Computer-Aided Drafting Technology A.A.S.

The Computer-Aided Drafting Technology curriculum prepares students to apply technical skills and advanced computer software and hardware to develop plans and related documentation and manage the hardware and software of a CAD system. Includes instruction in architectural drafting, computer-assisted drafting, and design (CADD), creating and managing two and three-dimensional models, and linking CAD documents to other software applications, and operating systems. Graduates should qualify for CAD jobs in architectural and engineering firms and industrial design businesses. Sustainable design practices are emphasized.

Specific Requirements

Courses requiring a grade of “C” or better: ARC, DFT, EGR, and MAC

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ARC-111		3
This course introduces basic architectural drafting techniques, lettering, use of architectural and engineer scales, and sketching. Topics include orthographic, axonometric, and oblique drawing techniques using architectural plans, elevations, sections, and details; reprographic techniques; and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and print scaled drawings within minimum architectural standards. View course details for Introduction to Architecture Technology ‌‌
ARC-225		2
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of Building Information Modeling (BIM) as a construction documentation system. Topics include basic parametric modeling, creating new types and families of components, and using 3D models to create design drawings. Upon competition, students should be able to use BIM software to create, edit, and print rudimentary architectural 3D computer models. View course details for Architectural BIM I ‌‌
ARC-225A		1
This course provides a laboratory setting to enhance architectural BIM skills. Emphasis is placed on further development of basic parametric modeling, creating new types and families of components. Upon competition, students should be able to use BIM software to create, edit, and print rudimentary architectural 3D computer models. View course details for Architectural BIM I Lab ‌‌
DFT-151		3
This course introduces CAD software as a drawing tool. Topics include drawing, editing, file management, and plotting. Upon completion, students should be able to produce and plot a CAD drawing. View course details for CAD I ‌‌
EGR-110		2
This course introduces general topics relevant to engineering technology. Skills developed include goal setting and career assessment, professional ethics, critical thinking and problem solving, using college resources for study and research, and using tools for engineering computations. Upon completion, students should be able to choose a career option in engineering technology and utilize college resources to meet their educational goals. View course details for Introduction to Engineering Tech ‌‌
MAC-131		2
This course covers the basic principles of blueprint reading and sketching. Topics include multi-view drawings; interpretation of conventional lines; and dimensions, notes, and thread notations. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic drawings, visualize parts, and make pictorial sketches. View course details for Blueprint Reading/Mach I ‌‌
SST-110		3
This course introduces sustainability issues and individual contributions toward environmental sustainability. Topics include management processes needed to maximize renewable/non-renewable energy resources, economics of sustainability, and reduction of environmental impacts. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss sustainability practices and demonstrate an understanding of their effectiveness and impacts. View course details for Intro to Sustainability ‌‌
SST-110		3
This course introduces sustainability issues and individual contributions toward environmental sustainability. Topics include management processes needed to maximize renewable/non-renewable energy resources, economics of sustainability, and reduction of environmental impacts. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss sustainability practices and demonstrate an understanding of their effectiveness and impacts. View course details for Intro to Sustainability ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ARC-112		4
This course introduces construction materials and their methodologies. Topics include construction terminology, materials and their properties, manufacturing processes, construction techniques, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to detail construction assemblies and identify construction materials and properties. View course details for Construction Materials and Methods ‌‌
ARC-226		2
This course covers advanced concepts of Building Information Modeling (BIM) including complex drawing generation and inter-disciplinary collaboration. Topics include advanced parametric modeling and model analysis, inter-disciplinary coordination, design web format models, material take-off, schedules, and rendering. Upon completion, students should be able to apply BIM software to create full 3D project models and convert them to scaled working or presentation drawings. View course details for Architectural BIM II ‌‌
ARC-226A		1
This course provides a laboratory setting to enhance advanced architectural BIM skills. Emphasis is placed on further development of advanced parametric modeling and model analysis, inter-disciplinary coordination, design web format models, material take-off, schedules, and rendering. Upon completion, students should be able to apply BIM software to create full 3D project models and convert them to scaled working or presentation drawings. View course details for Architectural BIM II Lab ‌‌
DFT-152		3
This course is a continuation of DFT-151. Topics include advanced two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and solid modeling and extended CAD applications. Upon completion, students should be able to generate and manage CAD drawings and models to produce engineering documents. View course details for CAD II ‌‌
MAC-132		2
This course introduces more complex industrial blueprints. Emphasis is placed on auxiliary views, section views, violations of true project, special views, applications of GD & T, and interpretation of complex parts. Upon completion, students should be able to read and interpret complex industrial blueprints. View course details for Blueprint Reading/Mach II ‌‌
MAT-121		3
This course provides an integrated approach to technology and the skills required to manipulate, display, and interpret mathematical functions and formulas used in problem-solving. Topics include basic geometric and proportion applications; simplification, evaluation, and solving of algebraic and radical functions; complex numbers; right triangle trigonometry; and systems of equations. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to use mathematics and technology for problem-solving, analyzing and communicating results. View course details for Algebra/Trigonometry I ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ENG-111		3
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies English Composition. View course details for Writing and Inquiry ‌‌
HUM-115		3
This course introduces the use of critical thinking skills in the context of human conflict. Emphasis is placed on evaluating information, problem-solving, approaching cross-cultural perspectives, and resolving controversies and dilemmas. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate orally and in writing the use of critical thinking skills in the analysis of appropriate texts. This course has been approved for transfer under the CAA as a general education course in Humanities/Fine Arts. View course details for Critical Thinking ‌‌
PSY-150		3
This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Social/Behavioral Sciences. View course details for General Psychology ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
ARC-230		4
This course introduces plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and electrical systems for the architectural environment. Topics include basic plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems for residential and/or commercial buildings with an introduction to selected code requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to perform related calculations. View course details for Environmental Systems ‌‌
COM-231		3
This course provides instruction and experience in preparation and delivery of speeches within a public setting and group discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of informative, persuasive, and special occasion public speaking. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare and deliver well-organized speeches and participate in a group discussion with appropriate audiovisual support. This is a Universal General Education Transfer Component (UGETC) course that satisfies Communication. View course details for Public Speaking ‌‌
DFT-153		3
This course covers basic principles of three-dimensional CAD wireframe and surface models. Topics include user coordinate systems, three-dimensional viewpoints, three-dimensional wireframes, and surface components and viewpoints. Upon completion, students should be able to create and manipulate three-dimensional wireframe and surface models. View course details for CAD III ‌‌
DFT-154		3
This course is an introduction to basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include basic design, creation, editing, rendering and analysis of solid models and creation of multiview drawings. Upon completion, students should be able to use design techniques to create, edit, render and generate a multiview drawing. View course details for Introduction to Solid Modeling ‌‌

