For students with drawing skills and an
interest in architecture, an associate's degree in architectural design
can provide a relatively quick and inexpensive pathway into the
profession. Schools are more likely to refer to their programs as
architectural drafting than architectural design, but both are available
online.
Overview of an Online Associate's Degree in Architectural Design
An online associate's degree program in architectural design trains
students to draw scaled working plans for building frames and other
structures. Students develop their skills with both conventional drawing
tools and drafting software, enhance their capacity for precision and
gain knowledge about building codes and cost estimating. Applicants need
a high school diploma or GED to enroll in an associate's degree
program.
Courses in an associate's degree program in architectural design are a
mix of online and traditional instruction. Students can access
lectures, readings and other materials at their 24 hour convenience
through a school's website, and submit finished assignments and exams by
the same means. Online forums and email facilitate interaction with
instructors and other students. An associate's degree can typically be
earned in two years.
The minimum technical requirements for participation in an online
course include a relatively new personal computer, Internet access and
drawing and drafting software. Schools may use content management
systems such as Desire2Learn or Blackboard.
List of Common Architectural Design Courses
Associate's degree programs generally include a liberal arts
component. Courses specific to architectural design may be organized
into a core and elective courses.
Architecture Theory Course
This course surveys the history and evolution of architecture and
current perspectives on function and design. Topics include construction
materials, construction technology and drafting techniques.
Architectural Presentations Course
Students develop their drawing skills with an eye towards the
effective communication of architectural concepts. Course work
emphasizes the use of drawing implements such as pencils, colored
pencils and markers.
Design Concepts Course
This course applies 2D and 3D design principles learned in earlier
courses to the design of whole buildings. Air circulation, use of space,
function and human behavior are points of emphasis.
AutoCAD Modeling Course
Students in this course are introduced to the use of computer aided
design (CAD) software for mechanical design. Course work focuses on
lines, planes, wire models, solid models, spatial relationships and
orthographic projections.
Graduates who earn an online associate's degree in architectural
design are qualified for a variety of drafting and CAD positions.
Construction firms, government agencies, architectural firms and
engineering firms are among the entities that employ architectural drafters. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (
www.bls.gov)
predicts employment of architectural drafters will increase 9% between
the years of 2008 and 2018. Growth will be driven by the need for
drafters and other professional to work on new building and
infrastructure projects. The median salary of architectural drafters was
$45,600 as of May, 2009.
Architectural drafters who want to become architects need to earn a
5-year bachelor's degree in architecture, or earn a bachelor's
completion degree in a related subject and then a master's degree in
architecture. Online programs in architecture are more widely available
at the master's degree than bachelor's degree level.
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