What is Engineering Design Graphics?

Engineering Design Graphics (EDG) is a technical field where engineering data is communicated through drawings and three-dimensional models. Students learn to translate the ideas of designers, engineers, and architects from rough sketches and specifications into working drawings, maps, plans, illustrations, and 3D models using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software.

What specialties are available in the Engineering Design Graphics program?

San Jacinto College offers four specialty disciplines in Engineering Design Graphics: Architectural/Civil/Structural, General, Mechanical, and Petro/Industrial. Each specialty is available as a Certificate of Technology (41 credits), Level 2 Certificate (51 credits), or Associate of Applied Science degree (60 credits).

What careers can I pursue with an Engineering Design Graphics degree?

Graduates can work as drafters and CAD technicians in fields such as architecture, manufacturing, engineering, construction, the oil and gas industry, and public works. Houston's diverse job market has created strong demand for drafters across these industries.

How long does it take to complete an Engineering Design Graphics program at San Jacinto College?

Full-time students can complete the Certificate of Technology (41 credits) in approximately four terms, the Level 2 Certificate (51 credits) in four terms, and the Associate of Applied Science degree (60 credits) in five terms including a summer term.

What courses are included in the Engineering Design Graphics program?

Foundation courses include DFTG 1305 Introduction to Technical Drawing, DFTG 1409 Basic Computer-Aided Drafting, and DFTG 2317 Descriptive Geometry. The program culminates in a Capstone Experience, either DFTG 2386 Internship or DFTG 2338 Final Project – Advanced Drafting.

Where are Engineering Design Graphics classes held at San Jacinto College?

Foundation courses are offered at the Central Campus in Building 45, the LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, and Technology. The program is also available at North Campus and South Campus. Students can check the online Schedule of Classes for current days and times.

Engineering Design Graphics

Career/Technical Certificate

Bring your ideas to life with our Engineering Design Graphics program. You’ll learn how to create technical drawings, illustrations, and 3D models. Whether it's product design or architectural planning, our instructors will teach you how to share your ideas and solve problems like a pro.

In San Jac’s Engineering Design Graphics program, you’ll learn how to create technical drawings and 3D models that engineers, architects, and manufacturers use to build products and structures.

Woman at computer working on CAD drawing.

Design with industry-standard tools

Learn how to create technical drawings and 3D models using tools like AutoCAD and other industry software. You’ll build the skills used by professionals in engineering, construction, and manufacturing

Work on real-world projects

Turn concepts into detailed plans, models, and drawings. These are used to build real systems and structures. You’ll gain hands-on experience that mirrors the work CAD designers and drafters do every day.

Explore careers across major industries

CAD designers and drafters are in demand in industries like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, aerospace, and architecture. You can apply your skills to projects such as buildings, pipelines, aircraft, and industrial systems.

Build skills for a growing field

Develop technical and problem-solving skills that support engineers, architects, and designers. You’ll learn how to create accurate, detailed designs that help bring ideas to life.

Consider our Engineering Design Graphics Program

Careers

Architectural and Civil Drafters

$60,879

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

$79,057

Mechanical Drafters

$84,639

Opportunities

Our Engineering Design Graphics program prepares you to work as drafters in the following industries:

Architecture
Engineering: electrical, instrumentation, structural, civil
Manufacturing
Oil, energy, and petrochemical
Public works

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Salary Source: Texas Wages

Engineering Design Graphics, AAS

Career/Technical

The Associate of Applied Science degree prepares you for a career in engineering design graphics. You’ll learn how to create technical drawings and 3D models that communicate engineering ideas. Build hands-on skills in computer-aided drafting (CAD), design, and visualization while preparing to support engineers, architects, and designers across a variety of industries.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in five terms, including a summer term.

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Engineering Design Graphics, Certificate of Technology

Certificate

The Certificate of Technology helps you build the skills needed to continue into the degree program or advance in your current career. You’ll turn ideas from architects, designers, and engineers into detailed drawings, plans, and 3D models using industry-standard tools.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 41 credits for this certificate in four terms.

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Engineering Design Graphics, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate

The Level 2 Certificate helps you build advanced skills and continue into the degree program or advance in your current career. You’ll gain hands-on experience creating technical drawings and 3D models using computer-aided drafting (CAD) and industry-standard design software.

2 Years

If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 51 credits for this certificate in four terms.

IMPORTANT LINKS

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Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future, today.

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Big decision, simple answers. Let’s clear it up.

What will I learn in this program?

You’ll learn how to create technical drawings and 3D models used in engineering and construction. The program covers computer-aided design (CAD), drafting, descriptive geometry, and design principles.

You’ll also learn how to read and interpret engineering plans and turn concepts into detailed, production-ready drawings.

What do engineering design graphics professionals do?

Engineering design graphics professionals, often called drafters, help bring ideas to life. They work with engineers and architects to create drawings, plans, and 3D models. These are used these to build products, structures, and systems.

Drafters work on technical drawings and 3D models for things like bridges, refineries, airplanes, mobile phones, cameras and more.

What industries can I work in?

Graduates can work in a variety of industries, including:

architecture
engineering
manufacturing
construction
oil and gas

Do I need experience to get started?

No prior experience is required. The program starts with foundational courses like technical drawing and CAD. It builds into more advanced design and modeling skills. It ends with building real-world systems.