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Associate of Science Degree
Architecture

This program leads to the Associate of Science Degree in Architecture for university transfer to Architecture, advanced Tech Prep placement, employment in architectural firms, the AES (Architectural/Engineering/Construction) and Design industries, Public Works/Utilities. The program includes applications such as BIM (Building Information Modeling), CADD (Computer-Assisted Design and Drafting), LEED (Leader-ship in Energy and Environmental Design), 3D Printing, and traditional drafting methods and standards.  By completion of specific General Education courses, this program fulfills many of the requirements and foundation courses for transfer to Baccalaureate Architectural-related majors but does not fulfill all transfer requirements for specific Baccalaureate degree programs.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: ARCH 101 / CIV 101 / ENGT 101 M3.0
ARCH 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawings & Graphics (Same as CIV 101, ENGT 101) (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This basic course in technical drawing and graphics is for students with no previous drafting skills or training who want to pursue training in fields and careers related to architecture, civil design, and engineering design drafting. Practical application with the tools, techniques, standards, and practices used in the industries that need technical drawings and graphics. ARCH 101, CIV 101, ENGT 101 are cross-listed. Credit will be granted for one course only.

CIV 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawing & Graphics (Same as ARCH 101, ENGT 101) (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This basic course in technical drawing and graphics is for students with no previous drafting skills or training. The course is designed for students who want to pursue training in fields and careers related to architecture, civil design, and engineering design drafting. Practical application with the tools, techniques, standards, and practices used in the industries that need technical drawings and graphics is a feature of the course. ARCH 101, CIV 101, ENGT 101 are cross-llisted. Credit will be granted for one course only.

ENGT 101 - Introduction to Technical Drawing & Graphics (Same as ARCH 101, CIV 101) (3.0 units)

(Formerly DRAF 101)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This basic course in technical drawing and graphics is for students with no previous drafting skills or training. The course is designed for students who want to pursue training in fields and careers related to architecture, civil design, and engineering design drafting. Practical application with the tools, techniques, standards, and practices used in the industries that need technical drawings and graphics is a feature of the course. ARCH 101, CIV 101, ENGT 101 are cross-listed courses. Credit will be granted for one course only..

ENGT 105 - Introduction to Visualization, Sketching, & RenderingM2.0
ENGT 105 - Introduction to Visualization, Sketching, & Rendering (2.0 units)

(Formerly DRAF 105)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to develop skills in drawing as used by design professionals in architectural and technical applications. Using visualization and deploying basic principles of proportion, composition, and freehand techniques, students prepare technical isometric, oblique, perspective, and orthographic sketches to industry standards. Design considerations for various projects involving preliminary design sketches are also introduced. This course is open to all students who want to develop drawing skills. It is required for all students working towards a degree or certificate in the Architecture and Engineering Design Drafting program.

ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - Academic Reading and Writing (formerly ENGL 101) (3.5 units)

(Formerly ENGL 001A, ENGL 101)

Prerequisite:Placement as determined by the college’s multiple measures assessment process.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

In this course, students receive instruction in academic reading and writing, including writing processes, effective use of language, analytical thinking, and the foundations of academic research. This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. 

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE3.0†

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units. 

Select one:
ANTH 104;
ASL 101, 124, 201, 202;
CHIN 101, 102;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
EGSS 130;
ENGL 126, 131;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145;
JAPN 101, 102;
KIN 199
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H,140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A, 146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H;
MSCM 128;
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140;
POLS 128, 128H, 150;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202;
SPCH 130, 132

Select one: MATH 175 / MATH 150 / MATH 062 (RHC GE 2)GE3.0†
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 062, MATH 070, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 175 - Plane Trigonometry (3.0 units)

(Formerly MATH 090, 033)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a geometry and an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:ENGL C1000
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students majoring in mathematics, science, and engineering. The course equips students with the skills necessary for success in precalculus, presenting the concepts of plane trigonometry using a functions approach. The course also includes a study of trigonometric functions including their inverses and graphs, identities and proofs related to trigonometric expressions, trigonometric equations, solving right triangles, solving triangles using the law of cosines and the law of sines, polar coordinates, and an introduction to vectors.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

MATH 062 - Pre-Statistics (5.0 units)

Prerequisite: MATH 053 or MATH 053B or appropriate placement
Advisory: ENGL 035 or ENLA 100 or appropriate placement; READ 043 or appropriate placement

This course surveys a variety of mathematical topics to prepare students for college-level statistics. Topics include data analysis using ratios, rates and proportional reasoning, graphical and tabular displays of data, measures of central tendency and spread, computing probabilities, describing associations of two variables graphically, graphing equations of lines and linear models, and solving linear equations and inequalities. The course is for students in liberal arts, humanities, and social sciences majors. It should not be taken by students majoring in science, technology, engineering, math, or business.

