Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Associate in Science

Take your love of planning and drawing the perfect dwelling and turn it into a successful career. With high-quality education, technical skill sets, and a balance of design and construction, the A.S. degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design provides hands-on experience from experienced faculty and gives you comprehensive training for your dream job.

Related Programs

Getting Started: Summer 2023

March 13:  Financial Aid


May 1:  Application


May 8:  Classes Begin

Other Important Dates »

Why Seminole State?

  • Affordable tuition: Earn a state university education at about half the cost.
  • Small class sizes: With classes of 30 or less, you don’t have to learn in an auditorium.
  • Online degree option: Most courses for our A.S. degrees are offered in person and online, so you can study when and where you want. 
  • Seamless transitionMost A.S. graduates earn credits that can be applied to a bachelor's degree at Seminole State or at the University of Central Florida through DirectConnect® to UCF.*
  • Job Placement: According to state data, most Seminole State A.S. programs have placement rates above 90 percent.

*A.S. students who are planning to transfer to bachelor's degree programs should meet with a counselor, advisor or specialist to make sure the required courses are taken and the entry requirements are met.

Additional Information

  • Cheryl Knodel
    Program Manager
  • 407.708.4511
Computer-Aided Drafting and Design
Type: Associate in Science
Major Code: DRAFT-AS
CIP: 1615130202

