Architecture

This program leads to the Associate of Arts degree in Architecture. It prepares students for transfer to professional schools of architecture. The primary goals of the program are to provide students with the fundamental professional knowledge and technical skills needed to compete in the challenging and rewarding career of architecture, and to foster the development of each student’s creative capacities, reflecting an integrated understanding of the multi-faceted factors influencing design decisions.

The curriculum and faculty are dedicated to providing each student with strong design skills and technical experiences early in his or her education. In the Architecture Program, the design studio is the focus. It is here that design fundamentals are acquired, and technical, historical, and theoretical concepts are synthesized and applied. Students increase their spatial visualization capabilities and are guided in developing a design process and a personal creative vision. At the same time, they learn to work as part of a design team. The design projects are organized to build aesthetic understanding, technical abilities, sensitivity to human needs, and awareness of the social consequences of design decisions.

At the College, the study of architecture reflects the diverse and evolving roles and responsibilities of the design professional. The program provides a broad liberal arts education, drawing upon art, science, humanities, social science and the history of architecture and interior design. This is the vital foundation that leads to the ability to design buildings that are functional, lasting and beautiful.

Program Entry Requirements:

Students recording an interest in Architecture on their application to the College will be placed into the Computer-Assisted Design Technology (CADT) Program until the portfolio review is complete. Architecture is a select program and requires a faculty review of an applicant’s portfolio of design work for admittance. Admission may be gained through two means. The first is through direct application with the submission of a portfolio of work demonstrating design ability. The portfolio should contain eight to ten original drawings, photographs of sculptures or models, examples of drawing or drafting, and other work that would demonstrate design capability, originality and talent. Design work is evaluated for the potential of student achievement rather than accomplishment. In the absence of a portfolio, students can begin their program of study in the non-select Computer-Assisted Design Technology (CADT) Program which requires the same first semester departmental courses. The work from the first semester design studio course (ADC 109) is evaluated as a portfolio for entrance into the Architecture program.

Interested high school students should complete a year of geometry, two years of algebra, and two years in art-related areas (drawing, sculpture, photography, or related areas). Mechanical drafting or CAD is also advantageous.

Students are required to take the College’s placement tests at the time of admission. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses in addition to the requirements of the degree program.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:

To qualify for the A. A. degree in Architecture, a student must complete a minimum of 68 credits as prescribed, and attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 (C average).

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.

Download the Architecture program brochure.