Architecture Technology, A.A.S. is an Associate Degree program offered by Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, VA. Tuition is $13,538 total.
Program Overview
S. is designed to prepare students for employment in architecture, construction, and urban design, using construction knowledge, graphic communication, and problem-solving skills.
The curriculum covers architectural graphics, construction methodology, computer-aided drafting and design (CAD I-III), structures for architects, site planning, environmental systems, and advanced architectural design and graphics. Through NOVA's articulation agreements, graduates may transfer to senior institutions offering the Bachelor of Science in Architecture and the Master of Architecture.
This associate degree totals 68 credits and is offered at NOVA's Alexandria and Annandale campuses.
What sets this Program apart
- Three-course computer-aided drafting and design sequence (CAD 201, 202, 203) builds professional drafting and modeling skills
- Studio-based advanced architectural design and graphics sequence (ARC 231 and ARC 232)
- Courses overlap with NOVA's stackable Architecture and CAD Career Studies Certificates, whose credits apply toward the A.A.S.
- Articulation agreements support transfer to B.S. in Architecture and M.Arch programs
General Requirements
- Open AdmissionNOVA is an open-admission institution. Applicants must be a high school graduate or hold a GED, or be 18 or older and able to benefit from college study.
- Apply to NOVASubmit the free NOVA (Virginia Community College System) application for admission to establish a student record.
- Placement & AdvisingComplete placement (the Virginia Placement Test or qualifying scores/transcripts) and meet with an advisor to plan your courses.
- ResidencyVirginia residents qualify for in-state tuition; documentation of Virginia domicile may be required.
Application Process
- 1Apply to NOVASubmit the free online application for admission — NOVA has open admission.
- 2Placement & OrientationComplete placement (or provide qualifying scores/transcripts) and new-student orientation.
- 3Plan Your Financial AidMeet with financial aid and complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal and Virginia state aid.
- 4Advise & RegisterWork with an academic advisor to build your schedule and register for your program courses.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills
Accreditations
Program Schedule
This program is offered at NOVA's Alexandria and Annandale campuses. Courses may be taken full- or part-time, and new cohorts begin each fall and spring semester, with selected courses offered in summer. Exact term dates are published on NOVA’s academic calendar.
Curriculum
The Architecture Technology, A.A.S. plan of study (68 credits). Course selections and electives should be confirmed with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 18 | |
| ARC 123 | Architectural Graphics I | 3 |
| ARC 133 | Construction Methodology & Procedures I | 3 |
| ARC 200 | History of Architecture | 4 |
| CAD 201 | Computer Aided Drafting & Design I | 4 |
| ENG 111 | College Composition I | 3 |
| SDV 100 | College Success Skills | 1 |
| 2nd Semester | 14-15 | |
| ARC 124 | Architectural Graphics II | 3 |
| ARC 134 | Construction Methodology & Procedures II | 3 |
| ARC 138 | Structures For Architects | 3 |
| — | ARC 298 Seminar and Project or ARC Technical Elective | 2-3 |
| MTH 161 | PreCalculus I (or Higher) | 3 |
| 3rd Semester | 18 | |
| ARC 225 | Site Planning And Technology | 3 |
| ARC 231 | Advanced Architectural Design and Graphics I | 4 |
| ARC 243 | Environmental Systems | 4 |
| CAD 202 | Computer Aided Drafting & Design II | 4 |
| — | Social/Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 |
| 4th Semester | 17 | |
| CAD 203 | Computer Aided Drafting & Design III | 3 |
| ARC 232 | Advanced Architectural Design and Graphics II | 4 |
| — | ARC 240 Designing Sustainable Built Environments or ARC Technical Elective | 3 |
| — | CST Elective (CST 100, 110, 126, or 229) | 3 |
| — | Humanities/Fine Arts Elective | 3 |
| PED 116 | Lifetime Fitness And Wellness | 1 |
| Total | 67-68 |
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Cost of Attendance
NOVA charges tuition per credit hour. At the current in-state rate (about $202 per credit), the 68-credit associate degree totals approximately $13,736 in tuition for Virginia residents; out-of-state and out-of-country rates are higher. Tuition does not include the technology fee, books, tools, or program supplies. Current per-credit rates and fees are published on NOVA’s Tuition & Fees page.
Financial Aid
NOVA participates in federal Title IV student aid. Aid available to those who qualify includes:
- Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
- Virginia state aid, including the G3 (Get Skilled, Get a Job, Give Back) program for eligible high-demand fields
- VA education benefits (GI Bill®) and military tuition assistance
- Scholarships and institutional payment plans
About $13,736 in tuition for Virginia residents (roughly $202 per credit hour); out-of-state rates are higher and books, tools, and fees are billed separately.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in the field. Building on the program’s hands-on coursework, graduates pursue positions such as:
- Architectural drafter
- CAD technician
- Architectural design assistant
- BIM technician
- Construction technician
- Site/urban design aide
- Architectural technologist
What to expect as a Northern Virginia Community College student
NOVA serves a large, diverse student body across Northern Virginia, offers strong veteran and military support, and provides advising and financial-aid help to plan your path. Courses can be taken full- or part-time, with new cohorts each fall and spring.
School Information
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Recognized by employers nationwide
- A credential that reflects real, job-ready skills