Architectural Technology
School of Construction & Design Technologies
Lifelong Education Center, Rm. C156 · (570) 327-4518
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Registered Architect?
- What are the requirements to become a Registered Architect?
- Is the Penn College Architectural Technology degree accredited?
- Why choose Penn College?
- What can I do with an Associate of Applied Science Architectural Technology degree?
- What is special about Penn College?
- What are the realities of degree transfers?
- Can I transfer to Penn State?
- Does Penn College have any special partnerships or transfer agreements with architectural programs at other colleges?
Q: What is a Registered Architect?
A: A Registered Architect is a person who is licensed by a state to practice architecture. You may not call yourself an architect unless you are registered as an architect. Architects are licensed by the state to protect the health and safety of the public by setting standards that must be met in order to practice architecture.
Q: What are the requirements to become a Registered Architect?
A: Most states require the following three items in order to become registered:
- Accredited five-year bachelor's of Architecture degree OR master's of Architecture degree. Accreditation is by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB).
- Three years of experience in the field of architecture working under a registered architect. Many states require participation in the Internship Development Program (IDP).
- Passage of registration tests (equivalent to four days of testing).
Some states (NOT Pennsylvania) will allow registration with an associate's degree and additional years of experience instead of the accredited degree.
Q: Is the Penn College Architectural Technology degree accredited?
A: Penn College's degrees are accredited by the Middle States accrediting agency. The Architectural Technology two-year associate of applied science degree is NOT accredited by NAAB — they only accredit 5-year bachelor's of Architecture degrees and master's of Architecture degrees.
Q: Why choose Penn College?
A: There are several reasons that students choose Penn College:
- for a career as a draftsperson (there is a need for many people to produce documents in order to get a building built)
- to attain better grades/portfolio, in order to be accepted to an accredited five-year bachelor's of Architecture program
- for hands-on fundamental instruction to use as a basis for your future career goals
Q: What can I do with an Associate of Applied Science Architectural Technology degree?
A: Our students have done several things with this degree:
- work in an architectural firm or an architectural consultant firm
- work in a position related to architecture in the construction field
- continue education, whether in architecture or in a related major
Q: What is special about Penn College?
A: We pride ourselves on providing students with a broad base of fundamental knowledge, both theory and hands-on, about architecture and construction. Students learn from experienced faculty in small classroom settings. We are committed to having the most recent computer software releases available for students. Also, we are 'open admission.'
Q: What are the realities of degree transfers?
A: Any time you transfer a degree, you must meet the degree requirements at the institution to which you are transferring. Institutions may require you to meet whatever requirements they want, because you want to graduate with their degree. Because every college or university has its own distinctive program, you always have some discrepancies when you transfer.
If you wish to transfer your Penn College degree, you'll have to send transcripts to the institution to which you are transferring. In addition, since their courses probably don't have the same names as our courses, you'll need to provide a copy of the course syllabus for the courses you've taken here. You'll receive a course syllabus on the first class meeting. Make sure you hold onto it! The syllabus lists the course outcomes and types of assignments. The faculty at the transferring institution will review each syllabus and determine which courses are equivalent to their courses. You will receive direct credit for courses they deem equivalent. Typically, you'll receive elective credit for all other courses.
Q: Can I transfer to Penn State?
A: Penn State will accept Penn College Architectural Technology credits into their bachelor's of Architecture degree. HOWEVER, Penn State requires that anyone graduating with their degree MUST take five years of their design studio. This means that it will take you five years to complete your degree. They make NO exception to this rule.
Penn State accepts only a few transfer students. They do not have a set number of seats to fill. They have many applicants. The portfolio review process for Penn State emphasizes art and media, rather than construction documents.
A few students from Penn College have transferred to Penn State, but most students apply elsewhere in order to spend less time getting their Architecture degree.
Q: Does Penn College have any special partnerships or transfer agreements with architectural programs at other colleges?
A: Yes. Penn College has established an articulation agreement that allows Penn College students to transfer up to 1.5 years’ worth of credits into SUNY Buffalo’s five-year bachelor-degree program.