Program Description

Available Course Course Not Offered Summer 2023
This course introduces the student to the basic concepts of architectural design, including aspects and determinants of form and space. Drafting skills and the concepts of graphic communication are introduced and developed. Lab fee required.
This course offers an in-depth knowledge of the materials and methods employed in building construction. Students are introduced to building science, materials science, codes and standards in the construction industry. Construction techniques are presented as related to sitework and the building envelope. This course covers major construction materials such as soil, concrete, masonry, wood, metal and other finish materials. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
In this course students will develop the knowledge and skills involved in the effective use and interpretation of the construction drawings and specifications. Students will learn how to examine a variety of different types of plans included within a standard set of drawings such as, civil, landscape/irrigation, architectural, structural, MEP, fire protection and communications to understand the scope of the project and the means and methods required to construct the project. Basic construction abbreviations, symbols and various scaling will be introduced.
This course is an introduction to the techniques of drawing for three-dimensional spatial relationships, visualization, sketching and graphical presentation. Engineering drawing, descriptive geometry and graphical solution techniques using both manual and computer methods will be emphasized. Lab fee required.
The purpose of this course is to help drafting students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to work at an entry-level job in such positions as CAD technician trainee, CAD system operator or CAD technician. This course is designed for students who have already received in-depth training in one or more application areas. Lab fee required. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
In this course, students will learn advanced two- and three-dimensional drafting techniques. Menu and program modification will be emphasized along with improved speed and accuracy. Lab fee required.
This course is an introduction to the new designing techniques and capabilities of solid modeling using the SolidWorks software. Topics include the integration and application of parametric solid modeling drawing within SolidWorks. Lab fee required.
In this introductory course, students will learn the basic methodology of parametric systems using Revit software technology. The Revit platform for building information modeling is a complete design and documentation solution which supports all phases of design, production and schedule development for a given project and is a tool the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries utilize for multidisciplinary collaboration. This software allows students to work in various views of the parametric building model at the same time. Lab fee required.
This course is a continuation of learning how to draw and design in a three-dimensional computer model format using the latest Revit software. Advanced concepts in three-dimensional modeling are introduced and implemented in class projects. Lab fee required.
This course involves the practical uses of applied mathematics in the areas of engineering technology, design and construction. Trigonometric functions are covered as well as law of sines, law of cosines and basic vector mechanics.
This course covers the theory and practice of surveying, use and care of instruments, instrument error, balancing and closing traverses, introduction to land and construction surveying. Lab fee required.
This course provides a broad overview of the built environment, the architectural, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry as well as different career paths within the industry. Insight into the processes, the people and the practices involved to bring a building from a concept to reality are presented. An emphasis will be placed on the construction management process and the critical role of the construction manager. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
Studies in construction communication tools will provide an understanding and the interpretation of construction drawing systems to include blueprint reading. Students will develop both free-hand sketching skills for onsite redline drawings utilizing industry software such as Bluebeam and the introduction of basic Computer-aided design (CAD) applications. Lab fee required.
This course will introduce students to basic knowledge in building information modeling. Students will learn to create and modify basic building elements, envelope systems and features in a simple 3D digital building model.
This course is a continuation of the discussion of materials, methods and techniques with an emphasis placed on mechanical systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire suppression systems. As buildings have become more sophisticated, students will gain an understanding of communications, electronic safety and security and utilities of modern building construction as it pertains to construction processes. Other divisions addressed include, but are not limited to, furnishings, specialty construction, conveying systems, earthwork, construction equipment and exterior improvements. This course will also offer an in-depth study of today's advanced sustainable building technologies and sustainable rating systems. This course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This intermediate course provides a basic knowledge of how construction documents are prepared and the extraction of information from these documents. An emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of the information from the construction documents for construction planning and management as it applies to the scope of work, sequencing and processes, submittals, RFI, addendums and change orders. This course will familiarize students with commercial construction building systems, assemblies and the relationship between drawings from various disciplines such as civil, architectural, structural, MEP and so on. Topics include basic construction abbreviations, symbology and understanding various scales of drawings. Emerging computer technologies for construction management are introduced. Students must complete the class with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This course explores the applications of virtual design and construction software in construction quantity extraction and estimating. Major topics include automated quantity take-off in Building Information Modeling and cloud-based estimating work flow process. VDC software such as Autodesk Revit and Assemble Systems will be used to prepare various levels of construction estimates. Lab Fee Required.
This course explores the applications of virtual design and construction software in construction scheduling and planning. Major topics include construction progress visualization/simulation and clash detection in 3D construction models. VDC software such as Autodesk Navisworks will be used to visualize/simulate construction schedules and identify/solve spatial conflicts between various building systems/components. Lab Fee Required.
This course explores the applications of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) in construction management. Fundamentals of VR/AR/MR technologies will be covered. Hands-on activities using VR/AR/MR systems in exploration of design models and construction models are included. Current and emerging industry VR/AR/MR applications in visualization and constructability analysis will be introduced. Other topics include computer gaming applications in construction operation simulation and AR applications in construction layout and fabrication. Lab Fee Required.
This course explores the applications of emerging technologies in automating construction layout and documenting the construction process. Laser scanning and photogrammetry-based point cloud technologies for documenting existing or as-built conditions will be introduced. The course will also cover processing the raw point cloud data for integration with other VDC applications. Major topics also include cloud-based mobile construction documentation technologies and robotic total station application in construction layout. VDC software such as Autodesk ReCap and Navisworks will be used to process cloud point data and visualizations. Lab fee required.
This is an introductory course in project scheduling and planning using bar charts, critical path method (CPM), precedence diagram and linear scheduling methods. Students will develop an understanding of resource leveling, cost loaded schedule, updating, and expediting the schedule on construction projects. Students will work on a semester project to develop activities and sequences involved on a typical construction project. Industry standard software will be introduced in the class to create the various schedules. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course introduces the fundamentals of estimating process for construction projects. Topics include the work breakdown structure (WBS); extraction of quantities (quantity take-offs) such as area, volume, weight, etc., from construction documents; analysis and determination of direct and indirect costs; the uses of unit cost databases; bidding process; project delivery methods; and types of estimates. Computer-based construction estimating software will be introduced. Course must be completed with a grade of "C" or higher.
This is a fundamental course in DC electric circuits. This course prepares students for EET 1035C and subsequent courses. Classroom lectures supplemented with laboratory projects provide students with hands-on experience in the use of electronics test equipment and proper techniques for data measurements/interpretation, troubleshooting and orderly documentation of test results and conclusions.
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn cooperative education credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn cooperative education credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
This course is designed to provide students the opportunity to apply classroom theory to practical, work-related applications. Seminars may be a component of this course and regular contact with the assigned faculty advisor is required. Students may earn cooperative education credits based on the completion of the required work experience and satisfactory completion of assignments including, but not limited to, seminars and a project. This course may be repeated based upon the student’s academic program.
This course is an introduction to Photoshop software which provides an extensive variety of electronic tools for manipulating photographs and creating illustrations. The course is designed for the graphics individual who wishes to integrate photography with page layouts. Students will learn the basics of scanning, retouching, color correcting, proofing and output to printer devices. Lab fee required.
This course gives the design student an in-depth understanding of the building codes, life safety codes and the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act. Knowledge of these codes are vital to all aspects of the design process. Lectures will be combined with practical applications. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This course dissects critical building systems and their effect on the built environment. Structural design, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as well as indoor air quality and acoustics will be discussed. Lectures, field trips and guest speakers are included to stress the importance of collaboration between the related fields of interior design, construction and engineering. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
This studio course focuses on the preparation of comprehensive, computer-generated sets of construction drawings. Emphasis will be placed on the technical aspects of residential and commercial structures, building systems and specifications. Students will further develop basic two-dimensional drafting using AutoCAD software within the course. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher. Lab fee required.
This course will expose students to the impact of buildings on natural resources and the environment. Weekly lessons will cover sustainable rating systems, as well as modules in water efficiency, energy conservation measures, indoor environmental quality, and materials and resources. Sustainable best practices and standards will be emphasized. Students must complete this course with a grade of "C" or higher.
English I Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This is a course in the process of expository writing. Students will read essays and compose papers that are unified, organized, logically developed and supported, clearly stated and well-focused. Research techniques are introduced and incorporated into at least one composition. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. Students must pass the core assignments with a grade of "C" or higher. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Communications requirement for degree seeking students.
Art Appreciation Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course introduces students to art from a variety of cultures and historical contexts. Topics include major art movements, varieties of materials and aesthetic theories. Coursework covers formal terms, elements and principles common to the study of art and architecture. The course stresses the relationship of design principles to various art forms including, but not limited to, sculpture, painting and architecture. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and analyze a variety of artistic styles, periods and media and students will have an increased vocabulary of art terminology. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This humanities course is designed to introduce students to the critical study of human culture and its varied expressions across time. Students will employ interdisciplinary methods of analysis through engagement with diverse cultural artifacts in order to develop a foundational understanding of the human experience and its connection to culture. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
This humanities course is designed to introduce students to the critical study of human culture and its varied expressions across time. Students will employ interdisciplinary methods of analysis through engagement with diverse cultural artifacts in order to develop a foundational understanding of the human experience and its connection to culture. This course partially satisfies the writing requirements of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities for degree seeking students.
This course is designed to further student understanding of the concepts and applications of analytical and theoretical approaches to literature. Students will employ critical thinking in their interrogation of the texts. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Humanities requirement for degree seeking students.
College Algebra Gen Ed Core
3
Credits
This course is a study of the fundamental topics in advanced algebra with emphasis on applications, the understanding of the function concept and manipulative skills. Major topics include operations on algebraic expressions and complex numbers, solving polynomial equations and inequalities, absolute value equations and inequalities and rational equations and inequalities, applications, functions, exponents and logarithms, graphs of polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions and systems of equations and inequalities. The use of graphing calculators will be incorporated throughout the course. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Mathematics requirement for degree seeking students.
This course will introduce students to the Earth as a complex and dynamic system. Focus will be on the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere and interactions among these subsystems. Students will learn of the Earth's origin and place within the solar system. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree-seeking students.
Intro Env Eng
This is a three-credit hour General Education course. Students will study the impact of human systems on the physical and biological environment as well as discuss possible solutions to today's environmental problems. Topics include ecology, natural resources, energy, pollution, population growth, urbanization and sustainability. This course satisfies the General Education State Core Science requirement for degree seeking students.

