Architectural Technology AAS Degree | Montgomery College, Maryland

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Architectural Technology AAS Degree

Associate of Applied Science

Do you find yourself designing houses and other structures? Do you enjoy solving puzzles and other problems? Do you have an interest in technical skills like computer software?

Then you should consider preparing for a career in architecture by earning an associate's degree in architectural technology. With the MC program, you will explore the technical aspects of manual drafting, CAD, and BIMS as well as the creative aspects of making presentation drawings and designing of buildings.

Graduates completing the AAS degree can seek employment in the field immediately or transfer to a four-year school of architecture.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:

Synthesize social, economic, environmental, material, and aesthetic issues to create architectural designs.
Document design strategies using a variety of graphic verbal and written forms.
Analyze various construction technologies and materials and demonstrate mastery in application in graphic format.
Demonstrate an understanding of building design by means of resolving architectural space planning, aesthetic, and construction details issues in design projects such as residential, commercial, or public structures.

Program Advising

Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer.

AAS Program Advising Guide (PDF, )
Find a Program Advisor

Transfer Opportunities

Upon completion of the architecture associate's degree at Montgomery College, there are currently formal articulation agreements with Catholic University of America (CUA) School of Architecture in Washington, DC, and Morgan State University Institute of Environmental Design in Baltimore, Maryland. See all architecture transfer agreements.

In addition to CUA and Morgan, students have also transferred to Pratt Institute of Art, Savannah College of Art and Design, Miami University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, University of California in Los Angeles, and Boston Architectural Center.

Admission into four-year architecture programs is extremely competitive, requiring a high GPA and a portfolio of work prior to admission at most transfer schools. Check with the specific institution to which you intend to transfer and see which courses will be counted as transfer credits. Contact a program coordinator for assistance.

Information about Transferring to University of Maryland

Students in the University of Maryland College Park's architecture program are admitted in two ways: direct admits from high school, and transfer admits, who are students enrolled at the University of Maryland and elsewhere competing for up to 30 seats each year.

UMCP requires a drawing course not offered at MC. Students may take this class at a reduced price while attending MC full-time through the Maryland Transfer Advantage Program (MTAP)new window.

Read all of the School of Architecture Admissions Requirementsnew window carefully and meet with an advisor at MC to discuss your plan of action. You should also develop a Plan B because of the extremely competitive admissions process for this program.

Careers

Technicians specializing in architecture and construction are prepared to assist and work with architects, contractors, and related professionals.

Successful graduates involve themselves in many specialized aspects of the construction industry, including preparation of contract drawings, supervision and/or inspection of construction work, and contract administration. Computer drafting skills provide extensive opportunities for graduates.

Career Outlook for Architectsnew window: Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
MC Career Services: Planning and support for MC students and alumni.
Career Coachnew window: Explore hundreds of potential careers and job possibilities.

Curriculum

Suggested Course Sequence: Architectural Technology

A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows.

All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor. Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.

All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.

Suggested Course Sequence

A suggested course sequence follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult with the architectural technology program coordinator prior to registration.

First Semester

ARCH 101 - Introduction to Architecture and the Built Environment 3 semester hours

ARCH 103 - Building Technology and Documentation 3 semester hours

CMGT 100 - Construction Methods and Materials 3 semester hours

ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours

MATH 150 - Elementary Applied Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)

Second Semester

ARCH 104 - Introduction to Architectural Graphics 3 semester hours

ARCH 183 - CAD: Architectural Applications 4 semester hours

COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
OR

COMM 112 - Business and Professional Speech Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
English foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD)