Are you creative and like working with computers? Would you like to learn to create two- and three-dimentional graphics? Why not work doing something you enjoy? Technical drafting and animation careers are booming.
Napa Valley College's DDGT program is a comprehensive, four-semester program. Upon completion, a student is employable as an entry-level design drafter and three-dimensional (3D) artist, with the versatility to work in a wide range of drafting and 3D graphics fields.
Coursework includes the latest release of the AutoCAD drafting program, 3D Studio Max (animation), Rhino 3D (solid modeling), Macromedia Dreamweaver (website design), and Adobe Photoshop (image editing).
The DDGT program lab is also an Autodesk Premier Training Center, which ensures that students are always taught on the most current releases of the various Autodesk software programs used in their coursework.
As a graduate in Digital Design and Graphics, you'll be ready to start your career in mechanical or architectural drafting and design, or technical illustration using 3D rendering programs.
Career Opportunities
Faster than average growth through 2008 is expected for drafters and other related careers. People with college training (A.S. degree) in drafting-related programs, supplemented with some experience, will have the best choices of positions. Bay area entry-level salaries average $40,000 per year. Experienced employees may earn $90,000 per year. Job vacancies in Northern California are plentiful.
Program Options
For specific courses and requirements, consult an NVC catalog, the program coordinator, a counselor, or the NVC website: www.napavalley.edu. Student Learning Outcomes - By the end of the program, students will be able to: #1 Manage and create digital media/data, #2 Team work and office environment-work positively in office environment, #3 Perform industry specific skills, #4 Develop personal traits, and #5 Effectively apply technology learned/keep current with technology.
Certificate
50 units (minimum grade of C in all courses). Consult the NVC catalog or website for specific courses.
A.S. Degree
The A.S. Degree requires 61 units (minimum grade point average 2.0, minimum grade of C in all courses required for the major). Students must take all courses required for the certificate and 29 general education units. Students must consult with the program coordinator
Transfer
NVC's program also provides a foundation for transfer to a four-year college. Consult the catalog of your choice and get help with specific requirements from an NVC counselor.
Instructional Materials
Note: In addition to NVC Enrollment Fees, students may pay other DDGT specific fees.
Students will need to purchase a materials voucher at the bookstore for the Rapid Prototyping 3D Printer at a rate of $8 per cubic inch of materials used. A typical project will use 2-3 cubic inches of materials ($16-$24 average project cost).
Autocad Night Classes - Students should be prepared to pay $149 for a lab supplies voucher at the bookstore prior to the first day of class (see class footnotes if applicable). The CAD supplies voucher includes: Courseware for the class, CD rom with copies of all files that are needed to reproduce the training, access to the large format plotters to reproduce drawings for the classes, and a copy of the AutoCAD software (academic version, normal retail value of $299 if bought privately).
Program Coordinator
Alan Skinner
Digital Design Graphics Technology
Napa Valley College
Office: Room 860A
Phone: (707)253-3244
e-mail: askinner@napavalley.edu
Program Website: www.ddgt.net