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Drafting and Design Schools in Riverside CA

Not in Riverside? Check out our lists of Drafting and Design Schools in Sacramento, Salinas, San Bernardino, San Buenaventura (Ventura), San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Ana, and across California.

Struggling to find the best drafting and design school in Riverside, CA? Look no further. This article highlights the top-rated schools that offer programs tailored to jumpstart your career in architectural or engineering design.

From Chaffey College’s CAD Drafting Program to Norco College’s Drafting Technology Program, discover the details you need to make an informed decision.

Chaffey College – CAD Drafting Program

Chaffey College offers a CAD Drafting program aimed at preparing you for a range of careers in drafting and design. This program is well-suited for aspiring architectural drafters and civil CAD technicians.

The curriculum emphasizes both manual and computer-aided drafting techniques, preparing you for real-world applications in infrastructure projects such as bridges and buildings.

Key Features

  • 2+2+2 Pathway: This pathway allows you to smoothly transition from high school to Chaffey College and then into a career or a 4-year engineering technology program.
  • High School Articulation: You can earn college credits through Project-Lead-the-Way and drafting classes, thanks to agreements between Chaffey College and local high schools.
  • University Articulation: Agreements with Cal Poly Pomona and CSU Long Beach facilitate easy credit transfers.

Available Degrees and Certificates

  • CAD Drafting Technician: Architectural AS
  • CAD Drafting Technician: Mechanical AS
  • CAD Drafting Technician: Architectural Certificate
  • CAD Drafting Technician: Mechanical Certificate
  • CAD/CAM Operator Certificate

Chaffey College ensures that its program not only offers theoretical knowledge but also practical skills that are recognized by reputable institutions. This prepares you for numerous opportunities in the drafting and design fields.

Norco College – Drafting Technology Program

The Drafting Technology program at Norco College focuses on three-dimensional representations of buildings and objects. The program offers both certificates and associate degrees, enabling you to choose according to your career goals.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Core Courses: DFT/ENE-21 Drafting, DFT/ENE-30 Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
  • Electives: CON-60 Introduction to Construction, ARE-37 Architectural Design, and DFT/ENE-42 SolidWorks I
  • Hands-On Learning: The program includes practical exercises to help you develop visualization and design skills.

Program Options

  • 20-23 Unit Certificate: Can be completed in 18 months
  • 60 Unit Associate Degree in Drafting Technology

Tuition is affordable at $46 per unit, and counseling services are available to help you with course sequencing and scheduling.

Job Outlook

In the Riverside/Ontario/San Bernardino Metro Area, drafters and CAD drafters can expect hourly wages between $19.13 and $32.52. Approximately 1,480 annual job openings are projected in California through 2029.

ONLC Training Centers – AutoCAD Courses

ONLC Training Centers in Riverside offers AutoCAD courses suitable for all expertise levels. These courses are crucial for mastering both 2D and 3D design and documentation, thus replacing manual drafting with automated processes.

Course Benefits

  • Depth of Knowledge: Courses cover both fundamental and advanced topics such as AutoCAD Civil 3D Fundamentals and AutoCAD 3D Drawing and Modeling.
  • Flexible Learning Options: You can choose between instructor-led classes or self-study courses, making it easy to fit learning into your schedule.
  • Industry Applications: The skills you gain are applicable in a variety of industries, including automotive, marine, and prosthetics design.

Key Takeaways

  • Experienced Instructors: Learn from instructors with hands-on industry experience.
  • Practical Skills: Hands-on exercises ensure you gain practical skills that can be applied in real-world scenarios.

To get specific details about pricing and course hours, you should contact ONLC Training Centers directly. This ensures that you receive relevant and updated information to aid your decision-making.

Victor Valley College – Architectural Drafting and Design AS Program

Victor Valley College offers an Associate of Science degree in Architectural Drafting and Design. This 60-unit program is comprehensive, including essential courses and electives that prepare you for a variety of career paths within architectural drafting and design.

Core Curriculum

  • Advanced 2D AutoCAD and Blueprint Reading for Construction
  • Introduction to Drafting and Architectural Presentation
  • Introduction to REVIT for Architectural CAD

Software Proficiency

You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software like AutoCAD and REVIT, which are critical for today’s drafting and design professionals. Elective courses are also available to help you specialize further.

Competitive Edge

Architectural drafters in the Riverside area can expect competitive wages and strong career growth potential. By offering both manual and digital drafting techniques, the program ensures a well-rounded education that meets industry needs.

Victor Valley College provides a robust educational foundation in architectural drafting and design, making it a good fit for those aiming to secure a position in this field.

