Our Best Drafting Degrees ranking can help you get a running start in this dynamic field
It's the responsibility of drafters to convert concepts and ideas into detailed technical drawings. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software, a drafter will take the rough sketches of architects and engineers and turn them into blueprints for the final product.
Drafters help create everything from home furniture to microchips to space satellites. For a successful career in this field, you'll need a strong understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing techniques, and end-user psychology. That's where our ranking of the Best Drafting Degrees comes in.
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What kind of drafting degree should you get?
To launch a career as a drafter, consider earning a degree in industrial design. These programs often allow you to concentrate on a particular facet of design.
For example, you may choose to specialize in product design, furniture design, or interactive design. All of these specialization tracks typically feature coursework in two-dimensional and three-dimensional visualization and drafting.
Are you still uncertain about whether you want to work in drafting? Not to worry: as an undergraduate, you'll have the opportunity to explore numerous career options. Visit our list of the Best Colleges and Universities for a broader view of the top-ranked schools for undergraduate education.
How much money do people make with a drafting degree?
As of May 2017, the median pay for drafters was $54,170 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compare this to the median annual pay for all workers: $37,690. With an in-demand niche specialization, such as architectural, electrical, or mechanical drafting, you could earn even more.
Job opportunities in drafting are projected to grow 7 percent between 2016 and 2026. This forecast indicates that drafting jobs will keep up with the average growth rate among all occupations.
What can you do with a degree in drafting?
As you're planning your academic path, it's important to keep an eye on your career goals from the very beginning. Drafting and industrial design are broad disciplines. To get the job you really want, plan on tailoring your coursework and practicum experiences to your professional goals.
Depending on the program and specialization you choose, your industrial design degree and drafting skills can lead to a variety of job titles. Possibilities include:
Mechanical drafter
Architectural and civil drafter
Electronics drafter
Exhibition designer
What are the requirements for a degree in drafting?
The best bachelor's degrees won't just provide you with an education: They'll prepare you for a career.
In light of this, it's no surprise that many of the degrees on our list feature a capstone experience as a graduation requirement. This capstone experience is typically something that showcases your mastery of drafting and other design skills to potential employers.
There are numerous types of capstone experience you may complete as part of a bachelor's degree program. You might be expected to compile a portfolio, undertake a one- or two-semester action research project, or complete an internship in the field.
What are the best drafting degrees?
We've determined the five most important indicators of an outstanding degree program: quality, reputation, affordability, value, and satisfaction. Our team of data analysts examines reports from Payscale.com, U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Educational Statistics, and other reliable sources to pull data points relating to each of these factors.
Using a weighted algorithm, we assign each school a composite score and rank it accordingly.
Ultimately, the best degree program is the one that lets you pursue your passions and brings you closer to your professional goals. With that in mind, we invite you to take a look at our ranking of the best bachelor's degrees for a career in drafting.
Rankings
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