The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway. It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.
The courses have been intentionally placed and should be prioritized in
the order
in which they appear. If you are unable to take all the courses in
a semester, you
should prioritize enrolling in the courses in the order below.
Some courses have
been noted as “Appropriate for Intersession” 
. Should you need (or want) to take
classes
in the summer and/or winter intersessions,
the program recommends these courses as appropriate for the condensed
schedule of
the intersessions.
Some pathways combine a “Certificate of Achievement” and an “Associate
Degree”. If
you are pursuing only the Certificate of Achievement, you are only
required to take
the courses marked “Program Requirement” 
.
All pathways include at least one “Gateway Course” 
which introduces you to the program and/or field of study and helps you
decide if you want to continue with this Academic and Career Path.
Most Associate degrees (though not Associate Degrees for Transfer)
require satisfying the SMC Global Citizenship requirement. If the Program
Requirements do not include a “Global Citizenship course” 
, be sure to select a General Education course that also satisfies Global Citizenship.
This program explores architecture through cultural, environmental, and social relevance while understanding and addressing critical issues facing the built environment. Innovative design, critical analysis, and communication skills are developed in drawing, writing, modeling, and collaboration. Students completing the AS degree may apply for transfer to a University program in Architecture, Interior Architecture, or Environmental Design or obtain an entry level position in the same fields.
Note: in addition to meeting academic requirements for admittance into a university, Architecture Programs also require prospective students to submit a portfolio to review for admittance into the program. It is recommended that students make an appointment with counselors at the institution of their choice to inquire about requirements.
After completion of this Architecture program, California students have the option to pursue a license in architecture through the NCARB internship process.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the ability to research and analyze critical concepts of design and human interaction within the built environment, understand architecture’s role in society, develop environmentally responsible designs, and communicate design concepts through drawing, writing, modeling, and collaboration. Students will develop a portfolio of work displaying design and technical skills to apply as an entry level architectural designer or drafter, or to transfer to a university.
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
15 Units
An introduction to studio and design theory through exploration in concepts of space, form, function, materials and creative construction. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and conceptualization as a basis for designing projects through sketching, model making, and other media.
Three dimensional drawing for interior and architectural designers with an emphasis on simplified systems of linear perspective drawing and the fundamentals of quick sketching. Studies include an introduction to perspective and rendering of interior installations using size, scale, and shading to show depth and 3D form.
A survey of the chronological development of World architecture from prehistory to the Romanticism of the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. It includes art history and architecture with a worldwide introduction to the history of architecture. The contributions of technology, organizing methodology, intellectual thought, social conditions, and general artistic sensibilities will be addressed. This course will analyze key works to develop an understanding of specific relationships between the organization, configuration, and articulation of buildings and the historical, conceptual, and cultural arguments with which they are associated.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
This introductory course in rhetoric emphasizes clear, effective written communication and preparation of the research paper.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 21B or
- Prerequisite: ENGL 22
- Prerequisite: ESL 19B or
- Prerequisite: Group A on the Placement Test
- 1A: English Composition
- A2 - Written Communication
- Area IV-A: Language and Rationality (Group A)
This course provides an exploration of intellectual, psychological, social and physical factors that impact lifelong learning, well-being and success. Topics include motivation and self-efficacy; critical thinking, academic integrity and active study strategies; health issues and lifestyle choices; relating to others as a global citizen; written and oral communication; time management; career exploration; and educational planning.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
15-17 Units
A studio course which focuses on the development of context and precedent while designing spaces and architectural forms. Simple built environments are developed using design principles in context with spatial relationships, human interaction, and materiality. Emphasis is placed on the design process and human experience. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 10
- Skills Advisory: ARC 11
This course uses Autodesk AutoCAD to develop the fundamentals of communicating ideas through the integration of computer graphics and traditional drawing. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in 2D drafting and architectural drawings.
Through the use of lectures, slides, and field trips, students will study architecture from the mid-19th Century social and industrial conditions to current sensibilities represented by various creative individuals, movements and buildings. Cross references will be made to ideas of other arts, sociopolitical theory, and society in general.
- 3A: Arts
- C1 - Arts, Dance, Music, Theater
- Area III: Humanities
- Area V: Global Citizenship
SMC GE Area IV-B Course 3-5 units
SMC GE Area II-A Course 3 units
Semester 3
16-17 Units
An architectural studio course which focuses on an understanding of how environment and building systems informs architectural concepts. This course explores questions of concept, sustainability, culture, and social responsibility within the context of buildings which are responsive to the environment and people utilizing them. Students will also give visual and oral presentations which are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20
- Skills Advisory: ARC 21
Develop advanced skills in two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital drafting and rendering using Autodesk Revit for Interior and Architectural designers.
A comprehensive look at how a building is put together, the systems it contains, and the methods of construction for different building types and construction materials in context with code requirements and sustainability.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 11
A look at the importance of portfolios in the design field, the different types of portfolios, and how to create visually cohesive project pages. Students design and build a digital portfolio which can be used for transfer to a university, to apply for employment, or to showcase professional work.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: IARC 20 or
- Skills Advisory: ARC 31
SMC GE Area II-B Course 3 units
IARC 25, 35, 45, or 55 or ARC 41 or 51 recommended
Semester 4
15 Units
An architectural studio course which provides a creative framework to explore the development of commercial and mixed-use buildings within an urban setting. Urban sites are analyzed in terms of community, culture, economics, and sustainability. Projects balance structural, environmental, social, and programmatic strategies. Visual and oral presentations are used in the development of a course portfolio.
- Skills Advisory: ARC 30
- Skills Advisory: ARC 31
SMC GE Area I Course 3 units
IARC 25, 35, 45, or 55 or ARC 41 or 51 recommended
IARC 25, 35, 45, or 55 or ARC 41 or 51 recommended
IARC 25, 35, 45, or 55 or ARC 41 or 51 recommended
NOTE: After completion of this Architecture Program, California students have the option to pursue a license in Architecture through the NCARB internship process.