Architecture

Teaching critical thinking, decision-making, and communication, this program prepares you for employment with architects, engineers, interior designers, building contractors, building material companies and governmental agencies. 

Architecture Chart

 

Learn about our programs

Architecture Programs (2:27)

Degrees

Certificates

Architecture Chart.... New School Transfer Info...... Plan Oblique...... Art Studio... Certificate Chart ...Student doing ARCH work on computer

Plan Oblique

Art Studio

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To learn more about the Architecture program and courses, contact an Applied Technology counselor. 

Call 559.442.8273 or schedule a counseling appointment with our Tech & Trades Pathway counselors.

Counselors are available in the Applied Technology Division Office to assist students with creating a Student Education Plan for an Architecture Degree, Transfer, or Certificate.

Courses and Information

To see recommended courses, see the Catalog.  To see upcoming scheduled classes, see the Schedule of Classes. 



Architecture Chart.... New School Transfer Info...... Plan Oblique...... Art Studio... Certificate Chart ...Student doing ARCH work on computer

FAQs

What is the cost for certificate courses?

Tuition for the California Community College system is $46 per unit.

A student will have the option of choosing one out of 7 certificates available within the Architecture (ARCH) program:

       1.  Architecture - Major #6810 - Certificate of Achievement

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  ARCH 10     Architectural Design & Visualization I                                    3.0 units
                      ii.  ARCH 11     Introduction to Architecture & Environmental Design    2.0 units
                     iii.  ARCH 12     Architectural Practice I                                                              2.0 units
                     iv.  ARCH 14     Digital Tools for Architects                                                       2.0 units
                      v.  ARCH 20     Architectural Design & Visualization II                                  3.0 units
                     vi.  ARCH 21     Materials of Construction                                                         3.0 units
                    vii.  ARCH 22     Architectural Practice II                                                             3.0 units
                   viii.  ARCH 24     Building Information Modeling                                               3.0 units
                     ix.  ARCH 30     Architectural Design & Visualization III                                 3.0 units
                      x.  ARCH 31     Building Codes                                                                             3.0 units
                     xi.  ARCH 32     Static and Strength of Materials                                             3.0 units
                    xii.  ARCH 34     Digital Rendering                                                                        3.0 units
                   xiii.  ARCH 40     Architectural Design & Visualization IV                                3.0 units
                   xiv.  ARCH 41A  Office Practices                                                                           3.0 units
                    xv.  ARCH 42     Timber and Steel Structures                                                   3.0 units
Students will need 42 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $1,932 in tuition costs.

     

     2.  Basic Architecture Contract Documents - Major #6811 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  ARCH 12     Architectural Practice I                                                             2.0 units
                      ii.  ARCH 22     Architectural Practice II                                                            3.0 units
                     iii.  ARCH 32     Static and Strength of Materials                                           3.0 units
                     iv.  ARCH 42     Timber and Steel Structures                                                   3.0 units
Students will need 11 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $506 in tuition costs.

 

3.  Basic Architecture Design - Major #6812 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  ARCH 10     Architectural Design & Visualization I                                   3.0 units
                      ii.  ARCH 20     Architectural Design & Visualization II                                  3.0 units
                     iii.  ARCH 30     Architectural Design & Visualization III                                 3.0 units
                     iv.  ARCH 40     Architectural Design & Visualization IV                                3.0 units
Students will need 12 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $552 in tuition costs.

 

       4.  Basic Architecture Office Practices - Major #6813 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  ARCH 11     Introduction to Architecture & Environmental Design    2.0 units
                      ii.  ARCH 21     Materials of Construction                                                         3.0 units
                     iii.  ARCH 31     Building Codes                                                                             3.0 units
                     iv.  ARCH 41A  Office Practices                                                                           3.0 units
Students will need 11 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $506 in tuition costs.

 

       5.  Basic Architecture Skills 2 - Major #6814 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                       i.  ARCH 10     Architectural Design & Visualization I                                    3.0 units
                      ii.  ARCH 11     Introduction to Architecture & Environmental Design    2.0 units
                     iii.  ARCH 12     Architectural Practice I                                                              2.0 units
                     iv.  ARCH 14     Digital Tools for Architects                                                       2.0 units
Students will need 9 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $414 in tuition costs.