Total Semester Units:14.5† 
2nd Semester
ENGT 150 - AutoCAD for Basic CADD ApplicationsM4.0
ENGT 150 - AutoCAD for Basic CADD Applications (4.0 units)

(Formerly DRAF 150)

Advisory:ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course is for students preparing for high-technology careers who need the skills necessary to function as an entry-level computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) operator, or to apply CADD to the specific disciplines of mechanical and architectural design, manufacturing, illustration, and engineering-related documents. An overview of computer graphics and CADD utilizing the latest release of AutoCAD software is provided. Students produce 2D orthographic, isometric, and basic 3D model solutions of mechanical and architectural applications.

ARCH 115 - Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and DesignM4.0
ARCH 115 - Introduction to Residential Architecture: Drawing and Design (4.0 units)

(Formerly ARCH 004A)

Advisory:ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting
Transfers to: CSU

This introductory course is for students interested in the field of architectural drawing and design. The course includes the study of architectural graphic standards related to creating construction drawings for residential projects (e.g., site plans, floor plans, roof plans, and elevations). Electrical, foundation and framing, and other drawings for a single-family residential structure are discussed. Emphasis is placed on symbology, conventions, and techniques to develop technical skills an entry-level architectural drafter needs. Construction methods, building codes, design factors, planning, and the use of reference materials are discussed and applied. All construction documents are developed using traditional board drafting methods and standards.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
POLS C1000, C1000H;
HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one:
AJ 101
ANTH 102, 102H, 103, 104, 110, 115, 125;
CD 106, 208;
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H, 150;
ECON 101, 101H, 102, 102H, 106, 135;
EGSS 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 102, 103;
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170;
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130;
KIN 170, 190, 195
MSCM 103, 128;
PHIL 128, 128H, 135;
POLS C1000, C1000H, 115, 125, 128, 128H, 130, 135,140,150;
PSY 112, 114, 180, 200;
PSYC C1000, C1000H;
SOC 101, 101H, 102, 105, 110, 114, 116, 120, 127, 130;
SPCH 150

Total Semester Units:15.0 
Summer 1
RHC GE 5 - Natural Sciences with LabGE4.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

Select one Natural Science with Lab:
ANTH 101, 101H & 101L;
ASTR 110, 110H & 112, 137;
BIOL 101, 105 & 105L, 111 & 111L, 112, 120 & 120L;
BIOT 100;
CHEM 110, 120, 130;
GEOG 101 & 101L;
GEOL 150 & 151, 152 & 152L;
PHY 120, 150, 160, 211, 212, 213

Total Semester Units:4.0 
3rd Semester
ARCH 225 - Commercial Architecture: Design and ConstructionM4.0
ARCH 225 - Commercial Architecture: Design and Construction (4.0 units)

(Formerly ARCH 005B)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115
Advisory:ENGT 150 or ENGT 170 or industry experience in CADD applications
Transfers to: CSU

This advanced level course is for students pursuing an A.S. Degree or Certificate in Architecture and Architectural Design and Drawing. The course includes the study of common planning concerns as well as the most significant building ordinances and codes which influence the design of commercial spaces. As a component of the course, students will prepare select architectural plans for a commercial building project. Emphasis is placed on effective space utilization, technical plans, elevations, aesthetics, accessible requirements, site utilization and development, traffic flow, and landscaping.

ARCH 215 - Perspective and RenderingM4.0
ARCH 215 - Perspective and Rendering (4.0 units)

(Formerly ARCH 016)

Prerequisite: CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or ARCH 101 or ENGT 105
Advisory:ENGT 150, ARCH 115
Transfers to:UC,CSU

In this course, students utilize the theory and practical application of perspective drawing and rendering in design fields such as architecture and interior design. Topics include one and two-point perspectives, and rendering techniques such as markers, pastels, pencil, pen, ink, and design software. Presentation techniques are also discussed.

ARCH 260 - Residential Architecture Using Revit and 3D SoftwareM4.0
ARCH 260 - Residential Architecture Using Revit and 3D Software (4.0 units)

(Formerly DRAF 023)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115; ENGT 150
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Architecture or Architectural Design and Drawing with the intent of transferring and continuing their study of architecture. It presents an intensive study of building information modeling (BIM) applications as they relate to architecture. Utilizing the latest releases of Revit BIM software and technical and architectural drafting conventions learned in previous courses, students will produce two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) BIM-generated residential architectural drawings and 3D virtual models. High technology skills necessary to function as a designer or computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) drafter are emphasized.

