Program Costs*
Architectural Technology
Our Tuesday Info Session are now available both virtually and in-person.
| Awards | Credits | Course Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Technology - A.A.S. Degree | 60 cr. | On Campus |
| Architectural Drafting - Certificate | 12 cr. | On Campus |
| Program Datasheet: Download the Architectural Technology Datasheet | ||
This is a high-demand program; apply early. Contact Admissions for more information.
This program prepares the student to work in architectural and construction related fields, providing training in the latest computer-aided design (CAD), REVIT building information modeling (BIM) software, and 3D visualization. Students develop drawings for residential and commercial buildings in a hands-on environment patterned after the most up-to-date architectural offices. Realistic architectural projects provide an excellent mix of technical training and creative problem solving, including effectively incorporating sustainability and green building principles.
All students are provided with a laptop for this program, and an associated fee is charged each semester for software and hardware cost. The laptop includes all software required for the program, in line with professional trends and all associated updates. Upon successful completion of all four semesters, students may keep the laptop as their own.
Our certificate is offered as a way for PSEO students to begin working toward a degree while still in High School. It is also beneficial for industry professionals who are looking to update their drafting skills to current industry software and standards.
Students in the A.A.S. degree are provided a laptop for this program, and an associated fee is charged each semester for software and hardware cost. The laptop includes all software required for the program, in line with professional trends and all associated updates. Upon successful completion of all four semesters, students may keep the laptop as their own.
Students in the certificate program must have access to a Windows PC that is compatible with the most up-to-date requirements for both Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Revit. Current System Requirements for this computer can be found on the Autodesk website.
This program offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Seek credit for life experience to accelerate your progress toward a degree, diploma, or certificate. Visit the Credit for Prior Learning page to learn more.
| Architectural Technology A.A.S. Degree • 60 credits |
Architectural Drafting Certificate • 12 credits |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $191.98/cr. | $191.98/cr. |
| Student Fees | $30.65/cr. | $30.65/cr. |
| Textbooks | $1,400 | $300 |
| Course fee for laptop computer | $2,000 | n/a |
| Grand Total | $16,757.80 | $2,971.56 |
Each year, Dakota County Technical College and the DCTC Foundation make more than $200,000 in scholarships available to our students. Students are encouraged to create an account and apply for scholarships online.
Students looking for ways to help finance their college education can find part-time jobs on campus with various DCTC departments and programs. Deliver your completed Work-Study Application to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and search for openings on Handshake. For more information, you can review Work Study Procedure.
Step 1: Apply now for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
DCTC's Federal School Code: 010402
Step 2: After receiving an official award letter from DCTC, you may apply online for a Federal Stafford Student Loan. Visit the Loans page for more information.
Graduates of this program find employment in many related areas: architectural firms and professional design offices, construction, engineering, product sales, estimating or managerial departments of construction firms or material manufacturing companies. As architectural technicians acquire experience, they have the potential to gain more responsibility and advance into project management positions.
Acquiring a solid, industry-driven education that includes intensive work with the most current CAD and BIM software available gives DCTC Architectural Technology students a powerful competitive advantage. Because the program simulates the professional environment found in architectural and design firms, graduates already have a strong, working knowledge of employer expectations before they arrive in the workplace.
U.S. DOL Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Because new technology reduces costs, architectural and civil drafters who can master new software programs, such as BIM and PDM, also should find opportunities in various industries." Those industries include architectural, engineering, and related services (50 percent), construction (7 percent), machinery manufacturing (6 percent), fabricated metal product manufacturing (5 percent) and transportation equipment manufacturing (5 percent).
If you are looking to bring in any college credit, visit our Transfer To DCTC Resource Page and DCTC will help you through the process.
If you are looking to transfer to a 4-year institution after completing your degree, DCTC can help you through the process! Check out our Transfer From DCTC Resource Page.
Transferology is used to find out how your courses might transfer to DCTC and any of the participating schools in the Transferology network. Get an account for free and create a plan now!
The Architectural Technology program at DCTC is active throughout the year and makes headlines in college publications. Read about student and alumni success, student projects and field trips, and the accomplishments of our architectural technology instructors.
As a student majoring in Architectural Technology, you can get the latest news on your program and the architectural and design industry by following your instructors and fellow students on social media.
As a student in DCTC's Architectural Technology program, you have many opportunities to make connections in the architectural and design industries through your involvement in professional clubs and organizations.
DCTC features active, industry-relevant clubs for Architectural Technology students right on campus. Getting involved in these clubs allows you to make the most of your college experience and gives you an edge when seeking employment in the architectural field. The following two clubs are open to all Architectural Technology students:
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national nonprofit organization for students at community and technical colleges across the U.S. The organization focuses on students in academic programs that lead to careers in the trade, industrial, technical and health care fields. Nearly 100 SkillsUSA competitions at the state and national levels relate to leadership skills or programs of study at DCTC.
In 2013, DCTC fielded 17 students at the nationals who ranked in the top 15 in the nation. For more information about the competition, read "DCTC Students Rock at SkillsUSA Nationals" on DCTC News.
For a complete list of extracurricular opportunities at DCTC, visit our Campus Life page.
