Architectural Practice

Program Overview

Architectural Practice at Cerritos College

Certificate of Achievement

The Architectural Practice Certificate prepares students to work in the industry and to upgrade the skills of persons presently employed in the industry. This 16-17 unit certificate will train students in the fundamentals of Architectural Practice utilized in industry.

Salary, Growth and Careers

Salary

Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $42,000 to $225,000 with an average salary of $104,000.

Growth

Career opportunities for this program are expected to change little nationwide from 2022 to 2032.

Careers

• Urban and Regional Planners
  • Education Level: Master's degree
  • Job Growth: +3.7%
  • Average Salary: $107,000
  • Salary Range: $82,000 - $128,000
• Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.8%
  • Average Salary: $120,000
  • Salary Range: $80,000 - $135,000
• Architectural and Civil Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.6%
  • Average Salary: $74,000
  • Salary Range: $58,000 - $84,000
• Architectural and Engineering Managers
  • Education Level: Bachelor's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.1%
  • Average Salary: $201,000
  • Salary Range: $160,000 - $225,000
• Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Level: Doctoral or professional degree
  • Job Growth: +3.8%
  • Average Salary: $134,000
  • Salary Range: $123,000 - $134,000
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +4.4%
  • Average Salary: $68,000
  • Salary Range: $42,000 - $108,000
• Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.9%
  • Average Salary: $81,000
  • Salary Range: $64,000 - $96,000
• Electrical and Electronics Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: +0.9%
  • Average Salary: $76,000
  • Salary Range: $58,000 - $92,000
• Mechanical Drafters
  • Education Level: Associate's degree
  • Job Growth: -7.2%
  • Average Salary: $83,000
  • Salary Range: $62,000 - $98,000

Program Map

Architectural Practice - Certificate of Achievement

16.0 Units

• Fall 2024, 1st Term
  • 6.0 Units
  • MAJ ARCH 111: Architectural Drafting and Design I (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ ARCH 212: Architectural Design Theory I (3.0 Units)
• Spring 2025, 2nd Term
  • 7.0 Units
  • MAJ ARCH 110: Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design (3.0 Units)
  • MAJ ARCH 123: Introduction to 2D Computer Aided Drafting (4.0 Units)
• Fall 2025, 3rd Term
  • 3.0 Units
  • MAJ ARCH 112: History of Architecture (3.0 Units)

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: Prepares students for entry-level roles in the architectural industry and upgrades the skills of current industry professionals.
• Program: This 16-17 unit certificate focuses on fundamental architectural practice skills used in the industry.
• Outcomes: Graduates will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to
• work effectively in architectural firms,
• collaborate with other professionals involved in the design and construction process, and
• understand the principles of sustainable design and construction.

Outline:

• Structure: The program consists of three terms, with each term offering specific courses.
• Content:
• Term 1 (Fall 2023):
• Architectural Drafting and Design I (ARCH 111):
Introduces architectural drawing techniques and design principles.
• Architectural Design Theory I (ARCH 212): Covers the fundamentals of architectural design and theory.
• Term 3 (Fall 2024):
• Architectural Drafting and Design II (ARCH 112):
Builds upon the skills learned in ARCH 111 and focuses on more advanced drafting techniques and design applications.
• History of Architecture (ARCH 211): Provides students with a comprehensive overview of architectural history from ancient times to the present.
• Modules: Each course mentioned above constitutes a module within the program.
• Course Descriptions:

Careers:

• Salary: The program prepares students for careers with salaries ranging from $40,000 to over $208,000 with an average salary of $86,000.
• Potential Careers: The program prepares students for various careers, including:
• Architectural and civil drafters
• Architectural and engineering managers
• Architecture teachers, postsecondary
• Calibration technologists and technicians
• Civil engineering technologists and technicians
• Electrical and electronics drafters
• Mechanical drafters
• Urban and regional planners
• Architects, except landscape and naval

Other:

• The program offers micro-credentials, which are smaller, stackable credentials that can be earned independently or as part of the certificate program.
• Students can make an appointment with a counselor to create a customized education plan that fits their individual needs.
• The program is offered at Cerritos College, a community college located in Norwalk, California.