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Architecture

If you are interested in working in the building-design industry, or you plan to pursue a degree in architecture at a four-year university, this program could put you on the path to your ideal career.

In this program, you’ll learn to produce architectural drawings using computer-aided drafting (CAD) software and tools, such as Revit, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture and SketchUp. Courses develop your understanding of 3-D modeling, building codes, construction materials and methods, cost estimating and green building.

As a graduate of this program, you might work as a drafter for architects, landscape architects, engineers (civil, structural, mechanical, electrical) contractors, manufacturing companies, product suppliers and other design-related companies.

Detailed Information

Students enter the program in the fall quarter. Program classes are typically held 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 or 3:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Students are expected to do a significant amount of reading and should be able to work at a computer for seven hours per day.

  1. Understand fundamental architectural drafting concepts and methods.
  2. Describe and identify residential construction materials and methods of assembly.
  3. Demonstrate competencies in the development and output of residential construction documents.
  4. Investigate relevant components of the International Residential Code and apply.
  5. Distinguish the sequential steps of the design process and project delivery methods.
  6. Demonstrate competencies in the development and output of commercial construction documents.
  7. Recognize and classify commercial construction materials, structural systems and methods of assembly.
  8. Explore sustainable design systems and methods and determine possible integrations with architectural design concepts.

The Architectural Technology program prepares students to become CAD drafters for the building design industry. Students focus on gaining proficiency with Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), 3–D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM) applications utilizing principles of design, the design process, building codes and building materials as they relate to building projects. This program prepares the drafter to translate ideas, rough sketches, specifications, calculations and existing drawings into drawings used within each phase of the design and construction process.
 
Students enter the program in the fall quarter. Program classes are typically held 7:30 a.m. –2:30 or 3:30 pm, Monday through Thursday. Please note that the classes listed below are intended for program students only. Other students are only allowed to register upon the approval of the instructor after prerequisites have been met. Students are expected to do a significant amount of reading and should be able to work at a computer for seven hours per day.
 
The first year consists of developing residential building design drawings and documents used by architects and building design engineers. Students use the most commonly used software utilized in the building design industry to gain proficiency in 2–D and 3–D Computer Aided Drafting (CAD). In addition, the first year consists of manual drafting, orthographic projections, freehand sketching, presentation graphics (isometric and perspective pictorial drawing), light construction principles (materials and methods), use of drafting expressions, international residential codes and sustainability issues. Emphasis is placed on architectural construction documents, which include site plans, floor plans, roof plans, footing and foundation plans, framing plans, exterior elevations, building and wall sections, window and door schedules, stair design, interior elevations, details and plumbing, HVAC, electrical and lighting plans. Graphic representation using computer software is used in the production of documents of the common phrases of architectural design including programming, schematic design, design development and construction documents. Utilization of the above is finalized in the development of residential working drawings.
 
Students will receive a Residential Architectural Technology Certificate after completing the first three quarters of the AAS degree. Prior to taking courses in this program, students in this program who intend to further their education at a university should consult an academic advisor at SCC or their future university to determine which of the courses in this program are transferable to their intended university.  Students who want to continue on in the second year will be permitted to do so and upon successful completion of the second year, will receive an AAS degree.  Additionally, students who want an AAS-T transfer degree may take five additional SCC courses and are eligible to apply for acceptance into Washington State University Architecture program with a junior standing.  A 3.0 GPA or higher is required in all courses for acceptance at WSU.  Prior to taking courses in this program, students in this program who intend to further their education at a university should consult an academic advisor at SCC or their future university.
 
The second year consists of developing architectural working drawings using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) related to commercial building design. Class projects will be developed from a preliminary design utilizing drafting techniques, standards and practices of the profession, including office procedure knowledge, use of building materials; structural framing systems as used in the building industry and study of the International Building Code.
 

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 96


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT112
Introduction to Architectural Drafting  
5
ARCHT120
Residential Architecture Theory   1
5
ARCHT126
Introduction to Computer Aided Drafting  
5
Total Credits
 
15

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT114
Architectural Math   2
3
ARCHT122
Architectural Design 1   1
7
ARCHT130
Residential Building Materials   1
4
ARCHT134
Electrical and Mechanical Systems   1
4
Total Credits
 
18

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT124
Advanced Architectural Math   2
2
ARCHT125
Residential Building Codes   1
2
ARCHT132
Introduction to Construction Documents/CAD  
8
ARCHT139
Delineation  
5
Total Credits
 
17

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT238
Introduction to Commercial Drafting/Design  
6
ARCHT242
Commercial Construction Documents/CAD  
4
ARCHT246
Commercial Architecture Theory  
5
Total Credits
 
15

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT225
Portfolio  
1
ARCHT240
Commercial Building Codes  
3
ARCHT250
Introduction to Commercial Building Materials  
4
ARCHT252
Advanced Commercial Construction Documents/CAD  
8
Total Credits
 
16

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT215
Issues in Sustainable Architecture  
5
ARCHT262
Electrical Mechanical Systems Application/CAD   3
6
ARCHT263
Advanced Commercial Building Materials   4
4
Total Credits
 
15

Elective  

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ARCHT266
Cooperative Education Seminar  
1 - 2
ARCHT267
Cooperative Education Work Experience  
1 - 18
1 This related education requirement may be met by any course or combination of courses approved by the instructional dean.
2 ARCHT 114 and ARCHT 124 may be substituted with COMPASS scores of M2=77, M3=60, and M4=44. Students meeting these test score requirements and seeking Prior Learning Assessment evaluation should work with their instructor and the Prior Learning Assessment area for credit evaluation.
3 Select ARCHT 262 for either 6 credits and no elective credits or 2-4 credits with the remainder of the 6 credits from the elective group consisting of: ARCHT 266,267 for a total of 15 required credits for the sixth quarter.
4 ARCHT 266 and ARCHT 267 or ARCHT 288 (no seminar) may be substituted for one or more of these courses with permission of the instructor.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Military Tuition Assistance Program
Tuition
$ 9,612
$ 11,619
$ 21,560
$ 7,509
Books
$ 702
$ 702
$ 702
$ 702
Course Fees
$ 479
$ 479
$ 479
$ 479
Institutional Fees
$ 672
$ 672
$ 672
$ 672
Total Costs
$ 11,464
$ 13,471
$ 23,412
$ 9,362

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.