Online Drafting Courses Overview

Drafting courses help students to acquire skills used in several industries to develop and analyze new designs. Students often take online drafting courses to obtain a computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) certificate but may be working toward a degree in drafting, design, engineering or architecture.

Overview of Online Drafting Courses

Numerous businesses are in need of drafters who can use computer-aided design and draft (CADD) programs, such as AutoCAD; career environments for drafters include architectural firms, government agencies, civil corporations and aeronautics divisions. An Associate of Science or Associate in Applied Science in a field related to one of these industries can be earned through online drafting courses. Students seeking quicker training can pursue CADD certificates online.

Course Requirements

Drafting courses are often issued in a certain, fixed order--and some courses might need to be completed to gain admission to a sequential course. Programs typically require students to have an updated media player, functional speakers, a current e-mail address and access to the Internet. Most online drafting courses require students to have an updated version of a word processor on their home computer. CADD software may or may not be provided through the school or organization hosting the drafting program.

List of Online Drafting Courses

Drafting Fundamentals I Course

Students gain an overview of the theories and practices of drafting and architecture. They learn blueprint reading, interior planning, sketching, interpreting codes and exterior styling. Training covers single-level stipulations and specifications, drawing processes, production and perception projection.

Drafting Fundamentals II Course

This course builds upon its predecessor, enabling students to further develop their skills for advanced architectural applications. Participants create drawings for a 2-level structure, including elevation levels, foundation, walls and framing for the roof. Also incorporated is an overview of computer-aided drafting and design techniques.

Principles of Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Course

Students practice with CADD software in order to understand primary functions of the CADD workspace and create a 2-dimensional drawing. This course may also offer a foundation of concepts for sections, projections, dimension tolerances, auxiliary views and geometric construction. Students generally need a current version of an operating system such as Windows to run CADD software.

Independent Project in Drafting Course

An independent student project is a common part of certificate programs and even more likely in undergraduate degree programs. These incorporate architectural drafting by hand and computer to display cumulative skills. Students cover the concepts of drafting a project from beginning to end, including preparation, development, management and the presentation of the final project. They are supervised throughout the project and evaluated on aspects such as information recording, implementation and completion.

Advanced Drafting Course

Advanced drafting might include such topics as split-level housing, apartment architecture, commercial buildings and metal structures. Drafting students are often asked to create their own blueprints and drawings to complete this class.