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Capella University

As an accredited online university, with online degree programs in five schools, Capella University provides a high-caliber, educational experience that moves you forward.

Western Governors University

At Western Governors University, we emphasize mastery of essential skills and knowledge instead of accumulating credit hours.

University of Phoenix

Every year, more working adults earn their college degree at University of Phoenix than any other accredited university in America. You can too.

Liberty University

With over thirty online degrees offered, Liberty University's Distance Learning Program is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective.

Westwood College

At Westwood College, our primary goal is to prepare students for rewarding jobs in high-demand careers... quickly! Earn an Associate Degree in as little as 20 months or a Bachelor Degree in less than three years.

Ashford University

Ashford University Online wants to take your career to the next level. Founded in 1918, Ashford University is an ideal choice for working adults and those with uncompleted degrees.

Everest University Online

At Everest, we offer practical, career-oriented online degree programs in a friendly online environment. You take your classes when and where you want. You set your schedule. It's up to you.

Colorado Technical University Online

Experience a higher degree of learning; a quality online education that gives you the edge you need to climb to the pinnacle of your profession.

Jones International University

Jones International University offers accredited online degrees designed with your professional advancement in mind. JIU programs can equip you with the skills you'll require to succeed in your career.

ITT Technical Institute

With ITT Tech's online education, a quality technical education is now available when and where it is convenient for the student.

American InterContinental University Online

At AIU, our accelerated Associate, Bachelor's and Master's programs allow you to earn your degree fast.

Everest College

Career Training for Life. With over 70 campuses in the Everest Career Education Network, you'll get the education you need to get on with your life.

Various Resources Article

CAD Software Training Opens Multiple Career Opportunities in Architectural Drafting

With a background consisting of just a few college courses and a long history of playing with model cars as a teenager, Duane Martinez has landed a successful, fulfilling career as a model maker. He was recently profiled in the Occupational Outlook Quarterly for his unique occupation. Designers consult Martinez with ideas sketched on sometimes only a napkin, and he proceeds to make a three-dimensional foam model with the assistance of Computer Aided Design (CAD) software.1

What is the Function of an Architectural Drafter?

Becoming a model maker is just one creative use of an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting. An architectural drafter serves as the link between designer and final product. In short, an architectural drafter is responsible for making accurate drawings and plans.2

Auto CAD software has revolutionized the field of drafting. An architect creates drawings of blueprints, but a drafter with Auto CAD training fills in the fine details that the construction crew requires to make a solid structure. The pervasiveness of this widely used program can be seen simply through the numerous results that appear on the screen after typing �auto cad download free software� into any search engine.3

Potential Jobs as an Architectural Drafter

Many graduates with an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting choose to work for an architectural or engineering firm doing drafting detailing. A professional with an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting may also find Auto-CAD jobs in contracting, subcontracting, and materials supply. Numerous construction-related industries provide still more job opportunities for a professional with extensive Auto CAD training.4

Educational Requirements for Architectural Drafters

Although Martinez never completed an official architectural drafting degree, an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting can be a way to jumpstart a career and get a foot in the door at prospective places of employment. Westwood College, with its numerous locations around the nation, is just one of the modern programs students are choosing to attend while receiving their necessary training. Programs similar to the Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting at Westwood College give students hands-on experience with the newest version of Auto CAD software and are taught by professors with real-world industry experience.4

Where to Find More Information

Students may contact Westwood College for additional information about an Associate's Degree in Architectural Drafting. Westwood College boasts that its students are prepared to work as architectural CAD technicians, engineering CAD technicians, architectural draftspersons, and engineering draftspersons immediately upon graduation.4 Students may find one of these positions to be the perfect entrance into the architectural drafting industry, or they may come up with creative ideas of their own like Martinez's model making.

Melissa Garvey
Dynasty Education Staff Writer
September 15, 2006

References:

1. Crosby, Olivia. (Spring 2005). You're a What? Model Maker, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Spring 2005. Retrieved September 14, 2006, from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2005/spring/yawhat.htm.

2. Crosby, Olivia. (2002 � 2003). Associate Degree: Two years to a career or a jumpstart to a bachelor's degree, Occupational Outlook Quarterly, Winter 2002 � 2003. Retrieved September 14, 2006, from http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/winter/art01.pdf.

3. Wikipedia. (last modified September 14, 2006). Computer-aided design. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_aided_design.

4. Dynasty Education. (2006). Associate Degree - CAD - Architectural Drafting. Retrieved September 15, 2006, from http://www.dynastyeducation.com/schoolresults.html? category_id=6&subcategory_id=61.