Victor Valley College – Engineering Drafting and Design Program

The Engineering Drafting and Design program at Victor Valley College is designed to prepare you for careers in architectural, engineering, and drafting fields. The curriculum includes both traditional hand drafting and state-of-the-art parametric solid modeling with SolidWorks.

Key Aspects

  • Curriculum: Courses cover hand drafting techniques, use of drafting instruments, and three-dimensional modeling.
  • Experiential Learning: Gain on-the-job experience through work experience education, enhancing your practical skills.
  • Faculty Expertise: Learn from experienced professionals like Michael Butros and Khalid Rubayi, who are dedicated to your success.

Transfer Opportunities

Though the college doesn’t offer a direct Engineering transfer program, it has partnerships with UC and CSU campuses for robust Engineering majors, helping you prepare for further education.

By focusing on practical skills and receiving guidance from experienced faculty, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful engineering and drafting career.

Riverside City College – Art Program

Riverside City College offers a diverse Art program that encompasses studio fine arts and commercial arts. This program provides various pathways to help you achieve an associate degree or certificate, laying a strong foundation for a career in the visual arts.

Core Disciplines

  • Studio Fine Arts: Includes drawing, design, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture.
  • Commercial Arts: Includes illustration and animation.

Degrees and Certificates

  • Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Studio Arts: Requires 24 units and typically takes two years.
  • Certificate of Experience (CE): Visual Communications-Animation (15 units) and Illustration (17 units), each of which can be completed in one year.

Program Leadership

The program is led by Rhonda Taube, Chair of Art and Art History, ensuring a high-quality education in various artistic disciplines. For specific details on pricing and hours, you should contact the department directly.

Riverside City College’s Art program offers a well-rounded education, preparing you for multiple career opportunities, whether in fine or commercial arts.

Victor Valley College – Engineering Drafting and Design Program

Victor Valley College offers an Engineering Drafting and Design program designed to prepare you for careers in architectural, engineering, and drafting fields. The curriculum combines traditional hand drafting with advanced three-dimensional parametric solid modeling using SolidWorks, ensuring you gain both fundamental and technical skills.

Key Aspects

  • Diverse Curriculum: Courses include hand drafting techniques, use of drafting instruments, and advanced three-dimensional modeling.
  • Hands-On Experience: Practical exercises and real-world projects foster teamwork and the design process.
  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from seasoned professionals like Michael Butros and Khalid Rubayi who are committed to your success.

Transfer Opportunities

Though the college doesn’t offer a direct Engineering transfer program, it partners with UC and CSU campuses for robust Engineering majors. This helps you prepare for further education and transition smoothly into a four-year degree program.

Victor Valley College provides an accredited education through the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This ensures high standards in education and makes your degree widely recognized.

By focusing on practical skills and offering guidance from experienced faculty, this program equips you for a successful career in engineering and drafting.

Riverside City College – Art Program

Riverside City College offers a broad Art program that encompasses both studio fine arts and commercial arts. This program is versatile and provides pathways to achieve an associate degree or certificate, aligning with your career aspirations in the visual arts.

Core Disciplines

  • Studio Fine Arts: Courses cover drawing, design, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture.
  • Commercial Arts: Includes specialized courses in illustration and animation.

Degrees and Certificates

  • Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) in Studio Arts: This program requires 24 units and typically takes two years to complete.
  • Certificates of Excellence (CE): Visual Communications-Animation (15 units) and Illustration (17 units) programs are designed to be completed within a year.

Program Leadership

The program is led by Rhonda Taube, Chair of Art and Art History, ensuring high-quality education in the visual arts. For precise details on pricing and hours, it’s recommended to contact the department directly.

Riverside City College’s Art program provides a diverse array of classes suited to various career goals in fine and commercial arts, making it a compelling choice for aspiring artists.

How to Choose the Best Drafting and Design School in Riverside CA

When it comes to selecting the best drafting and design school in Riverside, CA, there are several factors to consider. Making an informed decision will ensure that you choose a program that aligns with your career goals and educational needs.

Factors to Consider

  1. Accreditation
  2. Curriculum
  3. Faculty Expertise
  4. Campus Facilities
  5. Industry Connections
  6. Cost

By evaluating these factors, you can choose the drafting and design school that best meets your needs and supports your career aspirations.

Conclusion: Your Path to Success in Drafting and Design

Choosing the right drafting and design school in Riverside, CA, is a critical step towards a rewarding career. Programs at Chaffey College, Norco College, ONLC Training Centers, Victor Valley College, and Riverside City College offer diverse and robust educational opportunities. These programs equip you with the skills required for a successful career in architectural and engineering design.

Explore these options further to determine which program aligns best with your academic and professional goals. Embark on your educational journey with confidence, knowing you are taking the right steps towards a promising future in drafting and design.

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