     

       6.  Basic Architecture Skills 2 - Major #6815 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                      i.  ARCH 20     Architectural Design & Visualization II                                  3.0 units
                     ii.  ARCH 21     Materials of Construction                                                         3.0 units
                    iii.  ARCH 22     Architectural Practice II                                                             3.0 units
                    iv.  ARCH 24     Building Information Modeling                                               3.0 units
Students will need 12 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $552 in tuition costs.

 

       7.  Basic Digital Architecture - Major #6816 - Certificate

                 a.  Courses include:
                      i.  ARCH 14     Digital Tools for Architects                                                       2.0 units
                     ii.  ARCH 24     Building Information Modeling                                               3.0 units
                    iii.  ARCH 34     Digital Rendering                                                                        3.0 units
Students will need 8 units of completion for this certificate, or a total of $368 in tuition costs.

 

Financial Aid, if available to the student, can cover tuition.  Review our Financial Aid website for further information.

 

How much will course textbooks and/or materials cost me?

1.  Architecture = $1,340.06-$1,520.12

     a.  ARCH 10: 

          $23.99 Architectural Drawing Course, 2nd edition, ISBN#9781438011158 (FCC Bookstore)

          $44.00 (digital) / $55.00 Architecture: Form, Space and Order, 4th edition, ISBN # 9781118745083, 4th edition 2015 (FCC Bookstore)

     b.  ARCH 11:

          $30.00 (digital) / $49.95 Becoming an Architect, 3rd edition, ISBN: 9781118612132 (FCC Bookstore)

          $24.99 Architecture is Elementary, ISBN: 9781586858292 (FCC Bookstore)

     c.  ARCH 12:

         $93.75 (rental) / $125.00 Professional Practice of Architectural Working Drawings, 4th edition, ISBN: 9780470618158 (FCC Bookstore)

     d.  ARCH 14:

          $59.00 SketchUp to LayOut, 2nd edition, ISBN: 9780996539333 (FCC Bookstore)

          $77.25 (digital) / $110.00 Digital Drawing for Designers: A Visual Guide to AutoCAD 2021 (FCC Bookstore)

     e.  ARCH 20:

          $29.04 The Architect’s Portfolio:  Planning Design, Production, ISBN: 0415779014 (amazon.com)

          $39.48 Architecture: Form, Space & Order, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-1118745083 (amazon.com)

          $50.98 (used) / $57.03 Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-1118012871 (amazon.com)

     f.  ARCH 21:

         $76.84 Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods, seventh edition, ISBN: 978-1-119-45025, (amazon.com)

     g.  ARCH 22:

          $97.92 The Professional Practice of Architectural Workings Drawings, Fifth edition, ISBN: 978-1118880524 (amazon.com)

     h.  ARCH 24:

         $41.70 Revit’ 2020 for Architecture:  No Experience Required 2nd Edition, ISBN: 978-1-119-56008-1 (amazon.com)

     i.  ARCH 30:

         $70.00 (digital) / $87.90 Architectural Drawing, Fourth edition, ISBN: 9781118012871 (FCC Bookstore)

         $42.95 Designing Architecture: The Elements of Process, ISBN: 9780415595162 (FCC Bookstore)

     j.  ARCH 31:

         $291.95 2019 California Building Code, ISBN: 978-1609838911

     k.  ARCH 34:

         $27.99 (digital) / $48.00 Mastering Lumion 3D, ISBN: 9781783552030 (FCC Bookstore)

     l.  ARCH 40:

         $47.82 Precedents in Architecture: Analytic Diagrams, Formative Ideas, and Partis, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-0470946749 (amazon.com)

         $12.11 Basic Design Methods, ISBN: 30338215201 (amazon.com)

         $29.04 The Architect’s Portfolio: Planning Design, Production, ISBN: 0415779014 (amazon.com)

    m.  ARCH 41A:

         $73.45 2022 National Construction Estimator, ISBN: 1572183721 (amazon.com)

     n.  ARCH 42:

