Hands-on, industry-relevant skills
Throughout the program, you will study theoretical concepts and learn how to:
- Create and coordinate construction drawings to industry standards
- Participate in all aspects of the design process, including the presentation of design solutions
- Research and apply various codes, standards and systems used in design and construction
- Visualize and communicate design in both 2 and 3 dimensions
- Use current architectural tools and software common in industry
- Contribute individually and as part of a team in a professional architectural environment
Architectural technologists have excellent presentation and communication skills in order to present drawings and plans to clients, consultants, and management teams. Throughout the program, you will develop your word processing, visual presentation and business communication skills.
Work experience
Second-year students with good academic standing are placed in architectural design offices for a 1 week period to receive mentorship in the professional work environment.
Students will also have the opportunity to participate in a 15-week paid co-op.
What you need to know about Structured Part-Time Pathways
Structured Part-time Learning allows you pursue your post-secondary studies while balancing your everyday life.
*Only certain programs are offered on a structured part-time basis.
Set course schedule
This program’s part-time learning follows a structured and set schedule. While intensive, this structured schedule means that your program will pre-determine and set your course schedule to ensure you can progress in the program in a part-time format.
Typically, you’ll take 2 to 3 courses per term. You can review the Courses and Advanced Credit tab to see the part-time structure for this program.
Financial aid and funding
There are different financial aid applications for full-time and part-time studies; the amount of student aid fund you can receive is affected by your course load. Review your student aid options or learn more by contacting financialaid@nait.ca.
Impact on Scholarships and Bursaries
Most scholarships, bursaries and awards offered by NAIT have course load requirements that will make students in structured part-time learning programs ineligible. To qualify for bursaries, you must have at least a 60% course load in a given term, while an 80% course load is required for scholarships.
International students are ineligible
International students with a study permit who take part-time learning cannot work during their studies and do not qualify for a post-graduation work permit after finishing their program.
Instead of part-time learning, we recommend that international students choose a full-time intake of this program or one of NAIT’s many other program options. This way, you can study at NAIT while ensuring your eligibility to work and qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
If you’re interested in this program option, be sure to select the "Structured Part-time Learning" when you apply online.
Want to learn more about this program?
Career Outcomes
Build your resume before you even graduate
Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.
View Work Integrated Learning
Work Experience Placements
Students in this program gain valuable work experience with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). WIL is a form of experiential learning that integrates academic studies with relevant work-based learning. The WIL placement in this program is a Co-op.
Co-op
A Co-op provides experience in a workplace setting related to the student's field of study. The number of required work terms varies by program; however, the time spent in work terms must be at least 30% of the time spent in academic study for programs over 2 years in length, and 25% of time for programs 2 years and shorter in length.
| Duration |
15 weeks |
| Compensation |
Yes |
| International Students |
Co-op Work Permit required |
| Placement Identified By |
Student - Submits resume to employers to apply for WIL positions. |
| Student Interview Required |
Yes |
Benefits of a Co-op
- Understand more about career opportunities, expectations and requirements of the professional field
- Gain the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world environment
- Create networking opportunities in your chosen industry
- Develop and improve communication, interpersonal and employment skills
- Gain confidence in your professional skills
- Practice job placement skills including job search, resume preparation, interviewing
- Explore career options and program specialization within the industry
- Improve application for future positions by gaining industry experience and increasing your employability
- Possibility of employment after graduation
- Potential financial benefits if the placement is paid
Finding a placement
- Create a profile on NAIT's job board, Career Connect
- Create and maintain a current resume, cover letter and list of references
- Apply for positions on Career Connect
- Prepare for, and attend, employer interviews
- Coordinate and communicate with your WIL Coordinator
- Be flexible, professional, and participate fully in the recruitment process
- Be aware of the anticipated outcomes of the placement
- Notify the coordinator for your program once you have an employment offer and sign a WIL Agreement
Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 7 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C in the course(s) or program
Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)
The following courses are available for PLAR credits in this program. Please select the specific course for more information on the required evidence.
Please refer to the Credit for Work and Life Experience page for more information on how to apply for PLAR credits.
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.
Scholarships & Awards
NAIT awards over $6 million in scholarships and bursaries to more than 4,000 students each year, with the support of donors and the government. A variety of awards are available, including ones for academics, community involvement, equity/diversity grants, bursaries for financial need, program-specific awards and more!
Learn how to apply for awards
Admission Requirements
This content is specific to the selected Sep 02, 2025 intake.
Minimum entrance requirements
The specific academic requirements you must meet to be considered for admission. Where applicable, the minimum accepted Alberta high school courses are listed in round brackets ( ). Equivalent or higher-level courses are also accepted.
Additional requirements & considerations
Alternative entrance pathways
If you are missing one or more of the minimum entrance requirements, you may be eligible for an alternative entrance pathway. For any pathway listed below, English language proficiency is also a requirement.
Completion of a Canadian Journeyperson Certificate in an approved trade. Approved trades include:
- Boilermaker
- Cabinetmaker
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Gasfitter (Class A)
- Glazier
- Ironworker (without a speciality, or both structural and reinforcing)
- Plumber
- Powerline Technician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Sheet Metal Worker
- Steamfitter-Pipefitter
- Welder
The Journeyperson alternative entrance pathway can be used to satisfy the minimum requirements for the program. While this pathway exists to provide alternative entry into the program, it is important that applicants take note of the minimum entrance requirements. Entrance requirements are in place to ensure applicants have an understanding of concepts which may be covered in these classes and built upon within their chosen area of study. Please review these requirements to ensure your future success.
Post-admission requirements
Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.
- Computer Requirement - General
Students are required to have laptop computers for the duration of their studies at NAIT. This is referred to as BYOD (bring your own device). Exact laptop specifications will be provided to the students upon acceptance.
NAIT provides a wireless environment for all students to use. NAIT students can also utilize the virtual environment (VDI) to access coursework and program-related software both on and off campus.
- Students are required to have a PC laptop computer for this program. For technology expectations see the PDF above in the Overview, Technology section. Approximate cost expectation for technology is $2000.
Additional options
This program has courses that are available for Open Studies. Open Studies allows you to explore credit courses without applying to a program. It is an opportunity to get a feel for school and what program you want to be in.
Learn more about Open Studies
Dates & Deadlines
International
Applications Open:
Aug 01, 2024
International
Applications Deadline:
Once the program is full
Domestic
Applications Open:
Oct 01, 2024
Application Deadline:
Once the program is full
Term Start Date:
Sep 02, 2025
Seats are limited - Apply early! Applications will remain open for at least one month from the open date. If the program/waitlist fill after that date, applications will close.
International Applicants
This program accepts international students.
PGWP Eligibility
This program does not meet eligibility criteria for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), following Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) field of study requirement effective November 1, 2024. Students who applied for a study permit before Nov. 1, 2024, are not affected by the new field of study rule and may be eligible for a PGWP.
While graduates are currently ineligible to apply for a PGWP, NAIT still welcomes international students to this program to gain valuable knowledge and skills to pursue your career goals, whether in Canada under another type of permit or in your home country or other international markets.
Co-Op Work Permit
Optional Co-op: Students in this program can choose to move into a co-op pathway, which includes a mandatory co-op work practicum. International students who plan to participate in this option must apply for a co-op work permit and get approval before starting the work placement.
Learn more about PGWP and explore eligible NAIT programs.
