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
Job Opportunities
- Assistant to Architects/Engineers/Design Professionals
- Technical and managerial positions with building contractors, home design companies, building component manufacturers and suppliers.
Industries
- Architectural and drafting firms
- Civic building inspector offices
- Housing and mortgage agencies
- Construction companies
- Product suppliers
- Building contractors
- Home design companies
- Building component manufacturers
Median Starting Salary
The expected starting salary for individuals with a(n) Architectural Technology Diploma is $43,840.
This salary information was based on graduate data from the past 3 years and reflects annual salaries for graduates who claimed they were working more than 30 hours per week. Graduates who quoted salaries below $10,000 and above $200,000 per year have been excluded. Note that NAIT publishes the median salary instead of the average to minimize the potential of outlying salaries distorting the mean. Data represented here may differ from other data sources due to differences in definition or differences in timing.
Grad Employment Rate
Employment rates are reported by NAIT alumni, are for information purposes, and do not guarantee future employment opportunities. Please note that data for newer programs may not be included within this report.
Download report
Take your career planning to the next level
This program can be used as a step toward earning higher credentials and/or certifications.
Further education at NAIT
Once you complete your credential, explore the programs below to specialize further or develop management skills.
Post-secondary articulation agreements within Alberta are approved by the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT). To view the details of specific agreements, please visit transferalberta.ca or contact articulations@nait.ca For questions regarding transfer agreements or to obtain a course description/outline that is no longer available on our website, please contact articulations@nait.ca.
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.
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.
Tuition & Fees
This content is specific to the selected Sep 03, 2024 intake.
The tuition and fee amounts are estimates based on current academic year's rates. For financial planning purposes, please use these totals as an approximate estimate of your costs. Actual fees may vary by term and enrolment activities. Please refer to the tuition and fees page for more detailed information.
Books, Supplies & Program Fees (est.)
Level 1 Term 1: $500
Level 1 Term 2: $500
Level 2 Term 1: $200
Level 2 Term 2: $200
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
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.
Recommended courses
The following course(s) are recommended, as they provide important background for your program's content. Recommended courses are not required for admission and will not affect your application.
Post-admission requirements
Although not required for admission, you must meet the following requirement(s) in order to progress in your program.
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:
Please contact the program area for more information.
International
Applications Deadline:
Please contact the program area for more information.
Domestic
Applications Open:
Please contact the program area for more information.
Application Deadline:
Please contact the program area for more information.
Term Start Date:
Please contact the program area for more information.
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. Students who applied for a study permit before November 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.