         $96.96 Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders, Twelfth edition, ISBN: 978-1118975046 (amazon.com)

 

2.  Basic Architectural Contract Documents = $288.63-$319.88

     a.  ARCH 12:

          $93.75 (rental) / $125.00 Professional Practice of Architectural Working Drawings, 4th edition, ISBN: 9780470618158 (FCC Bookstore)

     b.  ARCH 22:

         $97.92 The Professional Practice of Architectural Workings Drawings, Fifth edition, ISBN: 978-1118880524 (amazon.com)

     c.  ARCH 32 & 42:

         $96.96 Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders, Twelfth edition, ISBN: 978-1118975046 (amazon.com)

3.  Basic Architectural Design = $187.49-204.54

     a.  ARCH 10:

         $23.99 Architectural Drawing Course, 2nd edition, ISBN#9781438011158 (FCC Bookstore)

         $44.00 (digital) / $55.00 Architecture: Form, Space and Order, 4th edition, ISBN # 9781118745083, 4th edition 2015 (FCC Bookstore)

     b.  ARCH 20:

          $29.04 The Architect’s Portfolio:  Planning Design, Production, ISBN: 0415779014 (amazon.com)

          $39.48 Architecture: Form, Space & Order, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-1118745083 (amazon.com)

          $50.98 (used) / $57.03 Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-1118012871 (amazon.com)

     c.  ARCH 30:

          $70.00 (digital) / $87.90 Architectural Drawing, Fourth edition, ISBN: 9781118012871 (FCC Bookstore)

          $42.95 Designing Architecture: The Elements of Process, ISBN: 9780415595162 (FCC Bookstore)

     d.  ARCH 40:

          $47.82 Precedents in Architecture: Analytic Diagrams, Formative Ideas, and Partis, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-0470946749 (amazon.com)

          $12.11 Basic Design Methods, ISBN: 30338215201 (amazon.com)

          $29.04 The Architect’s Portfolio: Planning Design, Production, ISBN: 0415779014 (amazon.com)

4.  Basic Architectural Office Practices = $497.23-$517.18

     a.  ARCH 11:

          $30.00 (digital) / $49.95 Becoming an Architect, 3rd edition, ISBN: 9781118612132 (FCC Bookstore)

          $24.99 Architecture is Elementary, ISBN: 9781586858292 (FCC Bookstore)

     b.  ARCH 21:

          $76.84 Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods, seventh edition, ISBN: 978-1-119-45025, (amazon.com)

     c.  ARCH 31:

          $291.95 2019 California Building Code, ISBN: 978-1609838911

     d.  ARCH 41A:

          $73.45 2022 National Construction Estimator, ISBN: 1572183721 (amazon.com)

5.  Basic Architecture Skills 1 = $327.99-$447.93

     a.  ARCH 10:

          $23.99 Architectural Drawing Course, 2nd edition, ISBN#9781438011158 (FCC Bookstore)

          $44.00 (digital) / $55.00 Architecture: Form, Space and Order, 4th edition, ISBN # 9781118745083, 4th edition 2015 (FCC Bookstore)

     b.  ARCH 11:

          $30.00 (digital) / $49.95 Becoming an Architect, 3rd edition, ISBN: 9781118612132 (FCC Bookstore)

          $24.99 Architecture is Elementary, ISBN: 9781586858292 (FCC Bookstore)

     c.  ARCH 12:

          $93.75 (rental) / $125.00 Professional Practice of Architectural Working Drawings, 4th edition, ISBN: 9780470618158 (FCC Bookstore)

     d.  ARCH 14:

          $59.00 SketchUp to LayOut, 2nd edition, ISBN: 9780996539333 (FCC Bookstore)

          $77.25 (digital) / $110.00 Digital Drawing for Designers: A Visual Guide to AutoCAD 2021 (FCC Bookstore)

6.  Basic Architecture Skills 2 = $335.96-342.01

     a.  ARCH 20:

          $29.04 The Architect’s Portfolio:  Planning Design, Production, ISBN: 0415779014 (amazon.com)

