Architectural Drafting Technology Certificate of Achievement

This program focuses on technical skills in producing architectural drawings as related to the fields of architecture, interior design, construction, engineering and related fields. The certificate is designed to meet the needs of students who want to obtain entry-level jobs as architectural technologists. It also provides students who are currently employed in related industries the opportunity for career advancement. Most courses required for the certificate program are also required for the Associate Degree in Architecture, Associate Degree in Interior Design, and transfer to a bachelor's degree in Architecture program if students wish to continue their studies.

We expect program completion to increase over the coming semesters, aligning with the increase in enrollment. The number of graduates annually is expected to be 20-24.

Upon completing the certificate, students may enter the profession through entry-level jobs as architectural technologists in architecture firms and other companies in the industry who necessitate these skills such as interior designers, fabricators, construction companies and others. The current labor market index shows a 5-7% projected growth (depending on occupation) in SF Bay Regions from 2018-2023. 

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Create and modify architectural design documents.
• Apply various relevant software technology to architectural design.
• Evaluate architectural design documents.

The courses required for this certificate are also required for a degree in Architecture should students wish to further their studies. This certificate program requires the completion of 18 units.

Year 1: Semester 1 (Fall)
COURSE #	COURSE TITLE	UNITS
ARCH 20	Architectural Graphics	3
ARCH 214	AutoCAD I	3
ARCH 218	Fundamentals of Rhino 3D	3
Year 2: Semester 2 (Spring)
COURSE #	COURSE TITLE	UNITS
ARCH 120	Fundamentals of Building Construction	3
ARCH 22A	Delineation and Rendering	3
BIM 120	Revit Architecture	3
TOTAL		18

Based upon discussion with our Advisory Board, the creation of this program was recommended as an accelerated path to gainful employment utilizing a focused skill set.

We are proposing a low-unit certificate that can be accomplished in a shorter period of time (18 required units in two semesters) over an associate degree, while still providing a recommended courseload for a complete education for this skillset. This is an advantage over similar regional programs such as the Certificates of Achievement in Architecture Technology at Chabot College (36 required units) and Diablo Valley College (28 required units). Evaluating the required courses at these other regional institutions, it is evident that these programs cover a less specific skillset, one as an Architectural Technician who also has expertise in building science and technology. This contrasts to the Certificate of Achievement proposed here, which would result in an Architectural Drafting Technician, an individual who specializes in documents and drafting technology. Industry Advisors report that there is an increasing market to employ Architectural Drafting Technicians, confirmed by the high enrollment we have been experiencing in these courses.