Architecture

Overview

Architects design buildings and interiors, and they develop drawings and specifications for contractors to use in constructing these projects. Individuals in this profession typically work closely with clients, engineers, and contractors, balancing aesthetic and functional considerations with building code requirements and knowledge of construction techniques.

The Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Architecture degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a Bachelor of Architecture Program at another institution. While this pathway was designed specifically for students who wish to pursue a four-year Architecture degree at Clemson University, the curriculum will prepare students to be successful at any institution that offers a bachelor’s degree program in architecture. Students will learn the basics of design theory and will be introduced to the discipline of Architecture through courses on drafting and design, architectural history, and building materials. Additional courses in humanities, math and science, fine arts, and communication will lay a strong foundation for continued higher education.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(13 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
AET-123 Architectural Drafting

Architectural Drafting

ID: AET-123

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to the principles of architectural planning and design with an emphasis on residential and light commercial construction.

3
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
AET-101 Building Systems I

Building Systems I

ID: AET-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the fundamental concepts of design and construction techniques in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

3
GEO-101 Introduction to Geography

Introduction to Geography

ID: GEO-101

Credit Hours: 3

This courses is an introduction to the principles and methods of geographic inquiry.

3
Semester 2
(13 Credit Hours)
AET-120 Architectural Graphics II

Architectural Graphics II

ID: AET-120

Credit Hours: 3

This course requires the production of a set of working drawings of a residential or commercial building. Exercises incorporate construction methods, materials, building code requirements, site development, and technical skills required to draw and graphically present projects. This course is also a further study of architectural design. Perspective construction is introduced.

3
AET-202 History of Architecture

History of Architecture

ID: AET-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the origins, influences and aesthetics that underlie the various styles of architecture from prehistoric times to the present.

3
SPA-101 Elementary Spanish I

Elementary Spanish I

ID: SPA-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including an introduction to the Hispanic cultures.

4
AET-122 Basic Design Theory

Basic Design Theory

ID: AET-122

Credit Hours: 3

This course will research the elements of design and incorporate ideas into simple design projects. Topics include developing written programs, diagrams and flow-charts, 2-D manual and CAD drawings, as well as 3-D models. Students will analyze and synthesize information to develop design skills.

3
Semester 3
(11 Credit Hours)
PHY-201 Physics I

Physics I

ID: PHY-201

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first in a sequence of physics courses. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, sound, heat, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.

4
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
MAT-140 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

ID: MAT-140

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes the following topics: derivatives and integrals of polynomials; rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric,and inverse trigonometric functions; curve sketching; maxima and minima of functions; related rates; work; and analytic geometry. (Graphic calculator required)

4
Semester 4
(14 Credit Hours)
SPA-102 Elementary Spanish II

Elementary Spanish II

ID: SPA-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course continues development of the basic language skills and the study of the Hispanic cultures. It stresses the grammar and vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills.

4
EGR-194 Statics and Strength of Materials

Statics and Strength of Materials

ID: EGR-194

Credit Hours: 4

This course covers external and internal forces in structures and/or machines, including conditions of equilibrium, systems of force, moments of inertia and friction. It also covers the stress/strain relationships in materials.

4
ENG-208 World Literature I

World Literature I

ID: ENG-208

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of masterpieces of world literature in translation from the ancient world to the sixteenth century. Works studied are selected from various cultures throughout the world.

3
ART-101 Art History and Appreciation

Art History and Appreciation

ID: ART-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts.

3
Semester 5
(16 Credit Hours)
HIS-201 American History: Discovery to 1877

American History: Discovery to 1877

ID: HIS-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of u.s. history from discovery to 1877. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period.

3
ART-107 History of Early Western Art

History of Early Western Art

ID: ART-107

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a visual and historical survey of western art from the paleolithic age to the renaissance. The techniques, forms, and expressive content of painting, sculpture and architecture are studied within the context of the cultural environment which produced them.

3
SPA-122 Basic Proficiency Spanish

Basic Proficiency Spanish

ID: SPA-122

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking and writing skills.

3
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
AET-230 Architect Graphics III

Architect Graphics III

ID: AET-230

Credit Hours: 4

This course encompasses a model and set of working drawings of a complex architectural project.

4
  Total Credit Hours 67
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$12,596.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(7 Credit Hours)
COL-101 College Orientation

College Orientation

ID: COL-101

Credit Hours: 1

This course may include selected topics such as career planning, study skills, stress management, tutoring, group guidance, and other subjects to facilitate student success.

1
AET-123 Architectural Drafting

Architectural Drafting

ID: AET-123

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to the principles of architectural planning and design with an emphasis on residential and light commercial construction.

3
ENG-101 English Comp I

English Comp I

ID: ENG-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: a study of composition in conjunction with appropriate literary selections, with frequent theme assignments to reinforce effective writing. A review of standard usage and the basic techniques of research are also presented.

