Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities with a wide range of employers exist nationwide. Potential employers include architects, engineers, contractors, home builders, environmental organizations, building materials manufacturers, and government agencies. Potential job titles include drafter/technician, designer, architectural project team member, sustainability professional, design/build professional, LEED specialist, CAD manager, teacher, facility manager, and project manager. Graduate school opportunities exist, with students entering Masters of Architecture programs or related graduate programs.

Recommended High School Subjects

Two years of algebra and trigonometry, one year of physics, four years of oral and written communications courses, and one year of computer skills. Students are encouraged to gain exposure to architectural and construction related trade skills in courses such as CAD/drafting, art/drawing, design, carpentry, HVAC, and electrical, but these courses are not required for admission to the program.

Special Equipment Needs

Laptop Computer Required 

• 64-bit Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
• Multi-core Intel Core i7 or i9 CPU running at 2.5 GHZ or higher (recommended).
• 32+ GB RAM (required).
• 1+ TB M.2 NVMe Drive (recommended).
• Dedicated 8+ GB graphics card (required).
• Video Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 (could be higher, but will impact Lumion® performance).
• Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
• Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
• Broadband Internet connection when working off campus.
• Additional plug-ins for software may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
• Multi-year support plan including accidental damage protection (recommended).
• The specifications above are based on requirements for Revit ® 2022 “Performance” system recommendations and Lumion® 12 system requirements. Please review those sites to ensure your laptop meets the requirements.
• *Apple computers and Chromebooks are prohibited.

Remediation Strategies

All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).

Transfer Procedures

In addition to the transfer standards established by the College, students seeking transfer credit from another institution for architecture program courses may be asked to submit examples of coursework to the architecture department head.

Determination by the department head as to whether transfer credit is given will be based on alignment of the transfer course with Penn College course content.

Program Goals

• demonstrate critical thinking and professional communication skills in solving architectural problems, including the ability to interpret and develop architectural documents, and to locate, evaluate, and use needed information effectively (Critical Thinking).
• describe the stages of the architectural design process, the phases of a typical building project, and apply concepts of architectural history, theory, sustainability, and building technology to solve complex design problems (Design).
• employ two-and three-dimensional representation techniques to express intentions at the various stages of a project (Representation).
• demonstrate an understanding of various building systems and technologies related to building materials, structures, environmental controls, methods of construction, and sustainability, to solve architectural problems and support a healthy environment (Building Systems).
• make sustainable decisions for buildings and communities based on assessments of energy usage, resource efficiency, and lifestyle choices that address industry sustainability standards and promote occupant health and well-being (Sustainability).
• develop architectural solutions which integrate various aspects of structural design, aesthetics, building materials, building systems, construction practices and sustainability (Integration).
• describe the career options and job titles of those who work within architecture and related disciplines, the importance of working in teams and the relationships between the various stakeholders in the design and construction of complex building projects (Professional Practice).

Students taking PHS 103 during their fourth semester must take a 4-credit science elective with a lab in the sixth semester. Those students who complete PHS 114 during their fourth semester may take a 3- credit science elective during their sixth semester. In order to meet core educational requirements, science elective credits must be a minimum of 7.