* POS 2041 or POS 2041H partially satisfies the Civic Literacy requirement. Students entering the Florida College System for the first time in Fall 2022 or later can satisfy the Civic Literacy requirement by passing a course and an assessment.   Refer to the online catalog for assessment options.

U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course basic aspects of the federal government are studied. Emphasis is placed upon content and interpretation of the Constitution, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the federal court system and the citizen's connection to the federal government by means of elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students and the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
Honors U.S. Federal Government Gen Ed Core Civic Lit
3
Credits
In this course, basic aspects of the federal government are studied. Emphasis is placed upon content and interpretation of the Constitution, Federalism, the Congress, the Presidency, the federal court system and the citizen's connection to the federal government by means of elections, political parties, interest groups and public opinion. This course partially satisfies the writing requirement of S.B.E. 6A-10.030. This class satisfies the General Education State Core Social Science/History requirement for A.A. degree seeking students and the Florida state civic literacy requirement per Florida Statues Section 1007.25 for all students.
Total Credits: 62

Gen Ed Core   Denotes that a class is a State of Florida General Education Core Course.

Beginning in the 2022-23 academic year and thereafter, students entering associate in arts, associate in science or associate in applied science, or baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least one (1) course from each of the general education subject areas listed in this section prior to the awarding of their degree. Please refer to this catalog's Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the General Education Core Courses .

Civic Lit   Denotes that a class counts toward the course Civic Literacy Requirement.

The State of Florida requires that all students graduating from Seminole State College of Florida and other institutions in the Florida College System (FCS), as well as from any State University System (SUS) institution, fulfill a Civic Literacy Competency requirement prior to submitting an Intent to Graduate form in the term they plan to graduate. Requirements vary based on admit term and program. Please refer to this catalog’s Graduation Requirements section for specific requirements on the Civic Literacy Proficiency Requirement.

Your tuition shouldn’t go against your intuition.

Your pursuit of higher education is admirable. So why struggle with high tuition in the process? Here we make life’s next steps affordable. Whether you’re seeking a university transfer (A.A.) degree, a four-year bachelor’s, an Associate in Science degree or even earning a technical certificate, you’ll find reasonable tuition and great value. And to us, that’s scholarly.

In fact, a full-time college education at Seminole State is more than $10,000 less each year than most state universities.

Go For Less.


Tuition and Fee Comparison*

 Seminole StateUFFSUUCF
Tuition and Fees$3,131$6,380$5,666 $5,954 
Room and Board-0-$10,950$11,592 $11,498 
Books and Supplies$1,000$810$1,000$1,200
Total$4,131$18,140$18,258$18,652

For more information on Seminole State's tuition and fees, please see the current fee schedule.

* Tuition costs are based on the current academic year for in-state students living on campus. Dorm fees, meal plans and book expenses are estimates based on cost of attendance information provided by the State University System of Florida. Lab fees and other fees that may be assessed at the time of registration may be viewed in the College fee schedule. As Seminole State is a commuter college with no residence halls on its campuses, costs for room and board are not calculated.

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