Associate of Science
Computer Aided Drafting
Associate of Science
Computer-Aided Drafting
CAD program overview
Computer-aided drafting (CAD) professionals are indispensable to countless industries—ranging from architecture and construction to manufacturing and much more.
Our newly revamped 18-month CAD program helps you evolve your skills as a technically adept designer and prepares you for one of two paths:
- Architectural engineering technology—In the world of design, versatility is a strength. Our architectural engineering technology concentration helps you launch a successful career creating detailed drawings of both interior and exterior facilities.
- Mechanical engineering technology—Be the bridge between engineers and technicians. Our mechanical engineering technology concentration equips you with the engineering principles and technological developments to create useful products and manufacturing machinery.
With a unique combination of faculty who are eager to share their real-world experience and employer connections here in Pittsburgh and beyond, you’ll be prepared for wherever your CAD classes take you in your career.
CAD degree highlights
No matter which of our two concentrations you choose, Pittsburgh Technical College’s CAD classes give you the range of skills you need to pursue a rewarding career in the field. In our program, you’ll:
Gain software expertise—You’ll learn a minimum of six software packages, one of the most diverse arrays of software packages offered by CAD schools in the region.
Receive hands-on experience—You’ll take on a six-month internship as a student, which gives you a taste of the computer-aided design and drafting profession. Some of our students have interned at AM Architects, Carnegie Robotics, Lockheed Martin, Loftus Engineers, Precision Electrical Contractors, and Sippel Steel Fab.
Learn in small classes with expert faculty—Your CAD classes won’t be more than 15 students and are led by dedicated faculty who are connected to industry employers in the area.
CAD career outlook: Employers who value your skills
At PTC, you’ll gain the skills employers value.
You’ll have the hard skills in reverse engineering and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, as well as the soft skills in adaptability, versatility, and teamwork. That’s why our CAD program graduates are sought-after as architectural designers, civil designers, industrial pipe designers, mechanical designers, and structural designers by employers such as:
- Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory
- Carnegie Robotics
- CJL Engineering
- Crown Castle International
- Galletta Engineering
- Hitachi Rail
- Kennametal, Inc.
- Mitsubishi Electric
- Orbital Engineering, Inc.
- Penn State Applied Research Laboratory
- Scott Metals, Inc.
Top employers are seeking new leaders. Like you.
Our Career Services staff will work with you on your job search—just as they’ve helped past computer-aided design and drafting graduates who have been hired by some of the region’s top employers. They’ll also be there to assist you in finding the right internship for you.
Education that pays off.
In 2021, the median pay for drafters was $60,290 per year*
96% of PTC graduates are employed in-field.** That means we measure success by our grads who are working in their chosen fields and not just “fully employed” like other colleges and universities.
Why choose PTC’s mechanical engineering technology concentration?
Design machinery, tools, and other mechanical products with PTC’s mechanical engineering technology concentration. Working with faculty who possess practice experience, you’ll build on your skills in CAD classes as you work with traditional AutoCAD® and MicroStation®, and other software programs such as Creo, Inventor®, SOLIDWORKS®, and Plant 3D®.
Our revised curriculum—built in tandem with employers from our region—now includes a two-quarter internship and begins after only one year of classroom and instruction within our top-notch labs and classrooms. While taking three additional online courses, you’ll take what you’ve learned and put it to work in fields ranging from aerospace and energy to manufacturing.
Why choose PTC’s architectural engineering technology concentration?
Build on your skills to prepare for positions throughout industry, including the fast-growing renewable energy sector. At PTC, you’ll learn traditional AutoCAD® and MicroStation®, as well as software that focuses on designing in the 3D space—including Autodesk® Revit® Architecture, Revit® MEP, Revit® Structure, Civil 3D®, Plant 3D®, and Navisworks®.
Our graduates are in high demand, and unlike other CAD schools, you’ll earn your associate degree in just one year of on-campus education and a capstone project , six months of on-site internship experience, and an architectural engineering technology project. While taking three additional online courses, you’ll apply what you’ve learned and get a taste for the profession waiting for you with architectural and engineering firms, construction companies, and civil and environmental companies.
CAD program curriculum
At PTC, our CAD classes emphasize the essential skills that Pittsburgh area employers value—and that’s your vital role as a bridge between engineers and project managers. Unlike other CAD schools, our program gets you in the field faster as an intern gaining important experience. For course descriptions, visit our catalog.
*Successful completion of this course requires a grade of “C” or better.
**Students who complete the program in the evening will be scheduled for GSD015 Steps to Career Success Online and all General
Education courses are offered online.
† Students may have options to choose from: GSI192 or GSI193 in combination with an additional General Education Elective.
+ May be substituted with another GES course.
*Successful completion of this course requires a grade of “C” or better.
**Students who complete the program in the evening will be scheduled for GSD015 Steps to Career Success Online and all General
Education courses are offered online.
† Students may have options to choose from: GSI192 or GSI193 in combination with an additional General Education Elective.
+ May be substituted with another GES course.
Stories about the CAD program
CAD alumni video
Hear from John Canter, a computer-aided design and drafting graduate, about his role in designing Pittsburgh’s skyline.
Video testimonial
CAD student video
Adin, a PTC Computer Aided Drafting student, describes his hands-on experience with state-of-the-industry software programs.
Video testimonial
Bringing high-caliber CAD education to schools
Learn more about how PTC is bringing technical education to local high schools.
Article
Tuition & financial aid
PTC provides you with the tools and training to succeed in the field—and does so in less time than many other CAD schools. We offer several grants and scholarships, and we partner with you to help you find the funding you need to affordably move your career prospects forward.
Re-entry application
We encourage students who have withdrawn from an academic program to reapply to complete a CAD program degree and successfully graduate.
Tuition & financial aid
PTC provides you with the tools and training to succeed in the field—and does so in less time than many other CAD schools. We offer several grants and scholarships, and we partner with you to help you find the funding you need to affordably move your career prospects forward.
Re-entry application
We encourage students who have withdrawn from an academic program to reapply to complete a CAD program degree and successfully graduate.
Programs related to CAD
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Drafters, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/drafters.htm
**Showcases graduates from January-June (or January, April & June) 2022 classes. Data includes those who were available for work and were offered and/or received career search assistance from 1/1/2022-12/30/2022. Includes full-time, part-time, or freelance positions. Visit https://ptcollege.edu/career-assistance-data/ to learn more.