Architecture – Major #6810

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


This certificate of achievement is designed to prepare students for employment with architects, engineers, interior designers, building contractors, building material companies and government agencies. It is also designed as basic coursework for transferring into advanced degree programs in architecture and related fields. Courses may or may not be transferable based on school to which you are transferring, course content, and quality/quantity of the student portfolio. Students are encouraged to take courses in the order listed. Not all courses are offered each semester. Students wishing to transfer into an advanced degree program should contact that particular college or university for all specific transfer requirements including, but not limited to Math and English.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Synthesize alternative solutions to a specific problem.
  2. 2. Design an architectural education portfolio.
  3. 3. Draw a floor plan, foundation plan, roof framing plan, sections and elevations.
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester

Term 1

9 units

ARCH 10
Architectural Design and Visualization I

3 units
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
This course surveys the basic principles and concepts of design while concurrently addressing the skills of freehand drawing, manual drafting and visualization. It also includes the history and development of perspective drawing during the Renaissance. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ARCH 14

Fall only 

ARCH 11
Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design

2 units
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
This course covers familiarization with the professional fields of architecture, landscape architecture, structural engineering, city planning and construction. Roles of the architect and the project team and introduction to design principles and elements are investigated. Also included are the phases of the construction project and licensing requirements. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:

    ARCH 12
    Architectural Practice I

    2 units
    Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
    This course covers methods of construction and drafting practices as applied to architectural contract documents, plans and details, for light wood frame structures. Also included is the use and application of building codes and reference material, site contours and grading. Field trips may be required. (A, CSU)
    Course Details:

      Fall only 

      ARCH 14
      Digital Tools for Architects

      2 units
      Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
      This course is an introduction to digital tools in the context of architectural practice. Course content includes basic 3D modeling, image manipulation, presentation, layout, and output. (A, CSU)
      Course Details:

        Term 2

        12 units

        ARCH 20
        Architectural Design and Visualization II

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
        This course is a continuation of Architecture 10. It includes the extended development of the content of Architecture 10 plus the introduction of color theory. Also covered are the principles and means for the creation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional organizations. (A, CSU, UC)
        Course Details:
          (
        1. Prerequisite: ARCH 10
          2. AND
        2. Prerequisite: ARCH 14
          3. )

        Spring only 

        ARCH 21
        Materials of Construction

        3 units
        Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
        This course covers materials used in the construction of buildings; their applications and limitations, construction systems and processes. Field trips may be required. (A, CSU)
        Course Details:

          ARCH 22
          Architectural Practice II

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
          This course is a continuation of Architecture 12 with further development of drafting practices and contract documents. Emphasis will be on light commercial materials and construction and computer-aided drafting in commercial architectural applications. (A, CSU)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: ARCH 12
          2. Advisory: ARCH 24

          Spring only 

          ARCH 24
          Building Information Modeling

          3 units
          Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
          This course covers Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the context of architectural practice. It includes the generation of architectural plans within a BIM environment with dimensions, details, basic materials and rendering. (A, CSU)
          Course Details:

            Spring only 

            Term 3

            12 units

            ARCH 30
            Architectural Design and Visualization III

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
            This course is a continuation of Architecture 20. It includes the extended development of the content of Architecture 20 plus the introduction of site and climate. Also included is analysis and organizational concepts, light, and function as issues in architecture. (A, CSU, UC)
            Course Details:
            1. Prerequisite: ARCH 20

            Fall only 

            ARCH 31
            Building Codes

            3 units
            Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
            This course covers the interpretation and application of building codes and local building zoning ordinances. (A, CSU)
            Course Details:

              Fall only 

              ARCH 32
              Statics and Strength of Materials

              3 units
              Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
              This course covers static force systems, trusses, shear, moment, and deflection. Physical properties of materials, shear and moment diagrams, and sizing of structural members is also included. (A, CSU)
              Course Details:

                Fall only 

                ARCH 34
                Digital Rendering

                3 units
                Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                This course covers the generation of architectural renderings to include lighting, reflection, environment and materials. (A, CSU)
                Course Details:

                  Fall only 

                  Term 4

                  9 units

                  ARCH 40
                  Architectural Design and Visualization IV

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                  This course is a continuation of Architecture 30 and includes extended development of the content of Architecture 30 with emphasis on the design process. Projects of an architectonic nature will be completed as well as development of an educational portfolio. (A, CSU)
                  Course Details:
                  1. Prerequisite: ARCH 30

                  Spring only 

                  ARCH 41A
                  Office Practices

                  3 units
                  Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                  This course covers contracts, specifications, scheduling, estimating and bid practices and procedures as they relate to architectural practice. (A, CSU)
                  Course Details:

                    Spring only 

                    ARCH 42
                    Timber and Steel Structures

                    3 units
                    Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester
                    This course covers the calculation and design of timber and steel structures, engineering of connections, and completion of structural framing plans. (A, CSU)
                    Course Details:
                    1. Prerequisite: ARCH 32

                    Spring only

                    Total: 42 units