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 knowledge of building design by means of resolving architectural space planning, aesthetic, and construction detail 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 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.
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
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
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.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- 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
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. 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
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
- MATH 150 - Elementary Applied Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
- 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
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- 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)
- 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 and Continuing Education
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.