Build your foundation in architecture, from sketches to structures
From skyscrapers and office buildings, to train stations and homes. Every structure
is 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 architectural
field.
With Harper’s two-year Associate in Arts degree, you’ll learn the tools required to either get a job in the architecture or construction
industries or prepare to transfer to a four-year university and become a practicing
architect.
You’ll learn from licensed professionals, experienced in the architectural design
industry. With courses in architectural drawing, design principles, structural systems,
construction methods, digital drafting, and the history of Chicago’s built environment,
you’ll learn how buildings are conceived, designed, and constructed - from initial
sketches to structural details.
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The two-year Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree with a focus in architectural studies is designed for students planning to
transfer to a four-year university. You'll complete general education requirements
at Harper, while building a strong foundation in architectural design, CAD software,
building materials, and more — fully preparing you for the next step.
To make transferring to a bachelor's degree program in architectural studies as easy
as possible, Harper College has developed transfer agreements with area universities.
To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your goals.
Architectural Studies certificate program
Enter the field of architecture with this 6-credit-hour certificate program focused
on CAD drafting, ideal for both beginners and professionals looking to build in-demand
skills. Taught by licensed experts, the program prepares you for roles like CAD drafter,
operator, or architectural drafter using the industry’s most current software.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Architectural Studies degree/certificate
programs. Each career profile offers a complete picture of 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 architectural studies at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700.
