Your Blueprint to a Successful Career

Whether designing buildings or product components, our Design & Drafting Technology program prepares you for a rewarding career. We will equip you with in-demand skills needed to design systems and parts for every day use. You choose between two specialized paths which meet your career goals: Architectural Design where you'll master building systems and construction methods using industry software like AutoCAD and Revit; or Computer Aided Design, where you'll create technical drawings for various industries using cutting-edge 3D modeling tools. Our hands-on approach mirrors workplace environments, developing practical problem-solving abilities highly sought by employers nationwide.

PROGRAM GOALS


Master Industry-Standard Design Software

You will gain comprehensive knowledge of multiple design software packages including Inventor, 3-D Civil CAD, Solidworks, Revit and SDS/2, enabling you to create both 2-D and 3-D designs for various applications.


Develop Construction Knowledge

You will learn about common building materials for residential and commercial construction, calculate heat loss/gain, estimate costs, and determine material quantities needed for projects.


Apply Design Fundamentals

You will master the Cartesian coordinate system, construction print reading and gain knowledge in heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, concrete, and wood design to create safe, efficient building systems.

 

Architectural Design

A.A.S.

Locations: Lincoln

The Architectural Design track prepares students to work specifically in the architectural and engineering industries, with an emphasis on the technical aspects of building design and documentation.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$8,000

CREDIT HOURS

64

PROGRAM LENGTH

4 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time / Part-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall

Estimated A.A.S. Costs
Tuition
$8,000
Books
$2,350
Tools
$30
Total
$10,380
Avg. Annual Salary
$48,984*

 

Computer Aided Design

A.A.S.

Locations: Lincoln

The Computer Aided Design track prepares graduates to work as CAD technicians, mechanical drafters, and designers across various industries where precise technical drawings and digital models are essential.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$8,000

CREDIT HOURS

64

PROGRAM LENGTH

4 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time / Part-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

Estimated A.A.S. Costs
Tuition
$8,000
Books
$2,450
Tools
$30
Total
$10,480
Avg. Annual Salary
$48,984*

 

Designing Software

Certificate

Locations: Lincoln

The Designing Software track concentrates specifically on mastering multiple design software platforms. You’ll build a strong foundation in the digital tools used throughout the design and drafting industry.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$2,250

CREDIT HOURS

18

PROGRAM LENGTH

2 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time / Part-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

Estimated Certificate Costs
Tuition
$2,250
Books
$774
Tools
$30
Total
$3,054

 

Intro to Design

Certificate

Locations: Lincoln

The Intro to Design track provides a foundational introduction to computer-aided drafting and design principles for those new to the field who want to explore design and drafting fundamentals before committing to a more specialized path.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$2,000

CREDIT HOURS

16

PROGRAM LENGTH

2 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time / Part-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

Estimated Certificate Costs
Tuition
$2,000
Books
$995
Total
$2,995

 

Residential Design

Certificate

Locations: Lincoln

The Residential Design track is ideal for students interested in the residential sector of design and construction, providing specialized knowledge that can be applied directly to home design, residential developments, and small-scale commercial projects.

ESTIMATED TUITION

$2,625

CREDIT HOURS

21

PROGRAM LENGTH

2 Terms

SCHEDULE

Full-Time / Part-Time

STARTING TERM

Fall / Spring

Estimated Certificate Costs
Tuition
$2,625
Books
$916
Tools
$30
Total
$2,946

 

WHY SCC?

What kind of hands-on experience will I get in the Design & Drafting Technology program?


Our students spend two-thirds of their time in the lab using industry software like Revit Building, Solidworks and 3-D civil software. The remaining time is spent learning theory from instructors with significant industry experience.

Will I get real-world job experience while in the program?


You will complete a 180-hour paid cooperative experience with local employers, providing on-the-job training and valuable networking opportunities. Many of these experiences lead to full-time job offers.

What kind of equipment and technology will I learn to use?


We moved into the state-of-the-art Sandhills Global Technology Center and our lab is equipped with high-tech computers, 3-D printers, a laser cutter, a mill and a commercial drone—the same equipment and software used in the industry.

Are there opportunities to build skills beyond regular coursework?


Many of our students join SkillsUSA to compete against other college chapters in industry-relevant tasks, gaining additional hands-on experience, networking opportunities and leadership skills.

 

CAREER OUTCOMES

Architectural Drafter

Create detailed drawings and plans for residential and commercial buildings using specialized software like AutoCAD and Revit. Work closely with architects to ensure designs meet specifications, building codes, and safety standards.

Civil Drafter

Prepare drawings and topographical maps used in civil engineering projects such as highways, bridges, pipelines, and water systems. Create plans that show dimensions, materials, and procedures for construction.

Mechanical Drafter

Design detailed technical drawings of mechanical devices and equipment. Create plans that show dimensions, fastening methods, and other requirements for assembly following engineering specifications.

 

Next Steps

Program Chair
David Zachek
Instructor Design & Drafting Technology
dzachek@southeast.edu

 

Additional Resources

* Avg. Annual Salary is based on reported data from SCC graduates and calculated in accordance with the methods found in the latest SCC Graduate Report