          $39.48 Architecture: Form, Space & Order, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-1118745083 (amazon.com)

          $50.98 (used) / $57.03 Architectural Drawing: A Visual Compendium of Types and Methods, 4th edition, ISBN: 978-1118012871

     b.  ARCH 21:

          $76.84 Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods, seventh edition, ISBN: 978-1-119-45025, (amazon.com)

     c.  ARCH 22:

          $97.92 The Professional Practice of Architectural Workings Drawings, Fifth edition, ISBN: 978-1118880524 (amazon.com)

     d.  ARCH 24:

          $41.70 Revit’ 2020 for Architecture:  No Experience Required 2nd Edition, ISBN: 978-1-119-56008-1 (amazon.com)

7.  Basic Digital Architecture = $205.94-$258.70

     a.  ARCH 14:

          $59.00 SketchUp to LayOut, 2nd edition, ISBN: 9780996539333 (FCC Bookstore)

     b.  ARCH 24:

          $41.70 Revit’ 2020 for Architecture:  No Experience Required 2nd Edition, ISBN: 978-1-119-56008-1 (amazon.com)

     c.  ARCH 34:

          $27.99 (digital) / $48.00 Mastering Lumion 3D, ISBN: 9781783552030 (FCC Bookstore)       

Fresno City Library offers the opportunity for students to check out textbooks for some courses at no cost. For additional information and hours of operations. 

What other fees are involved?

A.  Required Fees:

  • Health fee ($21 per semester, $13 if off campus/online per semester)
  • Associated Student Body fee ($2 per semester, but opportunity to waive the fee at time of registration if the student so chooses)

     Optional fees:

  • Parking pass ($30 per semester)
    • Fall 2022 semester:  Parking is waived
    • Spring 2023 semester:  Parking is waived
  • Student ID Card ($5) 

B.  Some courses require additional materials fee for the following courses:

  • Material fees for students are not required for any Architecture program.

*Cost for required materials/equipment-must be purchased by the end of the first week:  ARCH 10 and ARCH 12

  • $50.00 Basic Drawing Packet can be purchased from Allard's (Blackstone and Barstow) 

Estimated cost for fees and materials/equipment: $50.00

*Materials can be purchased through other vendors if available and prices will vary.  Instructors will review items during the first week of classes and will expect all students to have them ready by the second week of classes.

C.  Vendor Recommendations:

The Architecture certificate recommends that supplies can be purchased at any general location. Amazon.com is a commonly used website to purchase any materials that will be required for courses.

Other local or online vendors that are available to purchase materials would be the following:

  • Allard's
  • Hobby Lobby
  • Michaels
  • Blink.com
  • Walmart
  • Any Arts and crafts stores

D.  Technology Requirements:

  • A laptop or Desktop (16 GB and 500 GB storage) with Windows 10 Operating Systems:
    • Windows:  10
    • Mac:  MacOS 10.12 and above, must be able to run Windows 10 or above
    • iOS:  11.0 and above (iPad only).  Must have a compatible LMS integration
    • 1TB SSD (minimum)
  • Memory:
    • Windows:  75 MB permanent space on the hard drive
    • Mac:  120 MB permanent space on the hard drive
  • Additional Equipment:
    • High Speed Internet
    • Mouse with mouse wheel
    • A cloud-based file storage platform, such as iCloud, Google Drive, DropBox, Lumion, Photoshop 

Fresno City Library offers the opportunity for students to use the computer lab or to check out a laptop if available.  For additional information and hours of operations.

How can I pay for this certificate?

A student can pay in one or a combination of ways:

  • Pay in person:  Fee Payments or Tuition, Business office Holds, Refunds/Fee Reversals, Financial Aid Payments/Repayments, Billing, Parking Permits
  • Business Office:  Location OAB 151A (Old Administration Building)
  • Pay online (directly using a credit card):  You may pay online in Self-Service or follow the steps about making a payment.
  • through a grant (review our Financial Aid website for grant information)
  • or with a scholarship or fee waiver through partner programs such as California's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) which provides employment training resources for adults and dislocated workers.  For more information about how to qualify for ETPL.

What kind of job can I get if I complete the program?

The Architecture (ARCH) certificates have the potential for entry-level and mid-level job placement as an Architectural and Civil Drafter, employment with engineers, interior designers, building contractors and building material companies. A potential resource for investigating jobs in the Architecture (ARCH) field is: O*Net Online or Career Coach.

Would I be able to apply for a 4-year degree program and get credit for these courses?

Yes! The Architecture program certificate is stackable — the units count —toward an associate degree in Architecture.

Every 4-year college accepts coursework differently, where they accept coursework as electives for undergraduate work. There are current articulation agreements with Fresno State, CAL Poly Pomona, CAL Poly San Luis Obispo and the New School of Architecture & Design.

What does “stackable” certificate mean?

The Architecture certificate is a “stackable” certificate meaning that your successful completion of this certificate can be used to apply for additional digital design & manufacturing-related certificates and/or the Architecture associate degree.

Can I use this certificate of achievement towards a bachelor’s degree or additional certificates in manufacturing-related field of study?

The Architecture certificate is a “stackable” certificate meaning that your successful completion of this certificate can be used as valuable training in conjunction with other digital design & manufacturing-related certificates such as Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) and Construction programs.

The Architecture program offers the opportunity to create and enhance a Portfolio that will be presented for transfer acceptance. Acceptance into a 4-year institution will be contingent upon the submission of a portfolio.

How do I get more information and/or register?

This Architecture program uses the same registration system as all California Community Colleges. A student must apply through CCCApply, if not already a California Community College student, in order to receive a student identification number. Once you have a student identification number, we can arrange for a counselor appointment to discuss the program and/or assist with registration through Self Service.

For more assistance with applying to Fresno City College, please access one or more of the resources below:

Initial Steps

Information to FCC Apply Now (Admissions & Aid)

If you are a first-time student, transfer student, high school student, graduating senior, or returning student, and would like to apply to become a Fresno City College student, start the enrollment process with the application, portal and email, orientation, advising, financial aid, and registration. Or feel free to join a Live Help via Zoom Session and find out more.

Extreme Registration (In person):

January 3rd, 2023: 1pm-6pm at Fresno City College Library

January 4th, 2023: 1pm-6pm at Fresno City College Library

For Extreme Registration

If you are interested in dropping in for some academic counseling support, have registration questions, need financial aid assistance, or have questions about fees and payment, please join in one of the Extreme Registration activities listed above, or call 559-442-8226 during event hours to get placed in the queue or they can sign up through the virtual Kiosk. The Kiosk is closed until the day and time of the event.

RAM Ready

January 3rd, 2023: Virtual

January 4th, 2023: Virtual

RAM Ready is our New Student Welcome event designed to help students navigate their first week and semester of college. The virtual experience will consist of presentations, campus tours, information about on campus resources available for students.

If you have any questions about Ram Ready, please contact the College Relations Office by phone at 559.442.8225 or email at collegerelations@fresnocitycollege.edu and use the subject line “Ram Ready Question”. You can also visit the website to get further information.

New Student Registration Resources

Link for New Student Registration Resources

FCC offers live assistance on Zoom to assist students in filling out the online application, logging into the Student Portal, accessing Canvas and Self-Service, and more. Use the link below to view available support times and register to attend a live workshop.

To make an appointment via zoom.

Student Services

For additional support and guidance about starting at Fresno City college you may visit or contact the Student Services office. The office supports campus wide efforts to improve service delivery, communication, collaboration and the social/personal development of students within the division and the campus as a whole.

Please visit the website to discover the additional student services that are available to support you as a student.

What will my schedule look like?

Architecture certificate is designed to deliver 3-4 courses for a total of 9-12 units, over a period of eighteen weeks for each course. Typical this can occur over a two-semester period.

Will I be prepared to take industry exams when I complete required courses?

The Architecture certificate will help to prepare you for transfer based on what career path you would like to take.

Is there any form of job placement assistance or paid internships available in this program?

The Architecture certificate instructor(s) can assist with job placement opportunities. In the second semester you could choose to take a course, AT-19, for a paid or unpaid work experience to build your resume and begin working in your field of study.