Architectural Technologies
CurriculumDirect to Work
Offered in the Classroom & 33% Online
- AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree | 62 Credits
Architectural Technologies
Architectural Technologies
About the Program
The next generation of architectural designers will be challenged to give shape to a sustainable world. CCD’s architectural technology programs are designed to provide a springboard into a rewarding career, whether it involves transfer into a four-year degree program or direct employment within the design community as an architectural technologist paraprofessional. CCD’s pathways offer a balance of technical skill training with the development of collaborative design-thinking abilities that are crucial to solving the complex range of today’s building tasks.
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in architectural technologies prepares you for a career as an architectural technologist, whose primary role is in the development of detailed designs for the construction and renovation of buildings to meet the needs of a sustainable world. The focus of the curriculum is on the knowledge base and decision-making processes involved with shaping building form and assembling architectural materials and components in a manner that supports minimal energy and resource consumption and produces functional, robust architecture.
Our program offers a curriculum of critical core competencies crafted to enable you to pursue a wide range of career options in the design of the built environment. These areas of focus include:
- Digital technology competencies centered around Building Information Technologies (BIM) as the emerging professional standard for design documentation.
- Concurrent learning structured around an understanding of how buildings go together—the material fabric of architecture and its assemblage—in a manner that conserves resources and supports sustainability.
- The history of our building culture and a basic understanding of design as a process, in order to nurture an ability in harnessing cultural knowledge and contemporary resources as a competent and valuable problem-solver.
- Extensive cross-curriculum training in hand drawing and visual thinking as central and irreplaceable tools for proficient designers.
- A solid foundation of general education coursework critical to successful contemporary professional design practice (English composition, mathematics, physics, and communication skills).
The world of building design and architecture — like so many other aspects of modern culture — is rapidly evolving. Our two-year program aims to prepare you to assume roles as leaders of that change and innovation.
In addition, CCD reaches out to the professional community by providing professional development certificates designed to help practicing professionals pursue either advancement within the profession or simply keep current with technological change. We currently offer three certificates grounded within our A.A.S. degree core course offerings and are in development stages of several more certificates to continue to serve our industry.
Academic Support
The architectural technology studio in the Boulder Creek Building is open outside of class for students to do independent classwork. Times vary each semester; check with the program chair for the latest schedule.
Academic support is provided through CCD's Excel Zone.
Available Online
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 33 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
Course & Program Fees
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees:
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 100, AEC 102, AEC 104, AEC 122, AEC 123, AEC 125, AEC 175, AEC 205, AEC 218, AEC 225, AEC 236, AEC 275 |
High-cost course fee | $7.21 (per credit hour) |
| AEC 104, AEC 225 | Modeling & paper supplies | $30.00 (flat) |
Financial Aid Eligibility
Most of this program is eligible for federal financial aid. However, the certificates are not eligible for federal student aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships.
Four-Year Transfer Agreements
The architectural studies program prepares you for transfer into the four-year undergraduate program in architecture at the University of Colorado - Denver (CU Denver) through the fulfillment of basic general education (GTE) and courses in foundational architecture and design. This is an articulated agreement with CU Denver; students who are accepted into CU Denver's College of Architecture and Planning architecture program with this A.A.S. degree are able to achieve junior-year status, contingent on the maintenance of minimum course grades and portfolio review of completed work from AEC 104.
CCD advises students interested in this pathway to consult CCD advising and the architectural technology program chair as well as the anticipated transfer institution (CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning) for development of the most optimal selection of available electives.
Internships & Service Learning Opportunities
Some students elect to complete an internship, upon chair approval.
Job Outlook & Salary Information
What Can I Do with My Major?
Employment of drafters is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026. Increased construction activity is projected to drive demand for drafters.
There are numerous job possibilities with a degree in architectural technologies.
- Architectural Drafters
- Architectural Technicians
- Architectural Interns
- Architectural Visualization Specialists
Learn more about this career path by visiting CCD's Career and Transfer Center.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The median annual wage for architecture/engineering drafters was $54,170 per year ($26.04 per hour) in May 2017. Graduates can expect to earn $35,000-$45,000 per year for an entry-level position with an A.A.S degree.
The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Program Outcomes
Total of 2019 Graduates |
Total Students Employed in their Field of Study |
Total Students Who Have Transferred to a 4-Year Degree or Other Institution |
|---|---|---|
4 |
2 |
2 |
Stackable
The contemporary building technology certificate, the Revit certificate and the advanced building crafts certificate all seamlessly transfer to the A.A.S. in architectural technologies. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.