Drafting and Design Degree Program

Explore the Drafting and Design degree program

The field of drafting offers the opportunity to become a key player in the design and construction industries. Drafters translate creative ideas and technical concepts into precise drawings and blueprints used in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.

In the Drafting and Design degree program at Wayne State College, you’ll study mechanical and architectural drafting, project estimating, site surveying, and much more. With a strong foundation in computer-aided design (CAD) software, you'll learn to create detailed plans that guide the development of everything from buildings and machinery to consumer products.

Whether you're interested in creating industrial prototypes with 3D printing, or mastering residential and commercial building codes, Wayne State’s Drafting and Design program will prepare you for a dynamic career. The technical skills you'll develop here can open doors to various industries, including construction, manufacuring, product development, and more.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Fast facts

Degree options:

B.A. or B.S. in Industrial Technology / Drafting and Design
Minor in Drafting

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 63

Industrial Technology core (30 credit hours)
Drafting and Design concentration (33 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

School: Business and Technology

Department: Technology and Applied Science

Prepare for your future

Opportunities and outcomes

Drafting and design topics covered

Communication skills for business and industry
Supervision and project management
Industrial safety and proper use of machinery and construction tools
First aid and CPR
Engineering and technology principles in production and design
Designing, estimating, planning, and scheduling processes
Reading and interpreting blueprints
Manufacturing technology materials and processing
Residential drawing with computer-aided design (CAD) software
CNC machine programming, setup, and operations
Site surveying and commercial print reading
Parametric 3D modeling and industrial design
Residential and commercial design and building codes
Welding theory and fabrication techniques
Energy conservation and efficiency systems
Project bidding and estimating
Industrial prototypes and 3D printing

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate effective skills in written, oral, and graphical communication
Apply current technologies and tools to identify and solve problems in industrial settings
Implement occupational and personal safety, health, and well-being principle
Apply management and leadership skills in industrial technology

Career Scholars Program

Students majoring in Drafting and Design are eligible to take part in the Career Scholars Program. The Career Scholars Program offers a generous scholarship package while you embark on a unique cooperative education journey starting your freshman year at Wayne State. During your time here, you’ll participate in career readiness activities, job site visits, job shadowing, and more - all while learning the fundamentals of professional practice. After three years on campus, you’ll complete your senior year by working at a paid job in your chosen field. Job locations include Norfolk or Grand Island, Neb., where you'll live in community housing with fellow Career Scholars students.

Career Scholars Program

Drafting and design internships

Our outstanding Career Services Office is available to help you find drafting and design internships and career opportunities. Students recently completed internships at the following locations:

Advanced Consulting Engineering Services
Connelly Development Inc.
Heritage Homes of Nebraska
JDW Homes & Design
Sand Creek Post and Beam (Timberline)
Stockwell Engineers
Superior Industries
Timpte
Turner Construction
Vulcraft

Career services and internships

Graduates of the Drafting and Design degree program work in their chosen field using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College. Each year, eager employers welcome WSC graduates into their organizations.

Jobs of recent graduates:

