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.
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.
This program is intended to prepare students for transfer into the study of Architecture.
Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Lower division major preparation for transfer into Architecture
Icon Key
-
Gateway Course
-
Program Requirement
-
General Education -
Appropriate for
Intersession
-
Available Online -
Global Citizenship
Semester 1
13-15 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.
MATH 2 recommended
See the full list: IGETC Area 2 Course
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 class is designed for students who are either undecided about their educational or career goals, validating their decisions, or seeking to transition into a new career. Students are guided through a process that focuses on their individual interests, skills, personality and values to aid in the selection of a major, determine a career direction and develop career goals. Students will relate their self-assessment information to possible college major and career choices. Decision-making models and goal setting techniques are examined and will be used to develop short and long term education and career plans.
- E - Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
Semester 2
16 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 develops 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.
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
PHYSCS 6 recommended
See the full list: IGETC Area 5C Course
Required for CSU; Elective for UC
See the full list: IGETC Area 1C Course
Semester 3
16 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 for Interior and Architectural designers.
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
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
This course helps students to develop their critical thinking and writing skills beyond the level achieved in English 1. The course emphasizes the application of logical reasoning, analysis, and strategies of argumentation in critical thinking and writing, using literature (both fiction and non-fiction) and literary criticism as subject matter.
- Prerequisite: ENGL 1
- 1B: Critical Thinking-English Composition
- 3B: Humanities
- A3 - Critical Thinking
- C2 - Humanities
- Area III: Humanities
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
US History recommended
See the full list: IGETC Area 3B Course
POL SC 1 recommended
See the full list: IGETC Area 4 Course
IGETC Area 4 Course 3 units
ARC 41 recommended
Transferable Elective Course