Engineering Design Graphics Architectural/Civil/Structural Specialty, Associate of Applied Science

Program Information

All successful projects start with a good plan. For architects, engineering designers, CAD drafters, and builders, that plan comes in the form of working drawings produced by technically talented and well-trained individuals. If you have a desire to express your knowledge through computer-aided design software, San Jacinto College can give you the skills you need to make your way into this exciting field. This degree allows you to pursue careers that strike a satisfying balance between creativity, technical proficiency, and attention to detail. You can make yourself an indispensable asset in a variety of fields, such as architecture, manufacturing, engineering, construction, and the oil and gas industry, with a degree in engineering design graphics.

Central campus offers Engineering Design Graphics foundation courses: DFTG 1305 Technical Drafting, DFTG 1409 Basic Computer-Aided Drafting, and DFTG 2317 Descriptive Geometry. Classes will be held in Building 45, the new Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology building. Students can check the online Schedule of Classes for days and times.

The Engineering Design Graphics program at San Jacinto College:

• Trains students to translate the ideas of designers, engineers, and architects from rough sketches, design layouts, specifications, and calculations into working drawings, maps, plans, illustrations, and 3D models; and
• Offers students the skills needed to prepare technical drawings and/or 3D models using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), design, and 3D modeling software.

Students must select from one of the three areas:

1. Architectural/Civil/Structural,
2. Mechanical, and
3. Petrochemical.

Growth in Houston’s diversified job markets has created employment openings for drafters. Career opportunities for drafters are available in:

• Architecture;
• Engineering: Electrical, Instrumentation, Structural, Civil;
• Manufacturing;
• Oil, Energy, and Petrochemical; and
• Public Works.

Architectural drafter median salary: $55,343 per year¹

For more information, students may contact Central campus, anna.cummings@sjcd.edu, North campus, 281-998-6150, x7765; and South campus, 281-998-6150, x3587.

Campuses

Central Campus
North Campus
South Campus
 

Information

Engineering Design Graphics (EDG) is a technical field where engineering data is communicated through drawings and three-dimensional models. Drafters provide support to designers, architects, and all types of engineers, preparing documentation and creating finished drawings for production in the engineering, construction, or manufacturing industries. Drafters translate the ideas of engineers and architects from rough sketches, design layouts, specifications, and calculations into working drawings, maps, plans, illustrations, and 3D models that are used in producing marketable products. They prepare drawings and/or 3D models using computer-aided drafting, design, and 3D modeling software in the fields of mechanical, petrochemical, architectural, civil, and structural.

The EDG department provides several certificate levels and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree options. Working with local industry, courses have been clustered into specialty disciplines that provide concentration in specific areas of study. They include: Architectural/Civil/Structural, Mechanical, and Petro/Industrial.

Plan of Study

Central, North, and South campuses
3DFT-A

Capstone Experience:¹ DFTG 2386 Internship-Drafting and Design Technology/Technician or DFTG 2338 Final Project - Advanced Drafting

Courses may be applied to earn the certificate of technology, then the level 2 certificate, and finally the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree when the courses are in the same specialty discipline.

Courses do not have to be taken in this order unless a course has a prerequisite. 

For more detailed information on this program, contact the Department Chair or faculty.