17 Credits CERT3554, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
Resources
This certificate is an introduction to the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry. A stackable credential towards the AAS of Architectural Drafting and Design, this program covers the basics of the AEC industry software fundamentals, application practice of software, and construction principles.
Campus: North Mankato
Program Start Semester: Fall
Base estimate for 17 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $3,646
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $3,646 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (7 Courses)
Complete all of the following courses:
ARCH1100 Introduction to Architectural Drafting and Design (1 credits)
An overview of academic preparation and career opportunities in the fields of Architecture, Engineering and Construction as they pertain to the role of technical drafting, construction document production, architectural marketing and building product manufacturing.
ARCH1101 Studio 1 (4 credits)
An introductory studio course developing a set of working drawings for a residential construction project. Course topics include the history of drafting, drafting views, basic drafting techniques, measuring, residential terminology, basic document production and best practices. Emphasis on document production for wood-frame construction and the application of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software into the design process. This course advances to explore multi-family construction concepts, design considerations and code implications. An examination of the coordination and drafting of civil engineering information for residential design is included. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1102 AutoCAD Architecture (2 credits)
This introductory Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) course explores AutoCAD Architecture beginning with basic AutoCAD tools and advancing to AutoCAD Architecture tools. CAD management concepts and exploring AutoCAD Architecture 3D are included. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1103 Materials & Methods 1 (2 credits)
An exploration of building materials used in commercial and residential construction. Common building materials such as wood, masonry, concrete, and metals will be examined. Basic building methods such as foundation systems, framing systems, and windows-door systems are analyzed. Introduction to architectural detail drafting and software detail component libraries are included. (Prerequisites: None)
ARCH1201 Studio 2 (4 credits)
An introductory studio course developing a set of working drawings for a light commercial construction project. Course topics include commercial construction principles, commercial terminology, document management, advanced document production and best practices. Emphasis on document production for steel-frame construction and the application of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software into the design process. An introduction to the incorporation of state and local building code as they pertain to architectural design is included. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1101) (Co-Requisites: ARCH 1202 and ARCH 1203)
ARCH1202 Revit 1 Fundamentals (2 credits)
Introductory Building Information Modeling (BIM) course that explores Revit for Architecture. An in-depth practice of basic Revit tools as they pertain to modeling basics, drafting views, detail creation, construction documentation, and renderings. A strong emphasis on industry standards and best practice for BIM. (Prerequisites: ARCH 1101) (Co-requisite: ARCH 1201)
ARCH1203 Materials & Methods 2 (2 credits)
A continued exploration of building assemblies used in construction. Common building methods such as concrete, structural steel, light-gauge steel framing, and membrane roofing are examined. Commercial applications of fabricated stair/railings and elevator systems are analyzed. A strong emphasis on architectural detail drafting and full unitization of software detail component libraries. Coordination and drafting of civil engineering information for commercial architecture is also included. (Prerequisite: ARCH 1103) (Co-Requisite: ARCH 1201)
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