Course Code	Course	Credit Hours	Link to course details
CET-111		3
This course covers repairing, servicing, and upgrading computers and peripherals in preparation for industry certification. Topics include CPU/memory/bus identification, disk subsystems, hardware/software installation/configuration, common device drivers, data recovery, system maintenance, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to safely repair and/or upgrade computer systems to perform within specifications. View course details for Computer Upgrade/Repair I ‌‌
DFT-254		3
This course presents a continuation of basic three-dimensional solid modeling and design software. Topics include the advanced study of parametric design, creation, editing, rendering and analysis of solid model assemblies, and multiview drawing generation. Upon completion, students should be able to use parametric design techniques to create and analyze the engineering design properties of a model assembly. View course details for Intermed Solid Model/Render ‌‌
DFT-259		3
This course is a capstone course experience for programs with a focus on computer-aided design. Emphasis is placed on the use of design principles and computer technology in planning, managing, and completing a design project. Upon completion, students should be able to plan and produce engineering documents of a design project, including solid models, working drawings, bom’s, annotations, and spreadsheets. View course details for CAD Project ‌‌
MEC-110		2
This course introduces CAD/CAM. Emphasis is placed on transferring part geometry from CAD to CAM for the development of a CNC-ready program. Upon completion, students should be able to use CAD/CAM software to produce a CNC program. View course details for Introduction to CAD/CAM ‌‌
GIS-111		3
This course introduces the hardware and software components of a Geographic Information System and reviews GIS applications. Topics include data structures and basic functions, methods of data capture and sources of data, and the nature and characteristics of spatial data and objects. Upon completion, students should be able to identify GIS hardware components, typical operations, products/applications, and differences between database models and between raster and vector systems. The ESRI software used in the course only works in a Windows environment. View course details for Introduction to GIS ‌‌

