Design (M.F.A.) | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Skills & Competencies

Skills developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET via SOC 17-3011.00

Skills

Reading ComprehensionComplex Problem SolvingSystems AnalysisCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingActive ListeningMathematics

Knowledge

DesignBuilding and ConstructionEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageComputers and Electronics

Abilities

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionVisualizationNear VisionDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionFluency of IdeasOriginalityInductive Reasoning

Tasks

Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines, or by hand, u
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction projects, such as
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of presentation to
Use drone technology to capture aerial views and topographical data for civil engineering projects.

Technology

Pattern design softwareDocument management softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareComputer aided design CAD software

Tools

Architects' scalesBacklit digitizersCompassesComputer aided design CAD multi-unit display graphics cardsDesktop computersElectronic scalesEstimating keypadsFlexible curvesFrench curvesGraphics tabletsHandheld calculatorsLarge-format digitizersNotebook computersPlottersPressure-sensitive graphic tablets

Work Values

SupportWorking ConditionsAchievementRecognitionIndependenceRelationships

Career Pathways

Occupations this program prepares you for

Auto-populatedfrom O*NET + BLS

Occupations matched to this program, with median wage, top wage, growth, and openings
SOC	Occupation	Method	Wage	Growth	Openings
Match confidence: medium17-3011.00	Architectural and Civil Drafters	title_inference	$64,280 median$98,190 top	+4.16%	460

Program Pathways

Credentials this program stacks toward

No program pathways.

What You'll Learn

Key competencies developed through this program

Auto-populatedfrom NSX Competency Framework

Mastery: advanced (Level 4)(based on Master's Degree)

Drafting department standards and CAD protocols — develop and enforce firm-wide drawing standards, software configurations, and quality benchmarks across all architectural and civil project types.
Junior drafters, technicians, and technologists — supervise, mentor, and train staff through structured on-the-job instruction, building team capability and supporting professional development goals.
Project drawing production schedules — direct work sequencing and resource allocation across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring on-time delivery within budget constraints at organizational scale.
Cross-functional design coordination strategy — lead integration planning among architecture, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines, establishing the method of presentation for complex, multi-building programs.
Regulatory and code compliance frameworks — advise senior leadership and project teams on the implications of evolving building codes, public safety regulations, and municipal by-laws for project portfolios.
Technology adoption and training initiatives — evaluate and implement new CAD platforms, BIM tools, and document management systems, developing learning strategies and training curricula for the entire drafting group.
Organizational drafting policies and procedures — author and maintain the firm's production manual, detailing standards for drawing organization, file management, and quality assurance across all project phases.
Client and stakeholder presentations — lead high-level project briefings and design review sessions, translating complex technical drawing content into clear narratives for non-technical decision-makers.
Hiring and performance management — define role competencies, conduct evaluations, and make staffing decisions that align the drafting team's skills with the firm's strategic project pipeline.
Knowledge transfer and instructional program design — design and deliver structured competency-building curricula for drafters at all levels, applying instructional best practices to accelerate skill development across the practice.

Program Details

Detailed information about this program

No detailed information available.

Requirements

What you need to earn this credential

No requirements listed.

Financial Aid

Eligible funding programs

No funding information available.

Scholarships

No scholarships listed.