New River Community College’s Engineering Design Technology (EDT) program stands out as a nationally recognized gateway into the world of design, drafting, modeling, and advanced manufacturing. Accredited and lauded by the American Drafting and Design Association (ADDA) as one of the top two-year design programs in the country, NRCC’s EDT offers a rich, hands-on education that prepares students for real-world engineering and design careers.
Length: Four full-time semesters (65 credits)
Pathway: Career
The Engineering Design Technology curriculum is designed to prepare persons for full-time employment as qualified Engineering Design Technicians and CAD Technicians to work with engineers, as well as industries and businesses. Graduates will be capable of complex reverse engineering techniques, advanced parametric solid modeling, additive manufacturing 3D printing, producing engineering design drawings, and advanced conceptual 3D modeling.
Length: Two semesters (22 Credits)
Pathway: Career
The career studies certificate in Engineering Design Technology is designed to provide an entry-level set of design skills that will allow the graduate to compete for basic entry-level CAD positions within or outside their current industry. Completion of this career studies certificate will provide students with basic industry design standards required by the ADDA (American Design Drafting Association) to pass the AD (Apprentice Drafting Exam).
Length: Two semesters (18 Credits)
Pathway: Career
This career studies certificate leads to entry-level employment opportunities in the engineering design field. This curriculum includes Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CAD) courses in engineering drawing fundamentals, architectural graphics, and graphic representation. Students learn basic technical drawing and numerical control techniques using lathe and milling machines. Students are prepared for entry-level jobs such as mechanical design apprentices, mechanical drafters, and entry-level field/lab engineers.
Length: Two semesters (16 Credits)
Pathway: Career
This career studies certificate leads to technician-level employment opportunities in the engineering design field. This curriculum includes intermediate Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CAD) courses and introduces students to parametric solid modeling, 3D printing, and geometric dimensions and tolerancing. Students learn operational skills needed to be successful in technician-level positions in engineering design such as mechanical engineering technicians, design technicians, and quality process engineering technicians.
Length: Two semesters (19 Credits)
Pathway: Career
This career studies certificate leads to entry-level employment in the electronics field. This curriculum provides foundational knowledge in basic electrical concepts, safety, electronic component identification, digital, installation, and diagnostics. Upon completion of the career studies certificate, students are employable as entry-level maintenance workers.
Length: Two semesters (19 Credits)
Pathway: Career
This career studies certificate leads to technician-level employment in the electronics field. This curriculum provides operational skills and knowledge in computer-aided drafting, fluid power, mechanisms, robotics, and programmable controllers. Upon completion of the career studies certificate, students are employable as journey-level maintenance workers.
Length: Two full-time semesters (17 Credits)
Pathway: Career
This career studies certificate covers the aeronautical knowledge required to operate small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). Students will study basic equipment and techniques used in maintaining, repairing, and upgrading sUAS to assure airworthiness and proper operations. Upon completion of the career studies certificate, students will be prepared to take the FAA written examination required to obtain the Remote Pilot certificate.
Not sure which courses you need to take? Talk with an academic advisor for assistance or visit the catalog and choose your program of study.
Adjunct Instructor
Adjunct Instructor
Instructor of Drafting/EDT Program Head
Instructor of Drafting/EDT Program Head
