Catalog 2022-2023

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Architecture

Associate in Science Degree

The Architecture Program at West Valley College is primarily transfer oriented. It prepares students to enter 4- and 5-year Architecture programs at the university level. The degree exceeds 60 units as it is preparing students for the five year professional degree in Architecture. The Architecture courses at West Valley cover the following areas of study: building design, graphics, history, practical/technical communication, codes, construction, and structural design. An increasing number of West Valley College courses leverage computer technology as an educational tool. Students, upon completion of this degree, are prepared to transfer to a 4 or 5 years program in Architecture or Architectural Engineering. Career options after completion of a baccalaureate degree include: 1. Architecture 2. Landscape Architecture 3. Historic Preservation Architecture 4. Interior Design 5. Construction Management 6. Facilities Management 7. Specification Writing 8. Structural Engineering 9. Architectural Graphics

Required Core Courses (31 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
ARCH043Styles in Architecture2 units
ARCH045Architectural Building Codes3 units
ARCH048Digital Tools for Architecture 2 units
ARCH050Construction Materials & Methods3 units
ARCH051Architectural Graphics: Drawing & Sketching3 units
ARCH052Architectural Graphics: Color Rendering3 units
ARCH053Introduction to Architectural and Environmental Design3 units
ARCH056Basic Architectural Design3 units
ARCH061Architectural Design I3 units
ARCH062Architectural Design II3 units
ARCH063Architectural Design III3 units

Elective Courses (7-9 units)

Course NumberCourse TitleUnits
ARCH046History of Architecture3 units
ARCH047History of Modern Architecture3 units
ARCH049Introduction to Rhino3 units
ARCH057Architectural Model Making1 unit
ARCH058Introduction to Revit Architecture3 units
ARCH060Green Building & Sustainable Design3 units
ARCH064Architectural Practice3 units
ARCH066Advanced Revit Architecture3 units

Total Major Units: 38-40 units

To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:

  1. Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
  2. Completion of WVC, CSU-Breadth, or IGETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the CSU-Breadth or IGETC General Education pattern.
  3. Complete additional degree applicable units to meet the 69-79-unit Associate Degree requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program a student will be able to:

  • Select construction materials based upon their properties and methods of installation.
  • Demonstrate creativity and problem-solving abilities in designing residential and commercial buildings.
  • Apply principals of structural design.
  • Apply mathematical skills to solve technical problems associated with architectural drawings.
  • Use standard dimensions for space planning and human occupancy using Architectural Graphic Standards.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally in the architectural environment through proper use of verbal, written and graphic techniques.
  • Develop architectural drawings including construction drawings, and presentation drawings.
  • Use computer graphics applications associated with architectural projects.
  • Apply building codes, zoning codes, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
  • Identify professional, ethical and societal responsibilities including respect for diversity.
Last Updated 10/14/22