Total Credit Hours Required:

Curriculum is based on the 2024-2025 catalog.

Why General Education?

You may be asking yourself, “Why do I have to take (course name) when it is not directly related to my major?”

General Education courses will help you develop skills necessary to be successful in your major and in life. General Education can teach you how to talk to your employer, write a paper in a major course, understand interest rates on your car, and much more. General Education can also give you the skills to be a better member of society and a more informed citizen. Critical thinking, global understanding, and appreciation for the human experience are hallmarks of a well-rounded education.

How many hours of General Education do I have to take?

If you are enrolled in an Associate of Applied Science Degree program, a minimum of 15 general education hours are required in the following categories:

Six hours from Communication
Three hours from Humanities & Fine Arts
Three hours from Social & Behavioral Science
Three hours from Natural Science & Mathematics

General Education courses have been pre-selected for you by your faculty from the following list:

Communication	Humanities & Fine Arts	Social & Behavioral Science	Natural Science & Mathematics
COM-110	ART-111	ECO-251	BIO-161
COM-120	ART-114	ECO-252	BIO-163
COM-231	ART-115	HIS-111	BIO-168
ENG-110	HUM-110	HIS-112	MAT-110
ENG-111	HUM-115	HIS-131	MAT-121
ENG-112	MUS-110	HIS-132	MAT-143
ENG-114	MUS-112	POL-120	MAT-152
	PHI-215	PSY-150	MAT-171
	PHI-240	SOC-210	PHY-110/110A
		SOC-225	PHY-121

Degrees designed to transfer to universities require more general education hours. If you are enrolled in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science, you are required to take 45 hours of General Education from the following categories:

Six hours in English Composition
Six to nine hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six to nine hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to eight hours in Mathematics
Four to eight hours in Natural Sciences
11 to 14 additional General Education hours

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Engineering, you are required to take 42 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six work hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
12 hours in Mathematics
12 hours in Natural Sciences

If you are enrolled in the Associate in Fine Arts in Visual Arts, you are required to take 25 general education hours from the following:

Six hours in English Composition
Six hours in Communication/Humanities & Fine Arts
Six hours in Social & Behavioral Sciences
Three to four hours in Mathematics
Four hours in Natural Sciences

Additional information about General Education for transfer degrees, including courses that satisfy each category, may be found in the current College Catalog.

What will I learn in General Education?

At A-B Tech, our faculty have designed a general education core so that A-B Tech graduates will learn the following:

Students will critically evaluate information:

Students will demonstrate information literacy.
Students will critique works of human expression.
Students will analyze scientific literature.

Students will solve problems:

Students will identify processes.
Students will analyze problems.
Students will interpret the results.
Students will recommend appropriate strategies or solutions.

Students will effectively communicate.

Students will communicate appropriately about the subject.
Students will communicate appropriately with the audience.
Students will communicate appropriately for the medium.

Ever wonder how A-B Tech awards credit for a certain course?

A-B Tech complies with the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges Code, so your courses are assigned the course level and receive the same amount of credit as courses at all 58 North Carolina Community Colleges.

If you want to read more about this, see the A-B Tech Policy and Procedure for the Assignment of Course Level Credit.