3
Semester 2
(6 Credit Hours)
AET-101 Building Systems I

Building Systems I

ID: AET-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the fundamental concepts of design and construction techniques in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

3
GEO-101 Introduction to Geography

Introduction to Geography

ID: GEO-101

Credit Hours: 3

This courses is an introduction to the principles and methods of geographic inquiry.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
AET-120 Architectural Graphics II

Architectural Graphics II

ID: AET-120

Credit Hours: 3

This course requires the production of a set of working drawings of a residential or commercial building. Exercises incorporate construction methods, materials, building code requirements, site development, and technical skills required to draw and graphically present projects. This course is also a further study of architectural design. Perspective construction is introduced.

3
AET-202 History of Architecture

History of Architecture

ID: AET-202

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the origins, influences and aesthetics that underlie the various styles of architecture from prehistoric times to the present.

3
Semester 4
(7 Credit Hours)
SPA-101 Elementary Spanish I

Elementary Spanish I

ID: SPA-101

Credit Hours: 4

This course is a study of the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, including an introduction to the Hispanic cultures.

4
AET-122 Basic Design Theory

Basic Design Theory

ID: AET-122

Credit Hours: 3

This course will research the elements of design and incorporate ideas into simple design projects. Topics include developing written programs, diagrams and flow-charts, 2-D manual and CAD drawings, as well as 3-D models. Students will analyze and synthesize information to develop design skills.

3
Semester 5
(11 Credit Hours)
PHY-201 Physics I

Physics I

ID: PHY-201

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first in a sequence of physics courses. Topics include mechanics, wave motion, sound, heat, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.

4
ENG-102 English Comp II

English Comp II

ID: ENG-102

Credit Hours: 3

This is a (college transfer) course in which the following topics are presented: development of writing skills through logical organization, effective style, literary analysis and research. An introduction to literary genre is also included.

3
MAT-140 Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

Analytical Geometry and Calculus I

ID: MAT-140

Credit Hours: 4

This course includes the following topics: derivatives and integrals of polynomials; rational, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric,and inverse trigonometric functions; curve sketching; maxima and minima of functions; related rates; work; and analytic geometry. (Graphic calculator required)

4
Semester 6
(8 Credit Hours)
SPA-102 Elementary Spanish II

Elementary Spanish II

ID: SPA-102

Credit Hours: 4

This course continues development of the basic language skills and the study of the Hispanic cultures. It stresses the grammar and vocabulary necessary for fundamental communication skills.

4
EGR-194 Statics and Strength of Materials

Statics and Strength of Materials

ID: EGR-194

Credit Hours: 4

This course covers external and internal forces in structures and/or machines, including conditions of equilibrium, systems of force, moments of inertia and friction. It also covers the stress/strain relationships in materials.

4
Semester 7
(6 Credit Hours)
ENG-208 World Literature I

World Literature I

ID: ENG-208

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of masterpieces of world literature in translation from the ancient world to the sixteenth century. Works studied are selected from various cultures throughout the world.

3
ART-101 Art History and Appreciation

Art History and Appreciation

ID: ART-101

Credit Hours: 3

This is an introductory course to the history and appreciation of art, including the elements and principles of the visual arts.

3
Semester 8
(9 Credit Hours)
HIS-201 American History: Discovery to 1877

American History: Discovery to 1877

ID: HIS-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a survey of u.s. history from discovery to 1877. This course includes political, social, economic, and intellectual developments during this period.

3
ART-107 History of Early Western Art

History of Early Western Art

ID: ART-107

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a visual and historical survey of western art from the paleolithic age to the renaissance. The techniques, forms, and expressive content of painting, sculpture and architecture are studied within the context of the cultural environment which produced them.

3
SPA-122 Basic Proficiency Spanish

Basic Proficiency Spanish

ID: SPA-122

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the practice and further development of essential listening, reading, speaking and writing skills.

3
Semester 9
(7 Credit Hours)
SPC-205 Public Speaking

Public Speaking

ID: SPC-205

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to principles of public speaking with application of speaking skills. Students entering this course must be able to communicate clearly with American speakers of English.

3
AET-230 Architect Graphics III

Architect Graphics III

ID: AET-230

Credit Hours: 4

This course encompasses a model and set of working drawings of a complex architectural project.

4
  Total Credit Hours 67
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$12,596.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Architect

Students who complete this program may transfer to another institution for additional education on the path to becoming a licensed architect. Architects design buildings and interiors, and they develop drawings and specifications for contractors to use in constructing these projects. Individuals in this profession typically work closely with clients, engineers, and contractors, balancing aesthetic and functional considerations with building code requirements and knowledge of construction techniques.

Projected Job Growth

+2.6%

Average Annual Salary

$73,427
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Architecture Firms
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Hospitals
  • State Agencies

Careers

Drafter

A drafter works closely with architects and/or engineers to prepare technical drawings and renderings using a variety of computer-aided design programs.

Projected Job Growth

+6.5%

Average Annual Salary

$47,693
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Architecture Firms
  • Engineering Firms
  • Material Suppliers and Fabricators
  • Home Builders

What’s next after I complete this program?

Students who complete this associate degree can transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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