Architectural Technology Degree
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.
Transfer Opportunities
Upon completion of the Architecture AAS 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. Learn more about transfer opportunities.
For other institutions, 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.
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.
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 Architects: Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- MC Career Services: Planning and support for MC students and alumni.
- Career Coach: Explore hundreds of potential careers and job possibilities.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows.
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 OR (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)
Third Semester
- ARCH 200 - CAD: 3D Presentation 4 semester hours
- ARCH 201 - Introduction to Architectural Design 4 semester hours
- ARTT 265 - Architectural History: Ancient to 1400 3 semester hours
- PHYS 203 - General Physics I (Non-Engineering) 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Fourth Semester
- ARCH 202 - CAD: REVIT I 4 semester hours
- ARCH 203 - Principles of Sustainability 3 semester hours
-
OR
- CMGT 290 - Professional Practicum 1 semester hour
- ARTT 266 - Architectural History: 1400 to Present 3 semester hours
- Arts or humanities distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD or HUMD)
* ENGL 101, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or elective.
‡CMGT 290 must be taken three times for credit.
Related Programs and Courses
General Studies Degree
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Workforce Development & Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.