Frequently asked questions

A successful designer...

• Has the ability to concentrate, conceptualize, organize, and remember details;
• Enjoys solving problems, being neat, and paying attention to details;
• Has good eye-hand coordination, an ability to visualize, and an interest in mathematics and science; and
• Works well with others in a team.

Students selecting this degree program will develop proficiency in board drafting and computer-aided drafting. Students are able to prepare drawings for manufacturing and fabrication. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Drafting and design standards will be taught and reinforced as students prepare drawings in both 2D and 3D using AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, Keycreator, and Mastercam applications software. They will also utilized Autodesk 3D Civil and Autodesk Revit for the construction industry.

Throughout this course of study, students will be required to use sketches, notes, technical literature, and personal research to complete assignments.

A designer can work for...

• aircraft companies
• architectural firms
• construction companies
• design companies
• electronic component manufacturers
• engineering firms
• governmental agencies
• graphics companies
• machine shops
• manufacturing companies
• marine industries
• nuclear industries
• petroleum industries

GRCC's Design Drafting Technology program offers...

• A hands-on learning experience
• Credit through high school articulation
• Possible credit for prior work experience
• Participation in Cooperative Education
• Work-oriented skills required by employers

Students should check with an advisor regarding cost of equipment, time for completion, cooperative education, and articulation agreements.

The facilities for the program include a manual drafting lab with 25 work stations, and two computer-aided drafting labs with a total of 45 work stations.

The faculty is composed of two full-time instructors, both with industry experience, and five instructors who work full time in industry and teach part time. This team brings many years of diverse industry experience to the classroom for the benefit of the Green River design student.

The Associate in Applied Science degree is divided into three areas: approximately 770 hours of training in required drafting courses; approximately 300 hours of training in required general education courses; and approximately 660 hours of training in specialized related courses.

The specialized related courses permit students to develop their own areas of emphasis in mechanical, architectural, civil or structural drafting. For a more general background, the student may complete courses from each area.

If you attend full-time, you may be able to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree requirements in eight quarters. If you attend part-time, completion will depend on how many credits you earn each quarter.

For a full-time student completing the program in two years, the total cost is approximately $13,000. The money will be paid each quarter as the expenses occur; you pay tuition at registration time and for books and supplies when you purchase them. NOTE: This is just an estimate. There are a number of variations that can cause this amount to fluctuate.

Complete an application to Green River Community College, complete the COMPASS assessment, and meet with an advisor.

A background in mathematics will be helpful, but courses are available for the student who needs to review or develop the necessary skills in mathematics, reading, English, and study skills.

New students may enroll at the beginning of any quarter. Classes are offered during the day and evening to accommodate students' schedules.

We recommend that EVERY student signing up for a drafting degree begin with DT-100 and DT-101 in their first quarter regardless of your compass scores. If you need aid in setting up and educational plan, please feel free to contact Felix Serna or Terry Waagan and they can help you.

In general, the design drafting classes do not transfer to four-year institutions. However, some design drafting classes have been accepted for transfer in the past. All transferability is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Please see an advisor.

Design drafting is a large and fast-growing occupation; the future of the field is wide open. Computers will assist drafting procedures, but they will not replace the design drafter who has a comprehensive drafting education.

There is an excellent employment outlook. Historically, more than 90% of Green River’s Design Drafting Technology program graduates have been hired in design or design-related positions. –Based on the Design Drafting graduate’s record.

In Washington, the average entry level wage for architectural and civil drafters is $16.63 per hour ($2,882 per month), while for electrical and electronics drafters, the average entry level wage is $22.78 per hour ($3,948 per month), and for mechanical drafters, the average entry level wage is $22.21 per hour ($3,849 per month).

A drafting technician II with two-years of experience earns $15.66 to $20.40 per hour working for the State of Washington.

Wages for drafters vary by the area of specialization.

Drafters who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, a retirement plan, and paid vacations.

Note: Wages for Washington State have been adjusted to reflect projections for 2011. National wage figures are based on 2010 data and have not been adjusted.