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:
- Apply creative and abstract thought to develop design concepts based on historical awareness and critical inquiry.
- Execute architectural design and research solutions employing current design principles and processes of architectural design and research.
- Convey creative architectural design projects, research and essays through physical, digital and verbal presentation forms.
Students receiving this degree must meet the following requirements:
- 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. - Complete with a “C” or better each course as specified by the major.
- Maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0 or better in all degree applicable coursework.
- Meet the local area requirement of Kinesiology/Dance.
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required courses: | ||
ARCH 100 | Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design Foundations | 3 |
ARCH/DRAF 102 | Visual Communication | 2.5 |
ARCH 110 | Introduction to Design Fundamentals and Communication | 4 |
ARCH 111 | Foundation Design | 4 |
ARCH 201 | Architectural Design I | 4 |
ARCH 202 | Architectural Design II | 4 |
ARCH 242 | Building Construction | 3 |
ARCH 250 | History of Architecture: Prehistory to Mannerism | 3 |
ARCH 251 | History of Architecture: Baroque to the Present Day | 3 |
DRAF 160 | Foundation Digital Design Tools - Intermediate Computer Aided Design (CAD) | 3 |
DRAF 161 | Advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD and Design Tools) | 3 |
DRAF 190 | Advanced Digital Design Tools | 3 |
DRAF 290 | Introduction to Maya Practices | 3 |
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 Units | 42.5 |
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.
Fall Term 1 | Units | |
---|---|---|
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 |
Units | 16 | |
Winter Term 1 | ||
SPCH 103 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 |
ENGL 101 or ENGL 101H |
Reading and Composition or Reading and Composition - Honors |
4 |
Units | 7 | |
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 or PHYS 111H |
College Physics A or College Physics A - Honors |
4 |
POLI 103 or POLI 103H |
American Government and Politics or American Government and Politics - Honors |
3 |
Units | 16.5 | |
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 |
Units | 6 | |
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 |
Units | 16 | |
Winter Term 2 | ||
PHIL 131 | History of Modern Philosophy | 3 |
ETHN 101 or ETHN 116 |
Introduction to Ethnic Studies or Introduction to Chicano/Latino Studies |
3 |
Units | 6 | |
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 |
Units | 16 | |
Total Units | 83.5 |
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.