Digital Design Media
CurriculumDirect to Work
Offered in the Classroom
- AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree | 60 Credits
Digital Design Media
Digital Design Media
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 transferring 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 crucial to solving the complex range of today’s building tasks.
The digital design media program — which shares core courses with the A.A.S. degree in architectural technologies and the A.A.S. degree in sustainable design — focuses on developing proficiency in a broad spectrum of current and widely used digital design software. The degree prepares you for career pathways involving leadership in architectural drawing production, architectural rendering and presentation, and digital visualization roles in professional design practices.
All A.A.S. degree pathways also provide a cost-effective springboard for transfer into a four-year nonprofessional degree program in architecture.
Academic Support
The architectural technology studio in the Boulder Creek Building is open for some hours outside of class for students to do independent classwork. Times vary each semester; please check with the program chair.
Academic support is also provided through the Excel Zone. The Excel Zone at CCD helps all students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Zone is located in Cherry Creek Building, rooms 205 & 210.
Course & Program Fees
CCD is affordable! Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. Fees associated with this pathway are embedded within the general tuition structure of most science classes as they are high-cost courses and such fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs.
The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. This program has additional fees for the following courses:
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| AEC 100, AEC 104, AEC 125, AEC 218 | High-cost course fee | $7.21 (per credit hour) |
| AEC 104, AEC 225 | Modeling & paper supplies | $30.00 (flat) |
Financial Aid Eligibility
The A.A.S. degree is currently eligible for federal financial aid. However, the certificate is not yet available.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office so you 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, so don't miss out on applying for that additional FREE money at CCD.edu/Scholarships.
Stop by the financial aid office on the first floor of the Confluence Building for help with the federal application for financial aid! The scholarship team also offers walk-in hours every Wednesday from 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the Confluence Building, room 118.
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 Technicians
- Designers
- Estimators
- Detailers
- Model Builders
- Illustrators/Renderers
- Product Representatives
- Specification Writers
Learn more about this career path by visiting the CCD Career and Transfer Center.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for architecture/engineering drafters as $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.
Stackable
The digital design media certificate seamlessly transfers to the Associate of Applied Science degree in digital design media. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.