Mar 29, 2024  
2023-2024 Course Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Course Catalog

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Architectural Technologies, AAS

Location(s): Ames Hunziker Center



The Architectural Technologies program is designed to develop the proper skills and knowledge required for satisfactory entrance into the field of architectural drafting and detailing.

Graduates are employed by architects; structural, mechanical and electrical engineers; contractors, subcontractors and building equipment and material suppliers. Students visit architectural/engineering offices to experience their possible future work environment.

Program Details


Pathway: Building Trades & Transportation


More information on this Pathway.

Students start Fall semester


Selected courses are available at other locations.


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.
  4. Complete the ALEKS placement test with a minimum score of 30 or higher and show evidence of one of the following: The grade of “C” or above in one year of high school algebra or the equivalent (MAT 099 ).​​​​​​​

Graduation Requirements


To earn an Architectural Technologies AAS degree, students must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain an overall 2.0 (C) grade point average.

Option 1 -Select 3-5 Credits


Semester 4


Option 2 - Select 3 Credits


Option 3 - Select 3 credits


Total Credits Required to Complete the AAS Degree - 64*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
Books (approximate) 200 350 100 305
Supplies 200  55  55  55

Approximate total for the AAS degree: $13,160**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Prepare clear, complete and accurate working plans and detailed drawings for use in construction.
  • Prepare precise and detailed scale drawings from information provided by architects, designers, engineers and contractors.
  • Provide information concerning quality of materials to be used, their cost, and processes to be followed in production.
  • Utilize understanding of engineering practices, mathematics, building materials and the physical sciences to complete the drawings.
  • Make drawings of each part shown on the layout, giving dimensions, material and other necessary information.
  • Use Computer-Aided Drafting and Building Information Modeling software.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Concentrate diligently on a project for long periods.
  • Use math and problem-solving skills to calculate solutions for geometric assignments.
  • Create carefull, accurate, and legible construction drawings.
  • Follow written and spoken directions.
  • Do neat, detailed work.
  • Budget time well and stay on task without supervision.
  • Discuss your drawings/project, intentions, materials and assemblies intelligently and coherently.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • If very successful, may open business of your own, or work on a contract basis (after experience with a firm or other architectural or engineering concern).
  • Work is service-project-oriented.
  • Deadlines and accuracy are essential.
  • Requires high attention to detail.
  • Variety of work opportunities.
  • Courses are designed to train the student to be an architectural drafter and will assist the designer or client.
  • Average starting salary-A.A.S. degree: $41,500 (2014-2015 Placement Report).

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate graphically selected basic building materials within an assembly
  2. Represent graphically basic construction assemblies
  3. Specify basic construction materials, equipment, and methods
  4. Use the leading architectural CAD software to produce a set of residential architectural construction documents
  5. Use the leading architectural BIM software to produce a set of commercial architectural construction documents
  6. Demonstrate use of the Construction Specification Institute’s UniFormat system within the BIM process
  7. Comprehend the Construction Specification Institute’s MasterFormat and its relationship within the collection of construction documents
  8. Demonstrate fundamental 3D computer modeling skills

AY 2023

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/pathways/.(2021)