Architecture Technology: Computer Aided Drafting and Design, C.S.C. is a Career Studies Certificate program offered by Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, VA. Tuition is $3,233 total.
Program Overview
The Computer Aided Drafting and Design Career Studies Certificate is structured to help students improve their computer application skills for drafting and design jobs in their field of interest. The core is a computer-aided drafting and design course sequence (CAD 201 and CAD 202) plus college composition or technical writing and department-approved technical electives.
Students are advised to confer with a drafting advisor or counselor to select classes that match their career goals.
This Career Studies Certificate totals 17 credits and is offered at NOVA's Alexandria and Annandale campuses.
What sets this Program apart
- Focused one-year certificate centered on computer-aided drafting and design (CAD 201 and CAD 202)
- Department-approved technical electives let students target drafting and design work in their specific field
- Includes college-level writing (College Composition I or Technical Writing) for professional documentation
- Credits can be applied toward the Architecture Technology A.A.S. degree
General Requirements
- Open AdmissionNOVA is an open-admission institution. Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold a GED, or be 18 or older and able to benefit from college study.
- Apply to NOVASubmit the free NOVA (Virginia Community College System) application for admission to establish a student record.
- Placement & AdvisingComplete placement (the Virginia Placement Test or qualifying scores/transcripts) and meet with an advisor to plan your courses.
- ResidencyVirginia residents qualify for in-state tuition; documentation of Virginia domicile may be required.
Application Process
- 1Apply to NOVASubmit the free online application for admission — NOVA has open admission.
- 2Placement & OrientationComplete placement (or provide qualifying scores/transcripts) and new-student orientation.
- 3Plan Your Financial AidMeet with financial aid and complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and Virginia state aid.
- 4Advise & RegisterWork with an academic advisor to build your schedule and register for your program courses.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills
Accreditations
Program Schedule
This program is offered at NOVA's Alexandria and Annandale campuses. Courses may be taken full- or part-time, and new cohorts begin each fall and spring semester, with selected courses offered in summer. Exact term dates are published on NOVA’s academic calendar.
Curriculum
The Architecture Technology: Computer Aided Drafting and Design, C.S.C. plan of study (17 credits). Course selections and electives should be confirmed with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 7 | |
| CAD 201 | Computer Aided Drafting & Design I | 4 |
| ENG 111 | College Composition I (or ENG 115 Technical Writing) | 3 |
| 2nd Semester | 9-10 | |
| CAD 202 | Computer Aided Drafting & Design II | 4 |
| — | Technical Elective | 2-3 |
| — | Technical Elective | 3 |
| Total | 16-17 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
NOVA charges tuition per credit hour. At the current in-state rate (about $202 per credit), the 17-credit Career Studies Certificate totals approximately $3,434 in tuition for Virginia residents; out-of-state and out-of-country rates are higher. Tuition does not include the technology fee, books, tools, or program supplies. Current per-credit rates and fees are published on NOVA’s Tuition & Fees page.
Financial Aid
NOVA participates in federal Title IV student aid. Aid available to those who qualify includes:
- Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
- Virginia state aid, including the G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) program for eligible high-demand fields
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®) and military tuition assistance
- Scholarships and institutional payment plans
About $3,434 in tuition for Virginia residents (roughly $202 per credit hour); out-of-state rates are higher and books, tools, and fees are billed separately.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in the field. Building on the program’s hands-on coursework, graduates pursue positions such as:
- CAD technician
- CAD operator/drafter
- Architectural drafter
- Design drafter
- Drafting technician
- Design assistant
- BIM technician
What to expect as a Northern Virginia Community College student
NOVA serves a large, diverse student body across Northern Virginia, offers strong veteran and military support, and provides advising and financial-aid help to plan your path. Courses can be taken full- or part-time, with new cohorts each fall and spring.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills