New student information
Image courtesy of Allison Hedrick, Architectural Design and Drafting graduate
About the program
See the overview page for more information about the program, career, and general education requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply to PCC?
Applying to PCC is done online; it’s easy and free of cost. See more: Enroll at PCC.
Do I need to apply separately to the Architectural Design and Drafting program?
The Architectural Design and Drafting program does not have a separate application. Once you are admitted to PCC, you can enroll in our classes.
What classes are required for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Architectural Design & Drafting?
See the Architectural Design and Drafting catalog for a list of required classes.
Are there any prerequisites to begin the program?
There are no prerequisites to begin the classes for our program.
Do I need to attend the program full time?
You may take as many or as few classes as you like. You do not need to attend full time.
Do I need to begin the program in the fall?
Students may enter our program any term: fall, winter, spring, or summer. You do not need to begin in the fall.
Can I transfer credits from another college?
Yes, see the transfer credits to PCC page for detailed information on how to transfer previous college credits to PCC.
Can I transfer credits in architecture classes from another college?
If you have previous college credits related to architecture, please email the program co-chair at rebeca.cotera@pcc.edu and attach an unofficial transcript. The chair will review your credits for potential transfer into our program.
How do I know what classes to enroll in?
To select classes for your first term, you can refer to the first term course planner. Make sure to reach out to CJ, our program’s student advisor, at craig.dunn@pcc.edu for help with questions regarding which classes to take, previous college credit, course substitutions, or any other question.
What kind of computer do I need for the CAD programs?
It is recommended that you use a PC-based computer, not a Mac. See the technology requirements page for information related to computers so that you can take online classes, remote classes, and operate the CAD software.
What CAD programs will my classes use?
Our program teaches two main CAD programs: AutoCAD and Revit. Our choices for these classes are based on what the design industry is currently using.
How much does the CAD software cost?
AutoCAD and Revit are provided by Autodesk free of charge to students. When you take the classes to learn the software, your instructor will guide you through the download, install, and licensing process on the first day of class.
How much is the tuition at PCC?
The tuition and fees at the college are based on the number of credits taken during a given term, plus several types of fees. See the tuition and fees page for more information.
What type of financial aid is available at PCC?
PCC has a team of advisors to help with financial applications. See the financial aid website for more information.
Are the Arch classes at PCC offered remotely?
We learned from the pandemic that many classes can be successfully delivered remotely through D2L Brightspace, PCC’s online learning platform. Most of our lecture-type, as well as CAD classes, will continue to be available in a remote format. However, our design-type classes are scheduled for hybrid, meaning there will be a once-per-week in-person session at Sylvania Campus. Hybrid is a combo of in-person and remote.
These are the courses that currently have hybrid or in-person requirements: 100, 101, 110, 104, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, and 224. In some cases, the in-person sessions may be optional, depending on the instructor. However, the design studios use the in-person sessions for direct one-on-one instructor feedback, along with CAD tutoring. So, missing the in-person sessions means you will miss one-on-one instructor tutorials and feedback on your design projects. That work time would need to be made up on your own time frame.
Does PCC’s program transfer to a four- or five-year architecture program?
Our program focuses mainly on residential design, drafting, construction, building codes, and building systems. We have a few classes in small commercial design and codes. Our studio-type classes use AutoCAD and Revit software to develop proficiency in drafting and 3D modeling. Our program is therefore somewhat different than a four- or five-year architecture program, which focuses exclusively on larger buildings like medical centers, multifamily housing, libraries, performing arts centers, etc.
So in general, our program does not transfer to the programs that Portland State University or the University of Oregon have. However, students can complete their general education, reading, writing, and math courses at PCC – as well as ARCH 200 – and use those towards their degree at a four-year school.
Another strategy is to take some Art or Architecture courses at PCC, with the intention to build a portfolio of work that can be used for admission into the architecture programs at either PSU or UO.
What colleges in Oregon offer Architecture degrees?
Both the University of Oregon and Portland State University offer both Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees, and their programs are NAAB-accredited. Both bachelor’s programs require math, writing, and some general education classes, which potentially can be taken at PCC. As part of their admission process, these architecture programs require a portfolio of creative work. Some design/art classes from PCC’s Art and Architecture programs may provide projects for a portfolio.
What is the process of becoming a licensed architect, once one graduates from a NAAB-accredited program?
You first need to join the “Architectural Experience Program”, complete the required internship (usually 3-5 years), and pass the exam. For more information, see ncarb.org: how to earn your architect license.
What is the job market like for graduates of this program?
The job market for our graduates has been strong for the last 5+ years. This is due to continued construction in the Portland metro area, along with a shortage of graduates from professional architectural programs. This has inspired architectural and engineering firms to hire our graduates, especially for their CAD and 3D modeling skills.
When does the next term at PCC start?
PCC runs on a four-quarter per year system: Fall (later September), Winter (early January), Spring (early April), and Summer (mid-June). See the academic calendar for information on the start of each upcoming academic quarter and dates for registration.