Ivy Tech School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science
Design Technology
A Career Built On Form and Function
What You'll Learn
The Design Technology program at Ivy Tech offers the latest hardware and software and emphasizes technical rigor and design foundations. Working with their academic advisors, students can select the elective courses that fit their desired career path, with subjects such as:
Mechanical design
Architectural design
Computer graphics
Career Options
Ivy Tech's Design Technology program prepares students to work in fields like the architecture, construction, industry and computer graphics. Depending on the degree, certificate and electives they choose, graduates can pursue careers like:
Drafting technician or designer
Technical designer
Architectural designer
Mechanical designer
Graphic designer
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
Associate Degree – Transferable Degree
Long-Term Certificate
– known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Short-Term Certificates
– known as Certificates (CT)
You're an innovative problem-solver who likes working with a team to find and create design solutions
You want a solid foundation in design tools and fundamentals, so you can start your career right away
You have a Design Technology Technical Certificate and want to build on it
You're an innovative problem-solver who likes working with a team to find and create design solutions
You have a Design Technology Technical Certificate and want to build on it
You want courses in general education as well as design, to prepare you to transfer to a four-year college or university
You're an innovative problem-solver who likes working with a team to find and create design solutions
You want to focus on mechanical or architectural design
You're interested in a credential you can build from to earn an associate degree
You're creative and enjoy working on a computer
You are interested in architecture
You're interested in a credential you can build from to earn a Design Technology Technical Certificate
You're creative and enjoy working on a computer, using a variety of tools and fundamentals
You want a credential you can build from to earn a Design Technology Technical Certificate
You're artistic, creative and enjoy working on a computer
You want a credential you can build from to earn a Design Technology Technical Certificate
You're creative and enjoy working on a computer
You are interested in how mechanical parts work
You want a credential you can build from to earn a Design Technology LTC
You appreciate working with cutting-edge equipment and software, including GPS devices, 3D laser scanning technology, drones, and computer-aided drafting software.
You value a range of skills from 3D modeling and data analytics to interpersonal abilities like communication, teamwork, and project management.
You appreciate working with cutting-edge equipment and software, including GPS devices, 3D laser scanning technology, drones, and computer-aided drafting software.
You value a range of skills from 3D modeling and data analytics to interpersonal abilities like communication, teamwork, and project management.
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Industry-Driven Education
Industry partners from throughout Indiana help shape the education that Ivy Tech Design Technology program students receive. These partners also provide internship, co-op and employment opportunities.
Cutting-Edge Equipment
Students in Ivy Tech's Design Technology program use the latest design tools to put their newly learned skills to work. Labs feature:
3D technologies
Laser cutting
Physical prototype/model building
Associate Degree – Career-Ready Degree
The Ivy Tech Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Design Technology degree program teaches students about several key areas of design:
Architecture
Mechanical
Graphic design
Students learn about the software and design techniques and tools for each field.
Ivy Tech's AAS in Design Technology degree program requires 60 credit hours, or four semesters, to complete.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to the AAS degree in Design Technology is to complete one of the short-term certificates or a long-term certificate while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level design technology careers existing in the local industry.
The Design Technology AAS at Ivy Tech presents courses through traditional, in-person learning and by online (virtual and online-only) and hybrid (blended or learn anywhere) instruction.
Sample Careers
The AAS in Design Technology prepares students for careers as drafting technicians and designers, working in environments such as:
Product development teams
Architectural firms
Construction companies
Manufacturing facilities
Biotech companies
Fire safety teams
Machine shops
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should
be well versed in upon graduating from the program.
The Ivy Tech Associate of Science (AS) in Design Technology degree program includes a design skills core as well as elective courses. Students can choose from electives such as:
Additionally, students in the associate of science program take general education courses that help prepare them for transfer to a four-year college or university. You can save upward of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring!
Our Design Technology program currently has partnerships with two schools so you can seamlessly transfer without losing your credits or time:
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Indiana Wesleyan University
Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the Design Technology program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.
Ivy Tech's AS in Design Technology degree program requires 60 credit hours, or four semesters, to complete.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to the AS degree in Design Technology is to complete one of the short-term certificates or a long-term certificate while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level design technology careers existing in the local industry.
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Ivy Tech's Design Technology Technical Certificate (TC) provides students with design tool knowledge and skills. The program also features general education courses and the option to focus on mechanical or architectural design.
Electives range from advanced manufacturing, to robotics, to 2D animation.
