Are you having trouble deciding whether to study math or art? Are you interested in digital design as well as drawing the old-fashioned way? Have you ever designed, built and completed a project on your own? If so, think about studying drafting design and technology in college! Drafting design and technology majors use technical skills to create drawings, plans and models to build/manufacture a product.
Education
According to the College Board, drafting design and technology majors typically earn a certificate or associate’s degree. If you are serious about this type of education, consider taking drafting/technical drawing, physics, industrial arts and geometry in high school. Typical college courses for drafting design/tech majors include product design, business and technical writing, architectural drafting, and building codes.
What to know before you apply
Does your prospective college or program emphasize drawing theory or technology? Depending on your own personal interest, you should find out the concentration that will be offered. Also, ask about the type of software you will be working with. Is it the same software used in the jobs you hope to have one day? Finally, find out the classes-to-labs ratio in your education. Labs are just as much work as classes, so you should prepare yourself to avoid being overwhelmed.
Salary
An education in drafting design and technology will prepare you for careers in architecture, civil engineering and construction/building inspection. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, architects earned an average of $79,300 in 2011, while civil engineers earned an average of $82,710. Construction/building inspectors earned an average salary of $54,970 in 2011.
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