Architectural Technology

The associate in applied science in Architectural Technology, the only program of its kind in the CUNY system, educates students to assist the architect and perform at a high level in design, contract documents, and the construction stages of a building project. The program familiarizes students with up-to-date architectural office practices and procedures including current digital tools for design, analysis, representation, and fabrication. Studio work gives the students the opportunity to develop their talents by participating in various architectural projects from inception to final presentation.

The two-year AAS degree is offered as the first half of the four-year Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree program. Students enrolled in the AAS degree in Architectural Technology may transfer directly into the BTech degree program at any time upon meeting the admission requirements or upon completion of the AAS degree. Upon completion of 64 credits, students generally have the credentials to begin a career in an architect’s or engineer’s office. This provides the flexibility of working in the field while completing the baccalaureate degree during the day or evening sessions.

A partial listing of positions that graduates of this program will qualify for includes architectural technician, CAD drafter, architectural renderer, architectural model maker, fabrication shop technician, manufacturer’s representative, building department expeditor, assistant building performance analysis technician, assistant specifications writer, and clerk of the works. Employers of the graduates of these programs have included Davis Brody Bond Architects, The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, Gwathmey Siegel, HOK, Skidmore Owings & Merrill, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City Department of Buildings, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and U.S. Government Corps of Engineers.  

Program Educational Objectives

The objectives of the Associate in Applied Science degree in Architectural Technology are:

• To transfer basic building blocks of knowledge to create pathways for life-long learning and meaningful employment in architecture and related fields.

• To foster a community of supportive, engaged professionals who excel in the core skills of architecture from whom the students will learn, discuss, and debate the changing needs of the field.

• To direct the student toward advanced and new methods of problem solving which incorporates deep inquiry of relevant topics, academic research, consideration of the sustainable environment and visualization of successful solutions.

Learning Outcomes

1. SEEING AND THINKING As the pace and scope of architecture rapidly diversify in an urban environment it is critical that graduates are armed with deeper knowledge about their built environment in meaningful ways. Writing, research, and critical thinking skills are integrated with placed-based learning centered on the recognition of architectural ordering systems. This integrated learning enables students to actively explore and engage with landmark sites throughout the city as a method of learning.

2. DRAWING AND INVESTIGATION Built upon the department's tradition, essential skill sets for architectural drawings are acquired through traditional and contemporary methods that allow students to apply investigative skills, design thinking skills, and programmatic planning skills.

3. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE Technical courses within the associate's program provide students with introductory knowledge of materials, assemblies, structural systems, and site design, which they can evaluate and apply to architectural practice.

4. COMMUNICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM The AAS curriculum builds visual, oral, and written presentation skills and methods for constructing effective arguments. This taps into their growing knowledge and understanding of history, math, science, and the humanities, which in turn fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, respect, and open-mindedness.

Additional Costs other than Tuition and College-wide Fees (Approximate):

Textbooks           $400
Professional Tools            $300
Project Materials and Supplies   $200
Portfolio Preparation      $100

Advisement Information

Associate Degree Program Director: Professor Michael Duddy

The Department of Architecture wants you to have the support you need for your courses. Please see an advisor by clicking here - Advisor Schedule.

You can reach us by email at architectech@citytech.cuny.edu