Architectural Design, AAS
Program Description
The Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Design prepares students for entry-level roles in architecture, engineering, and construction, with a focus on the high desert and alpine regions of the American West. Students learn architectural design thinking, 3D modeling, baseline architectural drafting, and environmental/sustainable design while exploring the cultural and geographical factors shaping these landscapes. Emphasis is placed on design skills with hands-on projects in challenging conditions such as high-altitude climates, water scarcity, and wildfire risk. Graduates are ready for non-regulated, entry level positions in firms such as design technicians or to progress into the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture (In Candidacy) Program which is required to become a registered Architect in the State of Nevada.
Recommended Course Schedule
| 1st semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| AAD 100 | Introduction to Architectural Design | 3 |
| AAE 180 | Introduction to Design Principles | 6 |
| ENG 101 | Composition I 1 or Composition Enhanced or Composition I for International and Multilingual Students | 3 |
| MATH 124 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| 2nd semester | ||
| AAE 280 | Design Foundations II | 6 |
| AAD 201 | History of the Built Environment | 3 |
| AAD 223 | Graphic Software for Arch, Const, Dsgnr, Planners | 3 |
| US & Nevada Constitutions | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| 3rd semester | ||
| AAE 282 | Design Foundations III | 6 |
| AAD 268 | 3-D Presentation Graphics | 3 |
| ENG 102 or ENG 114 | Composition II or Composition II For International and Multilingual Students | 3 |
| PHYS 100 | Introductory Physics | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| 4th semester | ||
| AAE 283 | Design Foundation IV | 6 |
| AAD 232 | Bioclimatic Design | 3 |
| AAD 203 | History, Theory, and Culture - Architecture of the 20th and 21st Century | 3 |
| Fine Arts 1 | 3 | |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
- 1
Please see advisor if you placed in to ENG 102 or ENG 114.
Program Requirements
AAS degrees are generally non-transfer degrees designed for students to enter the workforce.
To earn an AAS degree, students must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
- Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
- Satisfy General Education requirements for the AAS.
- Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| English/Communications | 6 | |
Required: | ||
| Composition I 1 | ||
or ENG 100 | Composition Enhanced | |
or ENG 113 | Composition I for International and Multilingual Students | |
Required: | ||
| Composition II | ||
or ENG 114 | Composition II For International and Multilingual Students | |
| Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Science | 3 | |
| Recommended: | ||
| Course that meets Fine Arts | ||
| Human Relations: | [3] | |
| Introduction to Design Principles | ||
| Mathematics | 3 | |
Required: | ||
| College Algebra (Or higher) | ||
| Science | 3 | |
Required: | ||
| Introductory Physics | ||
| Additional College Requirements | ||
| Diversity | [3] | |
| History of the Built Environment | ||
| U.S. and Nevada Constitutions | 3 | |
| Degree Requirements | ||
| AAD 100 | Introduction to Architectural Design | 3 |
| AAD 201 | History of the Built Environment 2 | 3 |
| AAD 203 | History, Theory, and Culture - Architecture of the 20th and 21st Century | 3 |
| AAD 223 | Graphic Software for Arch, Const, Dsgnr, Planners | 3 |
| AAD 232 | Bioclimatic Design | 3 |
| AAD 268 | 3-D Presentation Graphics | 3 |
| AAE 180 | Introduction to Design Principles | 6 |
| AAE 280 | Design Foundations II | 6 |
| AAE 282 | Design Foundations III | 6 |
| AAE 283 | Design Foundation IV | 6 |
| Total Units | 60 | |
- 1
Please see advisor if you placed in to ENG 102 or ENG 114.
Program Outcomes
Students completing the degree will:
PSLO1: Apply foundational architectural design thinking, drafting, and 3D modeling skills to produce accurate and visually effective design imagery and models.
PSLO2: Analyze cultural, geographical, and environmental factors of high desert and alpine regions to inform contextually responsive design solutions.
PSLO3: Employ iterative design thinking processes—research, ideation, prototyping, and refinement—to generate creative solutions for region-specific architectural challenges.
PSLO4: Evaluate architectural precedents to inform design decisions and support the development of innovative, context-appropriate solutions.