Architectural Draftsman – Stateline No. 7 (Casper, Wyo.)
CAD Designer – Sand Creek Post and Beam (Timberline) (Wayne, Neb.)
Construction Administration Technician – E&A Consulting (Omaha, Neb.)
Estimator – Century Building Solutions (Lawrence, Kan.)
Detailer – Nucor (Norfolk, Neb.)
Drafter/Designer – Krotter’s Lumber Company (Spencer, Neb.)
Product Design Engineer – Timpte (David City, Neb.)
Project Engineer – Hamilton Contractors and Engineers (Wayne, Neb.)
Project Manager – Hausmann Construction (Omaha, Neb.)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Credits: 3
Description: Selected topics of environmental concerns to be presented by the laboratory-oriented approach, and in compliance with the requirements of General Studies. Does not apply to any major, minor, or endorsement in any science area (BIO, CHE, EAS, NAT) unless specified. Four hours lecture-lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: Development of critical communication skills used in business and industry. Emphasis on assisting business students to become more effective and efficient writers. Includes instructions, reports, memos, and letters.
Prerequisite: ENG 102 Composition Skills
Credits: 3
Description: This course concentrates on the skills needed by first-line supervisors. Issues covered include the following: supervisor’s job description, organizing an effective department, acquiring employees, motivation, effective leadership, communication skills, supervising groups and work teams, labor relations and supervisory challenges in the 21st century.
Credits: 3
Description: This course provides an introduction to the management of projects. Emphasis is placed on both the technical aspects of the project management process and the management of the human behavioral/situational aspects of projects. The nature of projects is explored. The techniques and tools of project management are introduced. Operational, tactical, and strategic implications of project management approaches are considered. The use of current project management software is incorporated. Students are also provided with an understanding of the many environmental and behavioral issues surrounding project management, and approaches to dealing with these issues. Graduate students in these courses have additional requirements beyond those for the undergraduate students.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the fundamentals of creating a safe and healthy work environment. Topics focus on reducing injuries, identifying common safety hazards, and safely operating specific machines and tools in the Center for Applied Technology building labs. This course also includes training in American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heartsaver First Aid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use. These training sessions are designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR, and how to use an AED in a safe timely, and effective manner. Students will have the opportunity to earn certifications through a 10-hour OSHA Safety card (does not expire) and a First Aid CPR AED (valid for two years). ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $35 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An introductory course of engineering and technology principles. Designed to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for all Industrial Technology, Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS) and undeclared majors. Engineering concepts along with new technology will be utilized in the design and production of products made. Students will employ problem-solving, research and design, and interpersonal communication skills as they work through the assigned classroom and lab activities. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course covers the proper care and operation of various hand and power tools used in residential and light commercial construction, basic masonry, and carpentry practices; framing, interior and exterior finishing; reading and interpreting of building blueprints and specifications with actual application of the competencies necessary to complete various construction projects. Course also covers the processes of design, estimating, planning, and the contractor’s role in scheduling. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: An exploratory course introducing students to the five areas of the manufacturing industry. Hands-on lab activities will reinforce lessons in sheet steel and aluminum, plastics, wood, and the foundry. Appropriate material selection, process selection, safety, use of manufacturing and industrial tools and equipment, and measurement will be presented. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: This course fosters a solid understanding of the mathematics applicable for trade and technical environments. Topics include measurement, proportions, solving equations, rational expressions, geometric measures, trigonometry, and statistics. This course is intended for Industrial Technology majors.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ITE 214 Residential Drawing (3 credits) - This course explores the fundamentals of residential drawing and the application of computer aided drafting. Students develop skills in sketching, home planning, design, layout and building material selection for residential structures, zoning, an introduction to code requirements, building permits process and energy audits. Students are required to complete a full set of construction documents to include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, kitchen and bath plans, detail drawings, specific notes, and a 3D rendering. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
- ITE 219 Mechanical and Engineering Drafting (3 credits) - A drafting and design class that will emphasize geometry, geometric construction, multi-view drawings, orthographic projection, sectional views, primary and secondary auxiliary views, dimensioning, isometric drawing, sketching and drafting standards. The course will include extensive use of computer aided drafting software and solid modeling software, problem-solving and elements of design. Students will be introduced to prototype development and 3D printing. (Lecture and lab combined) ITE majors must pass with a C or better. $25 class fee required.

Drafting and design courses (33 credits)

