About this program

Pursue the Bachelor of Architecture degree at Penn College and you’ll be primed for a career as a licensed architect. You’ll explore the historical and cultural significance of architecture, master modeling and design software, and learn the importance of promoting sustainable design. If you imagine creating inspired designs rooted in modern principles, this immersive five-year program will propel you in the direction of your dreams.

The architecture labs are undergoing major renovations for the Fall 2024 semester. Check out the details. →

The Bachelor of Architecture program is pursuing initial candidacy status for accreditation with the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

See Student Work

Next steps...

You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.

$82,840

Average Salary

24/7

Access to Design Studios

Shorten Your Pathway to Becoming a Licensed Architect

Careers

Potential employers: 

  • Architecture firms
  • Engineering firms
  • Environmental organizations
  • Government agencies

Potential job titles: 

  • Architect
  • Designer
  • LEED specialist
  • Project manager
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 Architecture Elective (ARC)
  • Architectural Design Studio IV (BSD332)
  • Detailing & Applications (BSD340)
  • Historic Preservation (BSD410)
  • History of Modern Architecture (ACH272)
  • Sustainable Community Planning & Design (BSD322)
  • Architectural Design Studio V (BSD352)
  • Renewable Energy Technologies (BSD420)
  • Architectural Design Studio VI (BSD432)
  • Architectural Theory (BSD442)
  • Sustainable Rating Systems (BSD450)
  • Architectural Design Studio VII (BSD452)
  • Architectural Thesis Studio I (BSD472)
  • Professional Practice (BSD482)
  • Architectural Thesis Studio II (BSD492)

​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.

  • Physics Survey (PHS103) or
  • Physics with Technological Applications (PHS114)
  • Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective (CDP)
  • Core Social Science Perspective (SSP)
  • Science Elective (SCI) or
  • Science Elective with lab (SCL)

​​Foundations are the practical, intellectual, and social skills: communication, collaboration, critical and ethical thinking, quantitative thinking, and technological literacy that are crucial to every student at every stage of education and at every stage of life.

  • College Algebra & Trigonometry I (MTH181)
  • English Composition I (ENL111)
  • Speech Elective (SPC)
  • English Composition II (ENL121) or
  • Technical & Professional Communication (ENL201)
  • Introduction to Geometry (MTH172) or
  • College Algebra & Trigonometry II (MTH183)
Collaborative Studio Space
Facilities

Collaborative Studio Space

Mixed use studios carve out space for design presentation, computer work, and layout table with designated model-building areas. 

Featured Videos

Virtual Tour

Think you have what it takes to design the future? Meet Professor Dorothy Gerring who will discuss the program and give you a tour of the hands-on studio spaces.

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 others or work independently to test theories, explore ideas, and gain real-world skills to power your career. 

Maker Profiles
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.

Apr 7

Undergraduate Open House

Sunday, April 7 8:30 AM - 3 PM

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.

Contact

Admissions Office

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. 

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Industry Partners

Work with experts to become an expert

Penn College's strong corporate 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) at Penn College

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) at Penn College

Appreciate architecture with friends and make connections that last a lifetime. This organization focuses on building leadership skills and community outreach. 

Student Organizations at Penn College

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.

Penn College News
02.21.2024

Local builders association supports students’ upcoming travel

Pennsylvania College of Technology students who are set to compete at the International Builders Show this month were hosted recently by the West Branch Susquehanna Builders Association, which presented the students with a check for $3,500 to offset the cost of their competition and travel expenses. The students are members of the Penn College Construction Association. Each year, the association sends students to the show, where they compete in the National Association of Home Builders Student Competition.

01.24.2024

Coterra Energy presents $1.4 million check to Penn College

Representatives from Coterra Energy, Pennsylvania College of Technology and elected officials from the region gathered on Jan. 24 for the presentation of a $1.4 million check in conjunction with the company’s Neighborhood Assistance Program donation to the college. The funds will pay for renovation and expansion of labs and instructional spaces in the college’s electrical and architecture & sustainable design programs, as well as generate Camp Freedom scholarships for veterans and first responders.

12.11.2023

Architecture students create, display educational wall mockups

Third-year architecture students created and, on Thursday, presented their final projects: physical mockups developed from the best-drawn wall sections created using SketchUp design software. "A great experience it was," said Rob A. Wozniak, associate professor of architecture, whose 18 students in his Detailing & Applications class (BSD 340) were divided into three teams.

Gain global experience
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.

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Student Experience

The community as their classroom

Enrichment through site visits

Enrichment through site visits

Architecture students benefited from eye-opening visits to the Lycoming County Resource Management Services landfill in Allenwood and the John R. T. Ryan Restaurant & Brewery in a section of downtown Williamsport that recently underwent extensive redevelopment.

Read More

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 and established NAAB Program and Student Criteria.

View general transfer information

View the Architectural Technology Tool List

Architecture Related Software and Computer Specifications

Students in the Architecture Department programs are required to purchase their own laptop computers for use during our courses and labs. The minimum computer specifications below are based on the hardware requirements needed to run the software that we utilize including:

  • Autodesk AutoCAD®
  • Autodesk Revit®
  • Adobe Photoshop®
  • Act-3D Lumion®
  • Microsoft Office®

Minimum Laptop Computer Requirements

  • 64-bit Windows 10 or higher (recommended).
  • Multi-core Intel Core i7 or i9 CPU running at 2.5 GHZ or higher (recommended).
  • 32+ GB RAM (required).
  • 1+ TB M.2 NVMe Drive (recommended).
  • Dedicated 8+ GB graphics card (required).
  • Video Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 (could be higher, but will impact Lumion® performance).
  • Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
  • Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
  • Broadband Internet connection when working off campus.
  • Additional plug-ins for software may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
  • Multi-year support plan including accidental damage protection (recommended).
  • The specifications above are based on requirements for Revit ® 2023 “Performance” system recommendations and Lumion® 12.5 “Recommended requirements”. Please review those sites to ensure your laptop meets the requirements.
  • *Apple computers and Chromebooks are prohibited.

Tools 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
  • Ms. Erica Schreffler, '12, Architecture Project Coordinator, Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates
  • Mr. Brent A Stebbins, '88, Partner/Architect/Designer, RLPS Architects
  • Mr. Anthony H Visco, Jr., '69, Owner, Anthony H. Visco, Jr., Architects
  • Mr. Daniel Willis, Emeritus Professor of Architecture, Penn State University
  • Career Fair Connections

    Career Fair Connections

    Penn College graduates are in high demand. Employer participation at the Career Fair is proof. Attracting 400+ organizations, this popular event is hosted twice per year and introduces students to all types of businesses from startups to Fortune 500 companies. 

    Learn More About Career Fair