Architectural Technology

Design it. Build it. From tiny houses to towering office buildings, and everything in between, as a graduate of the renowned OCC Architectural Technology program you will have the knowledge and skill base you need to succeed in the region’s top architectural, design and construction firms. OCC offers an associate degree and various certificate programs and unique, future-forward technology and opportunities that you won’t find anywhere else, like our Sustainable Design and Design/Build programs that feature cutting-edge technology like the Framecad, which fabricates steel framing for buildings with nearly zero waste.

Develop and prototype your ideas using 3D printers and laser cutters and other new maker tools in our technology-rich Makerspace. Prepare for an entry-level professional position in design and architecture firms, or prepare to transfer to a four-year college. Architectural design associates with the experience and skills taught at OCC earn a median income of $57,451 in the Southern California region. Imagine using your creativity, analytical and design skills to create the structures and sustainable environments of tomorrow. Read on to learn more about your options.

A sampling of courses for these careers

Architectural Drawing and Design Visualization
Architectural Construction Documents
Environmental Design Systems

Building Materials and Systems
CAD 2-D for Architecture
Design Fabrication

see course catalog

Two architects wearing hard hats discuss a design at a construction site

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Did you know?

California is projected to employ the highest number of people in the architectural technology field in the U.S. through 2026.

Program Details

Complete one of our certificate programs, and you’ll be well-prepared to enter a career in architectural technology.

Build upon your skills if you’re already employed in the field. Or earn an associate degree for even greater advancement opportunities.

See Evening, Weekend and Online Courses

In less than 2 years
you can earn:
Certificate of Achievement

Architectural Design 1

Prepare for an entry-level professional position at an architectural or related design office by completing this first-year certificate. View program detail in course catalog.

Architectural Design 2

Prepare for a junior/intermediate-level drafting/design position at an architectural or related firm, or for transfer to an architectural or environmental design program at a university. Learn critical-thinking, design and visual communication. View program detail in course catalog.

Design/Build

Learn to design, develop and construct small sustainable projects. View program detail in course catalog.

Digital Fabrication for Architecture

Learn to design, develop and construct three-dimensional environmental design installations and objects using digital fabrication tools. View program detail in course catalog.

Integrated Project Design

Learn to design, develop, virtually construct and administrate multi-disciplinary projects using BIM technology. View program detail in course catalog.

Sustainable Design

Learn to design, develop, analyze and promote sustainable environmental design practices. View program detail in course catalog.

Build on your certificate
of achievement with a:
Certificate of Specialization

Environmental Resource Management

Gain the necessary skills and resources to land jobs across all industry sectors related to recycling and resource management. View program detail in course catalog.

FrameCAD Steel Design

Gain the skills to design and produce digital files for a small structure using FrameCAD software and FrameCAD Factory. View program detail in course catalog.

FrameCAD Steel Production

Gain the skills to safely manufacture and assemble steel frame custom components into a structure. Learn how to operate and maintain a FrameCAD machine, and organize and schedule project workflow to utilize the machine and workers efficiently and safely. View program detail in course catalog.

Or earn your
associate degree
in under 4 years

Architecture

Develop an understanding of the concepts, skills and competencies necessary for further study in the field. Contact an OCC counselor for help with additional course preparation, if you plan to transfer to an architectural program and/or related environmental design program at a university after earning your associate degree. View program detail in course catalog.

Architectural Design 1

Complete the Architectural Design 1 Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared for an entry-level professional position at an architectural or related design office. View program detail in course catalog.

Architectural Design 2

Complete the Architectural Design 2 Certificate of Achievement and the Associate in Science graduation requirements to earn an associate degree. You will be prepared for a junior/intermediate-level drafting/design position at an architectural or related firm, or for transfer to an architectural or environmental design program at a university. View program detail in course catalog.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I enroll and register for classes?

To enroll in a Career Advantage program, you must first apply for admission to Orange Coast College. To apply, go to the Admissions Application Information webpage and review the information and requirements for admission. A link at the bottom of that page will take you to the CCCApply website, where you will be prompted to create an account so you can begin the application process.

How much does it cost?

Classes cost $46 per unit for residents of California. Classes vary in their unit value, but an average 3-unit class costs $138. There are additional fees required to register and additional costs associated with each program. Click here to view the estimated total costs of the program in this career cluster.

How long does it take?

View this chart for the length of the core program.

Are classes offered online, evenings and weekends?

This program offers online, evening and weekend courses. For details about offerings in this program, speak to a counselor or consult the class schedule. The class schedule tool searches through all Orange Coast College course offerings and includes a filter for online classes.

How can I talk with a counselor?

You can make an appointment in person, online or by phone. Click here for more information about Counseling Services and how to make an appointment.

I have more questions. Where can I get more information?

For general questions about enrollment, availability of classes and other services for prospective and current OCC students, call The Answer Center at 714-432-5772. For answers to specific questions you can speak to a counselor or to the faculty member listed on this program page.

Architecture professor draws designs on a whiteboard in front of the class

Group of architects work on designs using paper and pencil

Female architect works on a design using paper and rulers

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Did you know?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a certificate as
their highest level of education earned, on average, 20 percent more than
those whose highest education level is a high school diploma.