60 Credits AAS3496, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
This program prepares students for application of basic technical skills in support of Architects engaged in designing/developing commercial buildings.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 60 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $12,317
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $12,317 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2024-2025 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (18 Courses)
You must complete all of the following courses:
ARCH1100 Introduction to Architectural Drafting and Design (1 credits)
An overview of academic preparation and career opportunities in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Construction as they pertain to the role of technical drafting, construction document production, architectural marketing and building product manufacturing.
ARCH1101 Studio 1 (4 credits)
An introductory studio course developing a set of working drawings for a residential construction project. Course topics include the history of drafting, drafting views, basic drafting techniques, measuring, residential terminology, basic document production and best practices. Emphasis on document production for wood-frame construction and the application of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software into the design process. This course advances to explore multi-family construction concepts, design considerations and code implications. An examination of the coordination and drafting of civil engineering information for residential design is included. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1102 AutoCAD Architecture (2 credits)
This introductory Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) course explores AutoCAD Architecture beginning with basic AutoCAD tools and advancing to AutoCAD Architecture tools. CAD management concepts and exploring AutoCAD Architecture 3D are included. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1103 Materials & Methods 1 (2 credits)
An exploration of building materials used in commercial and residential construction. Common building materials such as wood, masonry, concrete, and metals will be examined. Basic building methods such as foundation systems, framing systems, and windows-door systems are analyzed. Introduction to architectural detail drafting and software detail component libraries are included. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1104 Construction Documents (2 credits)
This course provides an overview of the documents used in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction. Discussion topics include the design process, phases of design, contract terminology and CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) Divisions. Emphasis on examining the industry standards used in all aspects of document production. An exploration of estimating for budget using principles of quantity takeoffs and computation of materials is included.
ARCH1201 Studio 2 (4 credits)
An introductory studio course developing a set of working drawings for a light commercial construction project. Course topics include commercial construction principles, commercial terminology, document management, advanced document production and best practices. Emphasis on document production for steel-frame construction and the application of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software into the design process. An introduction to the incorporation of state and local building code as they pertain to architectural design is included. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1101) (Co-Requisites: ARCH 1202 and ARCH 1203)
ARCH1202 Revit 1 Fundamentals (2 credits)
Introductory Building Information Modeling (BIM) course that explores Revit for Architecture. An in-depth practice of basic Revit tools as they pertain to modeling basics, drafting views, detail creation, construction documentation, and renderings. A strong emphasis on industry standards and best practice for BIM. (Prerequisites: ARCH 1101) (Co-requisite: ARCH 1201)
ARCH1203 Materials & Methods 2 (2 credits)
A continued exploration of building assemblies used in construction. Common building methods such as concrete, structural steel, light-gauge steel framing, and membrane roofing are examined. Commercial applications of fabricated stair/railings and elevator systems are analyzed. A strong emphasis on architectural detail drafting and full unitization of software detail component libraries. Coordination and drafting of civil engineering information for commercial architecture is also included. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1103) (Co-Requisite: ARCH 1201)
ARCH1204 Building Codes (2 credits)
An exploration of state and local building codes as they relate to the residential and commercial building sector. Students will develop an understanding of the current Minnesota Building Code (IBC), Minnesota Residential Code (IRC), Minnesota Accessibility Code (ADA), and Minnesota Energy Code. Emphasis on the process of analyzing and applying the building code for architectural design and document production. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1301 Studio 3 (4 credits)
An advanced studio course developing a coordinated set of working drawings for a heavy commercial construction project. This course will advance students' knowledge of commercial construction principles, the applications of architectural and engineering systems, and the scheduling/management of construction document preparation. The research/incorporation of applicable codes shall be major factors in developing this set of construction documents. A progression to advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategies will be incorporated. Emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and software application. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1201)
ARCH1302 Revit 2 BIM Management (2 credits)
Intermediate building information modeling (BIM) course that expands on Revit for Architecture. Focus on establishing company standards and an in-depth practice of template creation. Deep exploration of Revit families, custom family creation, and the practice of creating parametric entities. Discussion of online Revit content resources is also included. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1202)
ARCH1303 MEP Integration (2 credits)
This course reviews the examination of mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems in both residential and commercial buildings. Content includes analysis of plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and power and lighting systems. The interrelationship of architecture and the engineering functions is explored.
