Facilities
Fully Equipped Computer Labs
Bring your latest designs to life our expansive labs outfitted with the latest software from AutoCAD, Revit, Trimble Sketchup, and Adobe Photoshop.
Architecture
Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
About this program
Technology has redefined building design and planning. At Penn College, you’ll learn how to harness industry-leading software to create the buildings of tomorrow. Coursework covers everything from mechanical and structural systems to estimating, building design, and more. With expert faculty by your side and lots of hands-on hours in the lab, you’ll be ready to take on tomorrow in as few as four semesters!
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Careers
- Architectural draftsperson
- CAD operator
- Detailer
- Specification writer
Courses
At Penn College, we believe your educational experience should go beyond specialized skills. Real-world ready means taking a broader approach that builds communication skills, inspires collaboration, and encourages exploration of arts, history, and science.
Specialization requires in-depth knowledge and high-level proficiency. Students learn and apply major-specific concepts, skills, and methods.
- Introduction to Architecture (ACH101)
- Architectural Graphics (ACH111)
- Architectural History (ACH112)
- Building Materials I (ACH119)
- Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting (ACH135)
- Building Materials II (ACH129)
- Construction Documents - Residential (ACH139)
- Building Codes & Accessibility (ACH141)
- Architectural Design Studio I (ACH181)
- Architectural Graphics II (ACH211)
- Construction Documents - Commercial (ACH239)
- Structural Principles (ACH243)
- Architectural Design Studio II (ACH261)
- Sustainability: Building & Living Green (ACH262)
- Computers & Estimating (ACH264)
- Environmental Systems (ACH240)
- Structural Applications (ACH253)
- Architectural Design Studio III (ACH281)
- Specified Architectural Elective (ACH)
Perspectives are points of view, offering a variety of ways of understanding, interacting, and influencing the world. Students identify, explain, and utilize the approaches used by academics and professionals to study, analyze, or understand problems, and offer solutions.
Featured Video
Q & A
Meet Naim Jabbour, architecture and sustainable design professor. In this video, he dives into some of the most commonly asked questions about architecture.
Maker Profiles
Student
Alejandro Huaman
Architecture & Sustainable Design
He's an aspiring architect, guitarist, soccer player, runner, and self-taught barber. What's next?
Student , Athlete
Megan Bugbee
Architecture & Sustainable Design
She's driven to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
Faculty
Naim Jabbour
Architecture & Sustainable Design
He's a true tomorrow maker who is determined to change the future for the better.
Tour Schedule
Seeing is believing.
Think Penn College might be a good fit for you? Make plans to visit and discover what hands-on learning is all about. Academic Tours allow you to explore labs and get to the core of your future program. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into your academic area of interest, opt for a Self-Scheduled Personal Tour. Comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
May 25
Open House
Wednesday, May 258:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jun 26
Open House
Sunday, June 268:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 23
Open House
Saturday, July 238:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
Jul 29
Open House
Friday, July 298:30 AM - 2:30 PM Eastern Time (U.S.)
More tour dates are on the way.
But let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
Need a different date?
Let's customize a tour for you now. Call, chat, or email for options.
If you can't attend any of these dates Contact Admissions at 570.320.2400
Tomorrow is in the Making
The Dr. Welch Workshop
The makerspace is an open workshop for all students. Take hands-on learning to the next level. Explore your creativity. Bring your ideas to light. Collaborate with other students, faculty and staff, or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career.
Industry Partners
Work with experts to become an expert
Penn College's strong partnerships impact every step of your journey – from your first day in the classroom and labs, to career placement (oftentimes before graduation) and beyond.
Student Life
Lead and put your skills to the test
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
Appreciate architecture with friends and make connections that last a lifetime. This organization focuses on building leadership skills and community outreach.
SkillsUSA
Participation in SkillsUSA gives students a chance to compete in more than 80 national competitions.
Student Organizations at Penn College
Your college experience is about more than the classroom. Join one of 65+ clubs and organizations, or create your own.
News
04.22.2022
Women in Construction enjoy faculty-led Vic House visit
Members of the Penn College Women in Construction club – including President Makenzie Erinn Witmer, a construction management ...
04.20.2022
Students headed to Denver as ‘Solar Decathlon’ finalists
Pennsylvania College of Technology is fielding one of the 55 teams traveling to Colorado this week for the final round of the U ...
04.12.2022
Walls of well-wishers line architecture seniors’ home stretch
Soon-to-be graduates in architecture and sustainable design celebrated the culmination of their education by showcasing projects ...
Study Abroad
Gain global experience
See the world via Williamsport. Take your education abroad and get hands-on experience learning about your industry on a global scale.
Internship
Your knowledge in practice
Internships are key for career preparation. Apply your know-how in the workplace and learn about the industry first-hand.
Student Experience
Sitting idly by? Not these students!
Six teams of third-year students in Architectural Design Studio V pursued the literal “seat of knowledge” in fashioning functional furniture out of corrugated cardboard on each side of the recent Spring Break. Offered annually since at least 2016, the creative exercise gives the groups two weeks each to design and build full-scale chairs from sheets of the recyclable material that integrate the concepts of function, aesthetics, ergonomics and detail.
More Information
In addition to the transfer standards established by the College, students seeking transfer credit from another institution for architecture program courses may be asked to submit examples of coursework to the architecture department head. Determination by the department head as to whether transfer credit is given will be based on alignment of the transfer course with Penn College course content.
View the Architecture Tool List
CAD Software Links and Computer Specifications
The following is a list of information that will be helpful for Architecture & Sustainable Design students interested in purchasing their own computers. Please note that purchasing a computer and software is optional. Students in our programs are not required to purchase their own computers. Many of our classrooms are equipped with computers and we have open computer labs most evenings and during the weekend.
Students in the Architecture & Sustainable Design majors use the following programs:
- Autodesk AutoCAD®
- Autodesk Revit®
- Trimble Sketchup®
- Adobe Photoshop®
Many of the software products developed by Autodesk are free to our students if they enroll in the Autodesk® student community. If students wish to purchase their own computers, we suggest they purchase one capable of running Revit.
- Systems requirements for all Autodesk® products (AutoCAD® and Revit®)
- System requirements for Revit
- Autodesk Download page (registration required)
Supplies are available for purchase through The College Store.
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement.
Visit the Alternative Credit Options page for requirements and procedures and for information on credit through Advanced Placement.
- Mr. Larry Basile, '91, Executive Vice President, Supply Source, Inc.
- Mr. David W Daneker, '81, Construction Project Manager, UPMC Susquehanna
- Mr. Robert J Gehr, AIA, NCARB, '86, Vice President, Retail Design & Buildings, Larson Design Group, Inc.
- Mr. Jeff A LeFevre, '75, President, LeFevre Wilk Architects, LLC
- Mr. Brent A Stebbins, '88, Partner/Architect/Designer, RLPS Architects
- Mr. Anthony H Visco, Jr., '69, Owner, Anthony H. Visco, Jr., Architects