RHC GE 8 - Oral Communication and Critical ThinkingGE3.0
Notes:
If transfer level math/quantitative reasoning has been completed with a "C" or better, area 8b has been met.

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Select one:
CIT 101, 125, 135;
COMM C1000, C1000H;
ENGL 125, C1001, C1001H;
DSCI 101;
FIN 101;
GIS 120;

MATH 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 190H, 191, 250, 251, 260, 270;
PHIL 110, 110H, 112, 112H, 115;
PSY 190;
SPCH 100, 100H, 120, 140;
STAT C1000, C1000H;
READ 101;
VOCB 101

Total Semester Units:15.0 
4th Semester
ARCH 235 - Architectural Design StudioM4.0
ARCH 235 - Architectural Design Studio (4.0 units)

(Formerly ARCH 030)

Prerequisite:CIV 101 or ARCH 101 or ENGT 101
Advisory:ARCH 115, ENGT 150, ARCH 215
Transfers to: UC, CSU

In this course, students learn about topics related to multiple design principles, including concept applications, spatial and form definition, preliminary studies, interior and exterior space planning, site orientation, styles, and materials. Student design concepts are expressed both verbally and graphically through presentation drawings, isometrics and perspectives, conceptual models, renderings, and photographs. Students develop skills in a studio environment, addressing existing conditions, problem-solving with design criteria, codes, and environmental relationships, and working on abstract, residential, and small commercial structures.

ARCH 125 - Residential Architecture: Design & ConstructionM4.0
ARCH 125 - Residential Architecture: Design & Construction (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115
Advisory:ENGT 150 or ENGT 170, or industry experience in CADD applications
Transfers to: CSU

This intermediate-level course is for students pursuing a degree or certificate in architectural design and drawing, and is a requirement for both the A.S. degree and certificate. The course includes the study of common planning concerns as well as the most significant building ordinances and codes that influence the design of single-family residential spaces. As a component of the course, students prepare select architectural plans for a residential building project. Emphasis is placed on site planning, appropriate and accurate space dimensioning, door/window (safety) requirements, plumbing requirements, multi-story access, exterior surface coverings, and basic structural framing.

Select one: ARCH 236 / ARCH 261 / ENGT 200 M4.0
ARCH 236 - Architectural Design Studio II (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ARCH 235
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This second-level course builds upon the foundation of the Architectural Design Studio course (ARCH 235). The course presents additional design approaches to the spatial and form definition of an architectural program; urban and site planning; and topographic, civil, and environmental issues. Architectural design proposals and projects are expressed verbally and graphically using presentation drawings, conceptual models, renderings, and photographs. Students enhance their design skills in a studio atmosphere, working to justify their design solutions.

ARCH 261 - Construction Technology and BIM (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ARCH 115
Advisory: ENGT 150
Transfers to: CSU

This course presents an intensive study of building information modeling (BIM) applications as they relate to construction. Students will produce two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) BIM generated commercial drawings, building data, and 3D virtual models. BIM application features includes cost estimating, scheduling, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. extensions of the Revit software. High technology skills necessary to function within the evolving industry.

ENGT 200 - Intermediate CAD Modeling for Design & Production (4.0 units)

(Formerly DRAF 200)

Advisory:ENGT 150 or ENGT 170 or ARCH 101 or CIV 101 or ENGT 101 or two years of high school drafting or ENGT 105
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers CAD strategies for the application and methods used in industry to generate the creation of designs and the construction of mock ups. There is a focus on the development of three dimensional surfaces and solids.

ARCH 103 - History of Architecture: Renaissance to PresentM3.0
ARCH 103 - History of Architecture: Renaissance to Present (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course surveys the historical development of modern architecture from the Renaissance to the present day. The influence of technological, ecological, environmental, cultural, and socio-economic factors on architecture are considered. Analysis of current and future trends and developments in contemporary architecture and environmental design is covered.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

Select one: KINA or DANC activity course.
Students who have completed a Fire, Police, Wildland Fire, or Corrections Academy from an accredited institution are automatically waived from this requirement, as are students with a DD214 on file. Exemption may be granted to those students physically unable to complete this requirement. Exemption forms are available in Student Health & Psychological Services.

Total Semester Units:16.0 
Total Units for Architecture AS program 64.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Given various visual communication technologies, such as traditional drafting, sketching, CADD, BIM (Building Information Modeling); perspective drawing, and three- dimensional model development; industry standards such as AIA and AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction); graphic standards, and the building code, students will effectively understand, communicate, and interpret design concepts and criteria for various disciplines related to the AEC industry.


2

Students will be prepared to transfer to advanced fields of study in architecture-related occupations.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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