ARCH1304 Construction Administration (2 credits)
This course provides an overview of the processes of managing, updating, and altering construction documents used during the construction phase of a project. Topics include documenting as-built construction, processing redlines, request for information, addendums, and change orders. Also covered is an introduction to shop drawings and drafting for the manufacturer of architectural building products.
ARCH1400 Studio 4 (5 credits)
This advanced studio course guides students in the development of a set of working drawings for a commercial construction project while challenging students to manage a project workload from concept to completion. This course will advance students' knowledge of construction materials and methods and the preparation of construction details through analytical exercises of architectural detail vignettes. A progression to resourceful problem-solving of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) software will be incorporated. Emphasis on independent work, time management strategies, and the completion of deadline-driven tasks. An exploration of current events and the Architecture and Engineering Industry is also included. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1301)
ARCH1402 Architectural Visualization (Elective Option 1) (3 credits)
Introduce advanced BIM software applications as they pertain to 3D visualization. Explore alternate software for enhanced architectural rendering and imaging. An emphasis on modeling for conceptual design, architectural marketing, and 3D animations. An inquiry into emerging industry visualization technology is included.
ARCH1404 Statics and Strengths of Materials (3 credits)
This course covers an introduction to structural theory and calculation. It includes analysis of forces, vectors, calculations of forces, moments and internal stresses and strains in structural materials. It also includes tracing of load paths through the structure. (Prerequisites: MATH 125, ARCH 1301)
ARCH1500 Construction Experience (1 credits)
Develop an understanding of the construction environment as it pertains to building assembly and the construction process. This course inspires students to explore opportunities within the diverse construction industry under the guidance and approval of the course instructor. (Prerequisite: None)
ARCH1502 Internship (2 credits)
This course is applying acquired program knowledge in the workplace. Students are responsible for finding an appropriate program related job. (Prerequisites: ARCH 1101 and ARCH 1201)
Required Arts and Sciences (3 Courses)
To complete an AAS degree, students must complete 15 MnTC credits from 3 of the 10 MnTC goal areas. The following courses are required:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
MATH120 College Algebra (4 credits)
College algebra studies functions and their applications. This course focuses on linear functions, quadratic functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and related equations, inequalities, and graphs. Additional topics include inverse functions, systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, sequences and series, and the Binomial Theorem. MATH 120 satisfies the MNTC Category 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning requirement. (Prerequisites: Corequisite enrollment in MATH 0098 OR Completion of MATH 0098 OR MATH 0085 OR MATH 0095 with a grade of C or higher OR Accuplacer score of 56+ in Arithmetic and 76+ in Elementary Algebra and 50+ in College Math OR Next Gen Accuplacer score 250-300 AAF OR ACT Math score 22-36 OR MCA score 1158-1164)
MATH125 Trigonometry (3 credits)
A study of the six trigonometric functions, their inverses and their applications forms the heart of this course. First, the two common methods of angle measure are derived along with the related notions of length of arc and area of a sector. Then the trigonometric functions are defined in terms of the unit circle and their properties such as domain, range, period and amplitude are explored, along with their associated graphs. This leads to a study of identities and conditional equations. Triangle trigonometry and real-world applications follow, with an investigation of associated themes such as vectors, exponential and logarithmic functions.(Prerequisites: Next-Generation Accuplacer AAF score of 250 or higher or Classic Accuplacer College Math score of 63 or higher or Completion of MATH 120 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher or ACT Math score of 22 or higher.) (MNTC 4: Mathematical/Logical Reasoning)
Arts and Sciences - Electives (4 Credits)
Select an additional 4 credits from MnTC goals 2,3,5,6,7,8,9 or 10.
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