Credits: 3
Description: This course explores the fundamentals of residential drawing and the application of computer aided drafting. Students develop skills in sketching, home planning, design, layout and building material selection for residential structures, zoning, an introduction to code requirements, building permits process and energy audits. Students are required to complete a full set of construction documents to include floor plans, foundation plans, elevations, kitchen and bath plans, detail drawings, specific notes, and a 3D rendering. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Credits: 3
Description: A theory and lab course devoted to the study of site surveying and commercial print reading. Surveying will include discussion of plane and geodetic surveying concepts and use of field surveying equipment to develop skills needed to gather, record, and use information from the site. Print reading will place an emphasis on the study of commercial plan specifications, schedules, floor plans, elevations, and site plans as they apply to drafting and construction management. Lecture and lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: The use of a parametric 3D CAD package, in conjunction with either add-on or third-party software application, to create virtual part and assembly models, and to analyze their physical performance using computer simulation techniques. Topics include shape optimization, stress, fatigue, kinematic analysis, dimensioning, tolerancing, ANSI standards, sheet-metal developments, fasteners, and documentation of manufacturing practices. (Lecture and lab combined) ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Prerequisite: ITE 219 Mechanical and Engineering Drafting
Credits: 3
Description: This course builds on skills and information learned in ITE 214. Students design a residential project limited in size by the instructor. The project includes a full set of working drawings. Zoning ordinances, local building code, International Building Codes, and energy efficiency are incorporated into all the projects. Topics will include IRC Code as it applies to build types, occupancy types, materials, and ratings for commercial design. Software used will allow students to produce 2D construction documents as well as 3D Building Information Models (BIM). Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $25 required.
Prerequisite: ITE 214 Residential Drawing
Credits: 3
Description: The goal of this course is to teach the student to produce a product on Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes. Topics include reading a detailed blueprint, tooling selection, work holding strategies (including jigs and fixtures), CNC programming, machine setup, and CNC operations. Students will use various specialized measurement tools to meet established quality standards. Multi-axis programming will be used to program parts. Lecture and lab combined. ITE majors must pass with a C or better. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: Tools, equipment, safety practices, materials and basic metallurgy used in electric arc, oxy-acetylene, metal, inert gas, and tungsten arc inert gas welding will be covered in this course. Fabrication techniques with sheet metal and other ferrous materials will also be covered along with parametric modeling software. Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $40 required.
Credits: 3
Description: A review of building automation systems used to control interior climate and energy usage. Discussion and research of HVAC systems including their installation, programming, and maintenance. Special emphasis on energy conservation and efficiency in both residential and commercial environments and the design, engineering and manufacturing, and/or construction industries. Information on U.S. Green Building Council and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design new and remodeled structure certification.
Credits: 3
Description: A foundational course in the analysis and determination of construction and manufacturing project costs. Bidding strategies and proposals; material, equipment and labor estimates, as well as overhead and profit are examined and critical path scheduling.
Credits: 3
Description: This course includes the planning and design of commercial buildings and their structural systems. It also includes city and industrial planning, landscaping, zoning, and International Building Code. Lecture and lab combined.
Credits: 3
Description: Examines current topics, research, exploration, testing, and evaluation of computer-aided drafting and design programs. Development of industrial quality prototypes from engineering or designer prints. Includes the selection of materials and processes for production that reviews the design process to include design analysis, design process, modeling, rendering, and presentation. Includes 3D modeling, working drawings, BOM, Parts List, Finite Element Analysis, and 3D printing. (Lecture and lab combined. Class fee of $30 required.
Credits: 3
Description: Students taking an internship for their major are required to secure placement in an internship of a professional capacity and related to their major concentration. Internships must be approved by the advisors. Internships are supervised and must show at least 50 clock hours at work for each credit hour earned. A signed internship agreement is required.

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add a second major or a minor to complement their program of study or to focus their studies on a specific topic. Students who recently majored in Drafting and Design at Wayne State also paired this major with one or more of the following programs:

Business Administration (minor)
Construction Management (major or minor)
Interior Design (major)
Manufacturing Management (major or minor)
Safety Management (major or minor)

View all majors and minors

Related programs

Students interested in the Drafting and Design program may also be interested in:

Construction Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Interior Design (B.A. or B.S.)
Manufacturing Management (B.A. or B.S.)
Pre-Architecture

I chose Wayne State because of their high-end facilities, as well as the personable faculty. I'm able to have connections with my teachers, which opens many opportunities for the future. In Drafting and Design, your vision comes to life. You can make a variety of products ranging from a tiny 3D printed cube to a huge dream house. With my degree, I plan to become a project manager and use my skills to better the workplace. WSC has prepared me for the future by providing real-world scenarios and life lessons that I can take to work.

Abbigail Brodersen

Albion, Nebraska

Majors: Drafting and Design, Construction Management