training, community and cultural events, clubs, athletics, student publications, and learning assistance. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.
Auxiliary Capital Fee	$20	Per Credit	$1,340	0	$1,340	Used to construct, maintain, and operate facilities for which state General Fund dollars are not permitted. Up to a maximum of 15 credit hours per semester. Fees are payable with tuition and are charged on a per credit hour basis.

*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.