From skyscrapers and office buildings, to train stations and homes. Each structure
used by humans was carefully designed by an architect. This creative industry employs
over one million people across the country. Because every state requires architects
to be licensed, a two-year degree or certificate will help propel you closer to a
career in the field.
At Harper, learn the tools required to either get a job in the architecture or construction
industries or prepare for the university level and become a practicing architect.
Classes are taught by licensed professionals, experienced in the architectural design
industry.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in architecture. Speak with your advisor about the best courses
to take to meet your academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Earn a workforce credential
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Architectural Studies degree/certificate
programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including
salaries, open positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Architectural Studies Careers page.
Architects
Architects
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Architects career profile for most current data.
$81,142 Median Salary
-0.5% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
132 Job Postings
Description:
Architects plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings,
theaters, factories, and other structural property.
Core tasks:
Develop final construction plans that include aesthetic representations of the structure
or details for its construction.
Prepare scale drawings or architectural designs, using computer-aided design or other
tools.
Meet with clients to review or discuss architectural drawings.
Prepare information regarding design, structure specifications, materials, color,
equipment, estimated costs, or construction time.
Quick facts:
Nearly 96% of architects have at least a bachelor's or master's degree, while nearly
5% have an associate degree only.
Top posted job titles include project architects, lead architects, and technical designers.
Top Chicago-area companies hiring architects include Actalent, GPAC, and Norr Agency.
Prepare detailed drawings of architectural and structural features of buildings or
drawings and topographical relief maps used in civil engineering projects, such as
highways, bridges, and public works. Use knowledge of building materials, engineering
practices, and mathematics to complete drawings.
Core tasks:
Produce drawings, using computer-assisted drafting systems (CAD) or drafting machines,
or by hand, using compasses, dividers, protractors, triangles, and other drafting
devices.
Draft plans and detailed drawings for structures, installations, and construction
projects, such as highways, sewage disposal systems, and dikes, working from sketches
or notes.
Coordinate structural, electrical, and mechanical designs and determine a method of
presentation to graphically represent building plans.
Quick facts:
Nearly 18% of architectural and civil drafters have an associate degree only, while
over 80% have a bachelor's or master's degree.
Top posted job titles include project architectural designers, civil design engineers,
and BIM modelers.
Top Chicago-area companies hiring architects include Actalent, GPAC, and CDM Smith.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
