Associate in Science (A.S.) Architectural Design

This field of concentration is designed to provide foundational knowledge of the practice of architecture with the option of maximizing the number of lower division transfer units. This Associate Degree will prepare students for a design-related career, and appropriate course selection will facilitate transfer to a professional degree program.

■ Analyze program transfer requirements to prepare for successful transfer to a university level architectural and/or other environmental design degree program. 

■ Acquire the professional attitude and desire for life-long learning and stay current with advanced technologies.

■ Possess the necessary technical knowledge and communication skills to identify, articulate and solve problems pertaining to the built environment and perform tasks required within the architecture and/or environmental design professions.

Long Beach City College expects to award 25-30 A.S. in Architectural Design each year.

The Architectural Design program at Long Beach City College creates an educational environment where students can achieve their individual goals by providing the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully transfer to a bachelor program in Architecture or a related field. The program provides students with instruction in the latest technologies, industry standards, and significant industry trends.

In California, houses, schools, hospitals and other institutions are being designed largely by white architects and as a result, cities and buildings often don’t reflect the needs of its residents, particularly in diverse cities like Los Angeles. One way to rectify this is by diversifying the profession – and at Long Beach City College we are poised to do so with our diverse student body. The architecture program upholds the LBCC Mission and ‘is committed to providing equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities.’ This is important work that must be done to serve historically underrepresented identities and the Long Beach community. 

Required Courses	Units	Recommended Sequence
ARCHT 61 – Architectural Design Studio I	4	1st Year, Fall
ARCHT 20 - Visual Literacy and Civilization	3	1st Year, Fall
ARCHT 21 - Design Methods and Theories	3	1st Year, Fall
MATH 40 - Trigonometry	3	1st Year, Fall
1st Year, Fall Total	13
ENGL 3 - Argumentative and Critical Writing	4	1st Year, Winter
1st Year, Winter Total	4
ARCHT 62 – Architectural Design Studio II	4	1st Year, Spring
ARCHT 80 – Arch. History, Ancient to Medieval	3	1st Year, Spring
PHYS 2A - General Physics	4.5	1st Year, Spring
ARCHT 91 - Environmental Controls Systems	3	1st Year, Spring
1st Year, Spring Total	14.5
ARCHT 65 – Architectural Design Studio III	4	2nd Year, Fall
ARCHT 81 – Arch. History, Medieval to Renaissance	3	2nd Year, Fall
ARCHT 92 - Building Construction	3	2nd Year, Fall
ARCHT 255 - Visualization and Communication	3	2nd Year, Fall
2nd Year, Fall Total	13
ARCHT 66 – Architectural Design Studio IV	4	2nd Year, Spring
ARCHT 71 – Design/Build Studio	4	2nd Year, Spring
ARCHT 93 - Structures 1	3	2nd Year, Spring
COMM 60 - Elements of Argumentation and Debate	3	2nd Year, Spring
2nd Year, Spring Total	14
Open General Electives	1.5
Total Award Units:	60

The Architecture program is within the Trades department, which works collaboratively with its allied programs such as Metal Fabrication, Construction, and Electrical, not to mention other closely associated programs like Studio Art and Engineering.

Many schools offer ‘drafting’ programs, which we are moving away from. Three regional community colleges offer the thorough overview proposed here: Pasadena City College, El Camino and West LA Community College. By aligning our program away from drafting we will attract more students in the area away from some of the competing drafting programs.

100-300