Drafting & Design Engineering Technology

The Drafting and Design Engineering Technology program offers the technical training necessary for students choosing a drafting/design career in the fields of architecture, construction, manufacturing, and engineering. This program provides a strong academic and technical base, giving the graduate the needed skills and knowledge for immediate employment and the foundation for professional growth. It also provides professional growth for the experienced drafter/designer needing academic enrichment and knowledge of computer-aided drafting technology.

Advanced placement credit (21 credit hours max) is available to students who can provide written documentation of a minimum of two years, continuous related industry experience within the past ten years. This advanced placement credit is awarded after the student completes 9 semester hours at HCC.

This program provides a strong academic and technical base, giving the graduate the needed skills and knowledge for immediate employment and the foundation for professional growth. It also provides professional growth for the experienced drafter/designer needing academic enrichment and knowledge of computer-aided drafting technology.

Advanced placement credit (21 credit hours max) is available to students who can provide written documentation of a minimum of two years, continuous related industry experience within the past ten years. This advanced placement credit is awarded after the student completes 9 semester hours at HCC.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) allows students to earn only one AAS in Drafting and Design Engineering Technology. Students must choose one of the following four specializations: General Computer-Aided Design Drafting, Building Design Drafting, Mechanical Design, ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DESIGN or Piping Design Drafting.

Likewise the THECB allows students to earn only one Certificate in Computer-Aided Drafting. Students must choose from one of the following five specializations: Computer-Aided Drafting-General Drafting, Architectural Drafting, Civil Drafting, Machine Drafting, ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DRAFTING or Pipe Drafting.

In addition, please note that a student may only earn one Occupational Skills Award (OSA) per academic year.

TSI testing required prior to first enrollment for all AAS degrees and Level II certificates.

There are 1,670 Electrical Drafters,1,974 Mechanical Drafters, 4,312 Architectural Drafters,and 4,312 Civil Drafters employed In the Greater Houston Area. These numbers are expected to increase from 2.9- 5.6% over the next four years.

• Median Wages - $23.98-32.09 hourly, $50,000-67,000 annually