Students in the Design & Technical Graphics program have the opportunity to study CAD, enterprise graphics, and technical illustration. The curriculum revolves around six academic tracks: Design Principles, Drawing and Visualization, Production, Technology, Professional Practices and General Education. Each of these contains elements which support entry into the professional workplace. The core of the program is an intensive 10-quarter sequence of CAD/CAM instruction, to which is added freehand drawing, 2-D design fundamentals, color fundamentals, typography, page layout, digital imaging, technical illustration, and 3-D modeling & rendering.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Design & Technical Graphics program is to prepare students for entry-level careers in the design, building, manufacturing, and general business sectors. Graduates communicate design solutions through concept development, 2-D/3-D visualization, and technical document production. The program offers a balanced curriculum of design, visualization, production, technology, professional practice, and general education courses using appropriate production software.
Entry-Level Career Opportunities
The fields served by Design & Technical Graphics range from sole-proprietorships to multinational corporations. Design & Technical Graphics graduates may work in engineering firms (civil, structural, mechanical, process), manufacturing companies, natural resource and energy companies, retail sales companies, home builders and developers, publishing companies, and general business firms. Graduates are prepared to seek the following entry-level positions: CAD drafts-person/designer/technician/operator, architectural draftsperson, 3-D rendering artist, media production coordinator, visualization specialist, product designer/development illustrator, production artist/technician/specialist, technical coordinator/artist/illustrator, or visual designer/merchandising manager/presentation coordinator.