Architecture Technology: Architecture, C.S.C. is a Career Studies Certificate program offered by Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, VA. Tuition is $3,839 total.
Program Overview
The Architecture Career Studies Certificate is designed to prepare students with the skills and knowledge needed for a paid internship in architecture and associated fields. Foundation courses develop drafting, modeling, materials, construction methodology, and building-code knowledge, complemented by two electives selected around employment opportunities.
, with the possibility of a paid internship.
This Career Studies Certificate totals 21 credits and is offered at NOVA's Alexandria and Annandale campuses.
What sets this Program apart
- Compact one-year certificate focused on core architectural drafting and construction skills
- Two technical electives chosen from ARC and CAD courses let students tailor the certificate to employment opportunities
- Credits stack directly into the Architecture Technology A.A.S. degree
- Foundation in drafting, modeling, materials, construction methodology, and building code prepares students for paid internships
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: Architecture, C.S.C. plan of study (21 credits). Course selections and electives should be confirmed with an academic advisor.
| Course # | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Semester | 7 | |
| ARC 123 | Architectural Graphics I | 3 |
| ARC 133 | Construction Methodology & Procedures I | 3 |
| SDV 101 | Orientation / College Success Skills | 1 |
| 2nd Semester | 12-14 | |
| ARC 124 | Architectural Graphics II | 3 |
| ARC 134 | Construction Methodology & Procedures II | 3 |
| — | Two technical electives (ARC 138, ARC 225, ARC 240, ARC 298, CAD 201, CAD 202, or CAD 203) | 6-8 |
| Total | 19-21 |
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 21-credit Career Studies Certificate totals approximately $4,242 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 $4,242 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
- Architectural intern
- CAD technician
- Architectural design assistant
- Architectural technician
- Construction documentation assistant
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