The Design Technology TC requires 31 credit hours, or two semesters, to complete.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn an associate degree in Design Technology, you can earn this technical certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level design technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Courses
The 31 required credit hours in the Ivy Tech Design Technology TC include:
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
Ivy Tech's Architectural Design Certificate (CT) provides students with education and training in software design tools. The program also focuses on the application of these tools in architectural design.
Graduates of this program can stand out to design technology employers while also setting the stage to pursue a technical certificate or associate degree.
The Architectural Design CT requires 18 credit hours, or two semesters, to complete.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn a technical certificate or associate degree in Design Technology, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level design technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Courses
The 18 required credit hours for the Ivy Tech Architectural Design CT include:
Ivy Tech's Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Certificate (CT), previously called a certificate, provides education and training on:
Software design tools
3D printing
Architecture
Drafting
Graduates of this program can stand out to design technology employers while also setting the stage to pursue a technical certificate or associate degree.
The Computer-Aided Design CT requires 18 credit hours, or two semesters, to complete.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn a technical certificate or associate degree in Design Technology, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level design technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Courses
The 18 required credit hours for the Ivy Tech Computer-Aided Design CT include:
Computer-Aided Design CT courses may be presented in the following formats:
In-person, traditional
Hybrid (learn anywhere)
Online
Sample Careers
Graduates of the Ivy Tech Computer-Aided Design CT program can begin a career in architecture or mechanical drafting. Working in roles such as designer or draftsperson, these professionals typically work in:
Engineering product development
Architecture
Construction
Property development
Interior design
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should
be well versed in upon graduating from the program.
Ivy Tech's Computer Graphics Certificate (CT) provides students with education and training on graphics programs and design principles. Among the graphics programs featured are:
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Graduates of this program can stand out to design technology employers while also setting the stage to pursue a technical certificate or associate degree.
The Computer Graphics CT requires 18 credit hours, or two semesters, to complete.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn a technical certificate or associate degree in Design Technology, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level design technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Courses
The 18 required credit hours for the Ivy Tech Computer Graphics CT include:
Computer Graphics CT courses may be presented in the following formats:
In-person, traditional
Hybrid (learn anywhere)
Online
Sample Careers
Graduates of this certificate program can pursue careers as graphic designers. They can start their own businesses, or they can work for graphic design firms.
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes (SOs) are the competencies that Ivy Tech students should
be well versed in upon graduating from the program.
Ivy Tech's Mechanical Design Certificate (CT) provides education and training on software design tools and how they work in mechanical design.
Graduates of this program can stand out to design technology employers while also setting the stage to pursue a technical certificate or associate degree.
The Mechanical Design CT requires 18 credit hours, or two semesters, to complete.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn a technical certificate or associate degree in Design Technology, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level design technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Courses
The 18 required credit hours for the Ivy Tech Mechanical Design CT include:
The new Surveying Technology Certificate will prepare students to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the delineation, determination, planning and positioning of land tracts, land and water boundaries, land contours and features; and the preparation of related maps, charts and reports. Includes instruction in applied geodesy, computer graphics, photo interpretation, plane and geodetic surveying, mensuration, traversing, survey equipment operation and maintenance, instrument calibration, and basic cartography.
The Surveying Technology CT requires 24 credit hours, or two semesters, to complete.
Building on Your Certificate
If your goal is to earn a technical certificate or associate degree in Design Technology, you can earn this certificate on your way. The certificate is designed to provide a gateway into entry-level design technology careers. That means you may be able to enter the workforce in your desired field even before you graduate, if your plan includes working while you’re in school.
Courses
The 24 required credit hours for the Ivy Tech Surveying Technology CT include:
Design technology professionals play an important role in creating items that we use every day. They're the ones who design these items before they go into production.
The field offers a variety of opportunities working for employers like architectural firms, construction companies and machining companies. Graduates also can start their own design businesses.
Successful design technology students and professionals typically have traits like:
Enjoys working on the computer
Likes to find creative solutions to problems
Interested in new design approaches
Wants to learn about design tools and fundamentals
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the career opportunities and traits above, design technology may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Students coming to Ivy Tech with their high school diploma or equivalent can start straight into the degree program without completing any prerequisite courses as long as they are considered college ready by the knowledge assessment.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least four weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Design Technology Courses
Descriptions of design technology courses can be found in our online course catalog. View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific classes will be offered by searching our class list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the class in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming classes are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Class Formats
Depending on the degree or certificate program, Design Technology courses may be presented in the following formats:
In-person, traditional
Hybrid (learn anywhere)
Online
Applying to Ivy Tech is Free & Easy
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
Steps to Apply
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out toyour local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our freeKnowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed withinMyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet withyour advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in yourMyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
