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
    1. CSU Transfer Course
    1. C - Humanities

    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:
        1. CSU Transfer Course
        1. C - Humanities

        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:
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              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:
                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                    Fall only 

                    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. Prerequisite: ARCH 14
                      1. CSU Transfer Course
                      1. C - Humanities

                      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:
                          1. CSU Transfer Course

                            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
                              1. CSU Transfer Course

                                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:
                                    1. CSU Transfer Course

                                      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
                                        1. CSU Transfer Course
                                        1. C - Humanities

                                        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:
                                            1. CSU Transfer Course

                                              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:
                                                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                    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:
                                                        1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                          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
                                                            1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                              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:
                                                                  1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                                    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
                                                                      1. CSU Transfer Course

                                                                        Spring only

                                                                        Total: 42 units