The architectural technician's job is a challenging one with broad prospects and possibilities. The value of well-trained architectural technicians is widely recognized by professionals in the industry.

The Instructional Program

The Architectural Technology program at SUNY Delhi offers the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and the Bachelor of Technology (B.T.) degree. The focus of the Architectural Technology program is preparation for direct employment in architecture and related fields, or for transfer to bachelor degree programs.

The Architectural Technology program is distinguished by its range of fully-equipped construction laboratories and fully-equipped drafting and computer studios for hands-on instruction. The vast majority of core courses feature hands-on performance in the laboratory or studio, supported by classroom theory. All of the core courses are taught by architects, engineers, and construction professionals with extensive work experience.

The program places equal emphasis on the preparation of detailed residential and commercial construction drawings; on the creative process of rendering and designing buildings; and on the understanding of building methods, materials, structure, and mechanical systems. The drawing instruction, in turn, is equally divided between conventional design/drafting media and computer-generated design and drafting.

Career Options

The market for architectural technology skills is nationwide and goes beyond the conventional architectural firm. Attractive employment opportunities can be found with construction companies, engineering firms, government agencies, large corporations, and building products manufacturers, among others. Program faculty maintain broad contacts within the industry regionally, and advise and assist graduates in securing employment.

Transfer Options

The Architectural Technology A.A.S. degree gives students the opportunity to enter the workforce or transfer to a bachelor degree program. Over the years, a large percentage of SUNY Delhi graduates have continued their education in bachelor degree programs in architecture, engineering, and related fields. One option, for those qualified, is to continue study in SUNY Delhi's Bachelor of Technology program in Architectural Design and Building. (For information on this program, see the Architectural Design and Building program description.)

For those who seek transfer to another institution, the technology emphasized at Delhi complements the theory and design emphasized at architectural schools to provide a well-rounded, professional education. Graduates of the A.A.S. program have successfully transferred to many nationally known universities, such as Cornell, RPI, Syracuse, Clemson, Tennessee, Kent State, Ohio State, Arizona, Roger Williams, and New York Institute of Technology.

Curriculum

SUNY Curriculum Code: 0538

SUNY General Education Requirements: Students who intend to receive A.A., A.S., or baccalaureate degrees must satisfy SUNY and campus General Education (GE) requirements to graduate. Students should be aware that GE requirements may vary by academic program. Consult with your academic advisor. For general information, see the "General Education" section of this catalog.

A.A.S. and A.O.S. degree students may not be required to fulfill General Education (GE) requirements; however, any student who may wish to transfer should complete as many GE courses as possible. Consult with your academic advisor.

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

A.A.S. Degree Requirement: 66 credit hours

Notes

¹ Students with demonstrated computer graphics ability may substitute a restricted elective with faculty permission.

Restricted Electives:

² Mathematics is by placement according to competency.  MATH 128 College Algebra and MATH 138 Trigonometry are the minimum exit-level mathematics requirement for this program.  Students with appropriate math backgrounds will be advised to enroll in either a higher-level math course or a science course.

³ The first English is by placement according to competency. Student with appropriate English backgrounds will be advised to enroll in ENGL 200 Advanced Composition or another higher-level English course.

Technical Standards: In addition to academic requirements, all applicants must also be able to meet the minimum Technical Standards for the program, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Admissions Requirements

To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must:

• be a high school graduate with a minimum 75% overall average or a minimum 2500 GED test score
• have 73% or higher on the Algebra Regents exam.

Geometry and Algebra II/Trigonometry, physics, and computer-aided design (CAD) are recommended.

Student Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Architectural Technology A.A.S. program should be able to:

1. Discuss the academic and career opportunities available in the field of architectural technology, and have a working knowledge of how to utilize these opportunities.
2. Apply fundamental principles of drafting to residential drawings, including basic lettering and linework techniques, wall sections, basic working drawings, and residential details.
3. Understand and apply the fundamental techniques, skills, and computer usage necessary in the construction industry, including word processing, spreadsheets, and CAD.
4. Develop working drawings for a complete commercial building project, including plans, sections, elevations, and details.
5. Apply three-dimensional, computer-modeling techniques to buildings and other architectural features using AutoCAD.
6. Utilize fundamental theories and principles of visual/spatial dynamics necessary to develop meaningful architectural design through the design, construction, and graphic documentation of three-dimensional models.
7. Demonstrate design conceptualization strategies, the process of design, and the development and resolution of specific construction details in both residential and commercial building systems.
8. Exhibit knowledge of the physical properties, design considerations, and practical applications of engineered structural components and common finish materials as they relate to the entire building system.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of the strength of materials through the analysis of basic forces, conditions for equilibrium, stress-strain relationships, riveted and bolted connections, steel and timber beam design, and simple column design.
10. Analyze building structural systems components of timber, steel, masonry, and concrete in terms of the forces applied to them, such as wind loads and seismic conditions.
11. Discuss and apply the principles and practices of wood construction, including building layout; floor, wall, and roof framing; and member loading.
12. Demonstrate knowledge of the methods and materials of commercial buildings and structures, as well as construction project planning, construction site record keeping, and safety.
13. Understand the fundamentals of mechanical and electrical equipment requirements for buildings.
14. Understand and apply the principles of physics to the field of architectural technology.