A.S. in Architecture

The Architecture major concentrates on the built environment. The curriculum visualizes architecture as a cultural, creative, and technical practice and discipline with direct social impact. A balance of architectural and technical design courses provides students with a diverse foundation of knowledge in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, environmental design, urban planning, CAD, and CGI which prepares them for transfer.  

The Architecture major is intended for students to pursue an architectural education at a university level. It is designed for students who seek a university level undergraduate degree in architecture, interior architecture, environmental design and landscape architecture at CSU, UC, and private schools. Curriculum in this major encompass the first two years of architectural curriculum following standards outlined by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) in architectural design, visual communications, materials and processes of construction, professional practice and history/theory. Courses focus on exploration and understanding of architecture’s cultural, environmental, and formal relevance to both individuals and society as a whole. Architecture students are trained to think creatively, abstractly, and to develop design concepts for critical inquiry and design. Students apply current design principles and processes of architectural design that produce design solutions. Architecture students effectively convey their creative architectural design projects, research and essays realized through physical, digital and verbal presentation forms. These completed works are then studied and developed into portfolios of individual student accomplishment for transfer.

PLEASE NOTE: The courses that universities and colleges require for transfer vary. When selecting courses for transfer purposes, students should consult with Counseling Services and transfer institutions to determine the particular transfer requirements (specifically Math and Physics) required by public and private transfer institutions. 

This major is primarily intended to prepare students to transfer and earn a 4 or 5-year bachelor’s degree in architecture.

A.S. Degree Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Architecture A.S. Degree will:

  1. Apply creative and abstract thought to develop design concepts based on historical awareness and critical inquiry.
  2. Execute architectural design and research solutions employing current design principles and processes of architectural design and research.
  3. Convey creative architectural design projects, research and essays through physical, digital and verbal presentation forms.

Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete the District General Education Pattern, CSUGE or IGETC.
    If transferring to a CSU or UC students are strongly recommended to complete the CSUGE or IGETC General Education Patterns. Students looking to transfer to an out of state or private college should consult with a counselor for the appropriate GE pattern selection.
  2. Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
  3. Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
  4. Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance.
Required courses:
ARCH 100Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design Foundations3
ARCH/DRAF 102Visual Communication2.5
ARCH 110Introduction to Design Fundamentals and Communication4
ARCH 111Foundation Design4
ARCH 201Architectural Design I4
ARCH 202Architectural Design II4
ARCH 242Building Construction3
ARCH 250History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism3
ARCH 251History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day3
DRAF 160Foundation Digital Design Tools - Intermediate Computer Aided Design (CAD)3
DRAF 161Advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD and Design Tools)3
DRAF 190Advanced Digital Design Tools3
DRAF 290Introduction to Maya Practices3
In addition to the major preparation, students should take the following courses as part of their GE pattern: MATH 151, PHYS 111 or higher, SPCH 103 and ENGL 103.
Total Units42.5

2-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Note: Co-requisite MATH course (2 units) and/or substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
ARCH 100 Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design Foundations 3
DRAF 101 Beginning Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3
ARCH 110 Introduction to Design Fundamentals and Communication 4
MATH 175 Pre-Calculus 6
 Units16
Winter Term 1
SPCH 103 Argumentation and Debate 3
ENGL 101
Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition - Honors
4
 Units7
Spring Term 1
ARCH 111 Foundation Design 4
DRAF 102 Visual Communication 2.5
DRAF 160 Foundation Digital Design Tools - Intermediate Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3
PHYS 111
College Physics A
or College Physics A - Honors
4
POLI 103
American Government and Politics
or American Government and Politics - Honors
3
 Units16.5
Summer Term 1
ENGL 103
Composition and Critical Thinking
or Composition and Critical Thinking - Honors
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking
or Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking - Honors
3
HIST 107
History of the United States before 1877
or History of the United States before 1877 - Honors
or History of the United States since 1877
or History of the United States since 1877 - Honors
or History of the African-Americans to 1876
or History of the African-Americans since 1876
or History of Women in the United States
3
 Units6
Fall Term 2
ARCH 201 Architectural Design I 4
ARCH 250 History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism 3
ARCH 200 Portfolio Preparation 3
DRAF 290 Introduction to Maya Practices 3
BIOL 145 Environmental Science 3
 Units16
Winter Term 2
PHIL 131 History of Modern Philosophy 3
ETHN 101
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies
3
 Units6
Spring Term 2
ARCH 202 Architectural Design II 4
ARCH 251 History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day 3
DRAF 161 Advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD and Design Tools) 3
DRAF 190 Advanced Digital Design Tools 3
ARCH 242 Building Construction 3
 Units16
 Total Units83.5

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

 

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.