Architecture

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.
Explore Career Options

Transfer Opportunities

Videos & Multimedia

Student learning about architecture in CCP class.
Architecture model in CCP class.
Architecture student working in class at Community College of Philadelphia.
Architecture students in CCP class.
Architecture student presenting design in CCP class.
Architecture students in classroom at Community College of Philadelphia.
CCP student showing architectural design work in class.
Architecture showing design work to teacher in CCP class.
Architecture students holding their design models in CCP class.
CCP student holding design model in Architecture class.
Student holding architectural design model in CCP class.
CCP student working with design models in class at CCP.
Architecture equipment in CCP class.
Model in Architecture class at CCP.
Design models in Architecture class at CCP.
Students learning about architecture in CCP class.
Student working on their design models in CCP class about architecture.
Architectural design model in class at CCP.

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Architecture degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

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:
  • 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:

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:
  • 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:
  • 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.

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Featured Career

Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property

Median Salary
$64,841

Number of Jobs
1,279  
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+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.

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Architecture graduate in class at CCP.

“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

Online Learning Availability:

Under 25%

Related Programs: