Architectural Technology
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Architectural Technology
The profession of architecture touches everyone’s life and is central to solving problems in the creation of a built environment. Architectural technicians are problem solvers who work with clients on the design of buildings. They also create plans and specifications that direct the construction of a building and coordinate the work of other professional consultants and engineers. Managing information and responding to the many diverse requirements of governments, building conditions, and society is increasingly important in the construction industry. The architectural profession is rapidly integrating the technology of computers and automation to assist in the management of information and to free up time for creative work.
The instruction in Architectural Technology at Thaddeus Stevens College prepares students to become qualified for employment in the architectural profession and to transfer into architectural programs in nationally-accredited universities. The instruction also provides retraining in technological applications for people currently employed in or reentering the profession.
High school prerequisites for this program are Algebra I & II and a GPA of at least 2.5.
What you’ll learn
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in utilizing industry-standard software and tools for architectural design.
- Apply architectural design principles and methodologies efficiently to create innovative and functional solutions.
- Understand fundamental construction materials, methods, building systems and structural principles applicable to architectural projects.
- Interpret and apply relevant building codes, zoning regulations, and accessibility standards within the architectural design processes.
- Develop communication skills through visual, written, and oral means, producing comprehensive architectural documentation and presentations suitable for various stakeholders.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating the ability to contribute constructively to project planning, design, and implementation.
- Apply problem-solving, critical-thinking, and mathematical reasoning to analyze architectural challenges, propose creative solutions, and make informed design decisions efficiently.
- Understand ethical responsibilities, professional standards, and the societal impact of architectural decisions.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage projects effectively, optimizing time allocation from conceptualization to execution, considering scheduling and regulatory constraints.
- Engage in lifelong learning, keeping pace with technological advancements, industry trends, and sustainable practices to enhance productivity within the field of architectural technology.
Sample Job Titles
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Technician, BIM (Building Information Modeling) Technician, Design Professional, Project Manager, Facility Designer, VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Technician
Essential Skills Needed
This program requires a variety of foundational skills for students to thrive. Click the button below to view the full list of essential skills you’ll need before enrolling.
Quick facts
Location
Griscom Education Center, First floor (above lobby level)
Type of program
Associate Degree
Job/Salary Outlook
See industry data
Length of program
2 years, 73 credits
Cost of program
$4,500/semester tuition
$3,105 – $3,623/semester housing
$1,915 – $2,417/semester meal plan
Tool List: First-year students, Second-year students (PDF)
Program details
Courses
MODEL SCHEDULE FOR ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY
Semester 1
- ARCH 106 – Fundamentals of Architectural Technology (3 credits)
- ARCH 111 – Materials of Construction (3 credits)
- ARCH 124 – CAD in Architecture (3 credits)
- ARCH 157 – Construction Specifications (3 credits)
- MATH 137 – Intermediate Algebra (or higher) (3 credits)
- CIS 111 – Intro to Computer Applications (3 credits)
Semester 2
- ARCH 116 – Residential Details (3 credits)
- ARCH 162 – Working Drawings (3 credits)
- ARCH 167 – Rendering and Illustration (3 credits)
- ARCH 172 – Advanced CAD in Architecture (3 credits)
- MATH 141 – Trigonometry* (or higher) (3 credits)
- ENG 106 – English Composition (3 credits)
Semester 3
- ARCH 207 – Advanced Materials of Construction (3 credits)
- ARCH 212 – Structural Systems (3 credits)
- ARCH 216 – Site and Microclimate Design (3 credits)
- ARCH 262 – Life Safety and Building Codes (3 credits)
- PHYS 207 – Statics and Strength of Materials (3 credits)
- ENG 216 – Technical Writing* (3 credits)
Semester 4
- ARCH 257 – Environmental Systems (3 credits)
- ARCH 267 – Architectural History (3 credits)
- ARCH 272 – Individual Design Studio (3 credits)
- ARCH 277 – Group Design Studio (3 credits)
- Humanities Elective (3 credits)
Additional General Education Requirements
- Health/PE Elective (1 credit)
- Elective General Studies Elective (3 credits)
Total Credits 73
*Subject to Pre-requisite. Please see Catalog.
Faculty
Tedd Williams
Associate Professor, Architectural Technology, First-year students, ’00 williams@stevenscollege.edu
Jana Belack
Instructor, Architectural Technology Second-Year Students, ’06 belack@stevenscollege.eduOccupational Advisory Committee
The Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC) serves as a vital link between the Program of study and industry, ensuring that the program remains aligned with current workforce needs, technological advancements, and best practices in the field. Composed of employers, educators, and other community members, the committee provides guidance, feedback, and recommendations to enhance the curriculum, instructional methods, and student learning experiences.
Purpose and Responsibilities:
- Curriculum & Industry Alignment
- Workforce Readiness
- Student & Faculty Support
- Internship & Employment Connections
- Accreditation & Program Evaluation
- Facilities & Equipment Recommendations
By fostering a strong relationship between academia and industry, the OAC helps ensure that Thaddeus Stevens College programs maintain the highest standards in CTE (career and technical education).
- Monica Abreu-Adames, Wohlsen Construction
- Gretchen Berkheimer, Providence Engineering
- Jim Kelley, Armstrong World Industries
- Glenn Ebersole, PM Design Group, Inc.
- Carl Kowalski, Marotta/Main Architects
- Justin Martin, RLPS
- Douglas Phillips, Douglas Charles Phillips Architect
- Krista Riley, Clark Food Service Equipment
- Brad Zahm, Garman Builders
The outcomes speak for themselves
Graduates of this program work in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry and can also transfer into programs in nationally accredited universities.
94%
employment
$52.5K
median first-year salary
People of TSCT
Success stories
Performance Measures
Internal Key Performance Indicators (Sources: Internal data collections, and Post-Graduate Surveys)
Retention Rate
This rate reflects the continuous term-to-term persistence rate for certificate programs and the fall-to-fall retention rate for associate degree programs.
Graduation Rate
This rate reflects the number of freshmen who were officially enrolled in the fall semester and earned a certificate or degree within the expected timeframe.
Post Graduate Survey Response Rate
The post graduate survey is an annual on-line post graduate survey utilized by the college to gather vital information regarding career placement, starting salary, and level of satisfaction.
Employed Full Time Outside of Major
Percentage of graduates who reported being employed full-time outside their field of study.
Graduate Satisfaction
This is the median graduate survey response evaluating the level of preparation for workforce entry (based on a 5-Item Likert Scale).
Placement Rate
This is the percent of graduate survey respondents who reported being employed or continued their education on a full-time basis.
Employed Full Time Within Major
Percentage of graduates who reported being employed full-time within their field of study.
Annual Median Starting Salary
This number is based on the graduate survey response to the request to identify a starting salary from a range of options. This graph shows the median first-year annual salary. All calculations are based on the respondent’s self-reported first-year annual income.
Reported Hourly Rate
This number is determined by dividing the reported median salary by the number of hours in a traditional full-time work week (40), then the number of weeks in a year (52).
Our graduates work with the industry’s best
Soar Agreement
This program enables students to apply certain credits earned in high school to the credits needed for a degree or certificate through Thaddeus Stevens College. The Architectural Technology degree qualifies for this program – see our SOAR program page for details!