Architecture – Major #6810 - Certificate of Achievement

This program map only provides one possible pathway for degree and/or certificate obtainment and is for reference only. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor to develop your individualized Student Education Plan.
It is also important to discuss your transfer options with a counselor because each university will require specific courses.

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.

1. Synthesize alternative solutions to a specific problem.

2. Design an architectural education portfolio.

3. Draw a floor plan, foundation plan, roof framing plan, sections and elevations.

Program Map

Term 1

9 units
ARCH 10
Architectural Design and Visualization I
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

      Fall only 

      ARCH 11
      Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design
      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
            ARCH 12
            Architectural Practice I
            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

                  Fall only 

                  ARCH 14
                  Digital Tools for Architects
                  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

                        Term 2

                        12 units
                        ARCH 20
                        Architectural Design and Visualization II
                        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
                          1. CSU Transfer

                            Spring only 

                            ARCH 21
                            Materials of Construction
                            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
                                  ARCH 22
                                  Architectural Practice II
                                  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

                                      Spring only 

                                      ARCH 24
                                      Building Information Modeling
                                      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

                                            Spring only 

                                            Term 3

                                            12 units
                                            ARCH 30
                                            Architectural Design and Visualization III
                                            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

                                                Fall only 

                                                ARCH 31
                                                Building Codes
                                                This course covers the interpretation and application of building codes and local building zoning ordinances. (A, CSU)

                                                Course Details:

                                                    1. CSU Transfer

                                                      Fall only 

                                                      ARCH 32
                                                      Statics and Strength of Materials
                                                      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

                                                            Fall only 

                                                            ARCH 34
                                                            Digital Rendering
                                                            This course covers the generation of architectural renderings to include lighting, reflection, environment and materials. (A, CSU)

                                                            Course Details:

                                                                1. CSU Transfer

                                                                  Fall only 

                                                                  Term 4

                                                                  9 units
                                                                  ARCH 40
                                                                  Architectural Design and Visualization IV
                                                                  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

                                                                      Spring only 

                                                                      ARCH 41A
                                                                      Office Practices
                                                                      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

                                                                            Spring only 

                                                                            ARCH 42
                                                                            Timber and Steel Structures
                                                                            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

                                                                                Spring only