Program Details PageEngineering Design Technology Certificate and AAS

This program is not accepting any new enrollments.

We are no longer accepting new Engineering Design Technology students starting in Spring 2025.

Bookstore Information

a picture of an open book Information regarding the materials can be found at the RTC bookstore. Just fill in the course information and you will be set!

The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!

General Overview

As of Spring 2025 we are no longer accepting new students into the Engineering Design Technology program.

How long is the program?

3 quarters (9 months) with 47 credits for the certificate
6 quarters (up tp 20 months) with 90 credits for the AAS degree

When do classes meet? Class times are different each quarter, but you should be available Monday through Thursday between 8 A.M. and 2:45 P.M.

Are summer classes required? No! There are no summer classes for this program.

You will learn entry-level skills for jobs in architectural and structural drafting, with a focus on the construction and aerospace industries. You start with board techniques (drawing by hand) and then move to computer-aided design and the software used in industry: AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, and SolidWorks. Graduates often find work as CAD drafters and technicians, and many jobs do require an associate degree.

What does a drafter do?

What is the average salary?

$62,280 annually in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most architectural and civil drafters earn at least $50,000; there is a wide salary range.

Who can I contact with questions?

New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Engineering Design Technology.

(Links to an external site.)

Overall Materials Needed:

Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers on the RTC campus)
Working internet connection
Textbooks and software ($390 plus cost of DFT 101 toolkit)
USB drive or external hard drive, at least 500GB ($50)
TI 36X calculator ($25)

Minimum GPA or grades to graduate

You need to earn a 2.0 in each class to finish your Engineering Design Technology certificate or degree.

Materials Warning

Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!

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Winter Start 2025

Quarter 1

You will learn basic drafting principles, drawing on paper, CAD software, and math for engineering design.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
COL 101	College Success	NO	2
DFT 101	Introduction to Drafting	YES	3
DFT 113	Introduction to Computer-Aided Design	YES	5
DFT 117	Introduction to BIM Applications	YES	5
DFT 160	Technical Mathematics for Advanced Manufacturing	NO	5

Quarter 2

You will use Autodesk Revit and apply your skills to plans for construction.
**Prerequisite notes: You cannot take DFT 115 or DFT 121 until you complete DFT 117 with a 2.0 or higher. You cannot take DFT 128 until you complete DFT 113 and DFT 117.**
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
DFT 115	Structural Detailing	same as 117	3
DFT 121	Commercial Architecture	same as 117	5
DFT 128	Civil Drafting	same as 117	5

Quarter 3

You will learn more advanced drafting for architecture and buildings. You also take a General Education class in communication or humanities. A recommendation is provided below, but you do get to choose..
***Prerequisite notes: You cannot take DFT 122 until you complete DFT 117 and DFT 121 with a 2.0 or higher. You cannot take DFT 220 until you complete DFT 117.***
***It's time to apply for your certificate!***
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
DFT 122	Working with As-Builts	NO	3
DFT 185	Job Readiness	NO	2
DFT 220	Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems	YES	4
CMST 280	Intercultural Communication or other general education communication or humanities class	varies by class	5

Total Estimated Costs for Your Engineering Design Technology Certificate: $6,423 plus toolkit

Continue to Quarter 4 to work on your associate degree.

Quarter 4

You will change your focus from architectural drafting to mechanical drafting -- plans for machine parts.
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
MTEC 100	Machining Essentials	YES	7
MTEC 111	Blueprint Reading I	YES	4
MTEC 241	CAD / CAM Fundamentals	YES	4

Quarter 5

You continue learning new skills in mechanical drafting using SolidWorks software. You also take a General Education class in social science (your choice).
***Prerequisite notes: You cannot take DFT 206 until you complete MTEC 241, and you cannot take MTEC 113 until you complete MTEC 111.***
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
DFT 206	Mechanical Design	YES	5
MTEC 113	Blueprint Reading II	same as MTEC 111	4
BUS& 101	Introduction to Business (recommended) or another social science class	varies by class	5

Quarter 6

You bring together all of your skills, particularly from Quarter 4 and Quarter 5, to create professional drafting packages.
You also complete your remaining general education elective course.
**Prerequisite Notes: You cannot take DFT 213 until you complete DFT 206 with a 2.0 or higher.**
Note: Students may take DFT 295 (a professional internship). Instructor permission is required.
*It's time to apply for your AAS degree!*
Course ID	Course Name	Materials	Credits
DFT 213	Parametric Modeling	same as 206	5
MTEC 140	Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing	NO	4
Gen Ed	Any general education elective class	NO	5

Total Estimated Costs for Your Engineering Technology AAS Degree: $12,145 plus toolkit

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