Build Your Dream through Architecture
Our Architecture program teaches you how to bring ideas from conception to completion. You will learn how to integrate user comfort and appearance, the safety and functionality of systems, and the aesthetic aspirations of your clients into the design of a building. Community College of Philadelphia offers the only Architecture program in the region where students learn alongside their counterparts in related fields such as Interior Design, Computer-Assisted Design (CAD), Construction Management and Facility Management. As part of this interdisciplinary community, Architecture students will also benefit from specialized program features: studio design courses every semester, classes in every type of architectural drawing, knowledge of building materials and construction processes, and guidance in professional standards and showcasing abilities.
Careers
Find your path.
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval – est. salary $64,841*
Architectural Drafter – est. salary $54,754
Landscape Architect – est. salary $66,027
Urban and Regional Planner – est. salary $74,995
**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Videos & Multimedia
Courses and Completion Sequence
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC 101 - Introduction to Design and Construction | 3 credits | . | Technological Competency |
| ADC 103 - CAD Basics | 3 credits | Technological Competency | |
| ADC 109 - Design Studio I | 4 credits | Major Course | |
| MATH 161 - Precalculus I (or above as per placement) | 3 credits | MATH 162 or MATH 171 recommended for transfer students. Consult transfer agreements and departmental advisors for the specific requirements for your preferred transfer school.MATH 162 is a prerequisite for PHYS 111. | Gen Ed |
| ENGL 101 - English Composition I | 3 credits | A grade of “C” or better in ENGL 101 is required for ENGL 102. | Gen Ed |
A minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) is required
- This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after earning their associate’s degree
- Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC 159 - Design Studio II | 4 credits | Prerequisites: ADC 103 and 109 | Major Course |
| ADC 112 - Construction Materials and Detailing: Properties | 3 credits | Prerequisites: ADC 103 or 109 | Major Course |
| ADC 160 - Presentation Techniques | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ADC 103, may be taken concurrently | Major Course |
| ART 105 - Drawing I | 3 credits | Major Course | |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with grade of "C" or better | Gen Ed |
A minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) is required
- Stay on the path to success: Don't forget to meet with an advisor in the ADC Department to review this schedule when registering for your classes.
- Start planning for transfer:
- Did you know our dual admissions partnerships include scholarship opportunities?
- Learn more about our transfer agreements and use our interactive search tool for your program’s transfer options
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 3
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC 209 - Design Studio III | 4 credits | Prerequisite: ADC 159 and ADC 160 | Major Course |
| ADC 212 - Construction Materials and Detailing: Methods | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ADC 103 or ADC 109 | Major Course |
| ADC 221 - History of Architecture and Interiors I | 3 credits | ADC 221 is only offered in the Fall Prerequisite: ENGL 101 |
Major Course |
| ADC 260 - Advanced Presentation Techniques | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ADC 160 | Major Course |
| PHYS 111 - General Physics I | 3 or 4 credits | Physics 111 recommended for transfer students. Prerequisite: MATH 162 or Math 171 or Math 171 Placement. Consult transfer agreements and departmental advisors for the specific requirements for your preferred transfer school. |
Science Elective |
A minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) is required
- Stay on the path to success: Don't forget to meet with an advisor in the ADC Department to review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
- Visit transfer schools of your choice and meet with the head of the department you want to transfer into
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADC 222 - History of Architecture and Interiors II | 3 credits | ADC 222 is offered only in the Spring. Prerequisite: ADC 221; ENGL 102, which may be taken concurrently |
Major Course |
| ADC 253 - Environmental Systems I or ADC 254 - Environmental Systems II |
3 credits | ADC 253 is only offered only in the Fall ADC 254 is only offered in the Spring |
Major Course Or Major Course |
| ADC 259 - Design Studio IV | 4 credits | Prerequisite: ADC 209 | Major Course |
| ADC 176 / HIST 176 - Philadelphia History: Architecture and Planning | 3 credits | Humanities | |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology, HIST 101 - United States History: Colonial America through the Revolutionary Era, or HIST 102 - United States History: The 19th Century or HIST 103 - United States History: The 20th Century, |
3 credits | Recommended Social Science and Humanities electives that fulfill the College General Education requirements for 3 credit hours in each: an American Diversity/Global Diversity Studies course, an Interpretive Studies course, and a Writing Intensive course. | SOC 101, HIS 101, HIS 102 or HIS 103 Social Science |
A minimum GPA of 2.0 (“C” average) is required
- Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an ADC Department advisor when registering for your classes
- Finalize your transfer plans:
- Meet with a counselor at your selected dual admissions transfer college
- Meet with one of our College’s counselors or an advisor to review transfer requirements
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
- To qualify for the A. A. degree in Architecture, a student must complete a minimum of 64 credits as prescribed, attain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average) and earn a "C" or higher in all ADC and ART courses.
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval
Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property
$64,841
1,279
in the region
+2.2%
in the region
Typical Tasks
- Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other tools.
- Plan or design structures such as residences, office buildings, theatres, factories, or other structural properties in accordance with environmental, safety, or other regulations.
- Direct activities of technicians engaged in preparing drawings or specification documents.
- Prepare contract documents for building contractors.
- Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color, equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $44,618. Normal pay for Architects, Except Landscape and Naval is $64,841 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $111,236.
“They helped a lot. The College’s professors were your family, and very welcoming.”
Hala Abdeljaber
program graduate 2014
Program Information
Architecture
Degree Type:
Associate in Arts (A.A.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
64