Overview
Gain the knowledge and critical thinking skills you need to work as an architectural technologist for architectural firms, residential builders, and various companies involved in the construction industry.
Architectural technologists are involved in all stages of building design and construction. You’ll gain experience in a supportive, learner-focused environment through project-based learning that simulates and simplifies work practices. You’ll also develop essential skills in a setting that’s modelled on real-world workplaces so you can hit the ground running when you graduate.
This two-year, four-semester program is one of the most complete foundation credentials for anyone interested in a career in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry and focuses on blending the science and practice of architectural technology. We see that students learn best when they construct knowledge and meaning from a collaboration between their learning experiences and their ideas. Through this type of applied experiential education, you’ll develop the connection of hand and mind through innovation, relevant content, engaging instructors and peers who also want meaningful careers.
Each semester is organized around a core project. These projects will involve both individual and group-based work through collaborative learning and teaching. There is an emphasis on learning by doing so you can develop the critical thinking skills required in a safe and supportive environment. This will enable you to approach problems that you’ll see in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. In the fourth semester, you’ll complete a capstone project that pulls all your skills and knowledge together and helps set you up for the next leg of your journey into industry.
Is this the right fit for me?
The most successful students in the program are those with a good foundation in math & physics, have good interpersonal skills, have a creative mindset, are able to work in a diverse workplace, and are not afraid of a challenge.
Credential
Upon successfully completing this program, graduates will be awarded a SAIT diploma in Architectural Technologies.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates from this program are well prepared for careers in technical architectural planning and design, building science, building systems, bylaws and regulations, 3D & 4D building information modeling, project management, virtual design, and more. Potential positions include:
- architectural technologist
- architect assistants
- building inspectors
- building products sales
- graphic designers
Related careers include:
- drafting technician
- engineering design and drafting technician
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,420
- Year 2: $7,420
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $20,506.30
- Year 2: $20,506.30
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, and,
- at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and,
- at least 50% in a Grade 12 Science.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through the application portal.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the construction.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 15, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | Aug. 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | Dec. 13, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course code | Course name | credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 200 | Documentation and Regulation I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 201 | Science and Systems I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 203 | Technology I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 205 | Research and Design I | 3.0 |
| COMM 238 | Technical Communications I | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 261 | Science and Systems II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 262 | Documentation and Regulation II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 263 | Technology II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 285 | Research and Design II | 3.0 |
| MATH 262 | Technical Mathematics I | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 total | 15.0 | |
| First year total | 30.0 | |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 300 | Documentation and Regulation III | 3.0 |
| ARCH 301 | Science and Systems III | 3.0 |
| ARCH 303 | Technology III | 3.0 |
| ARCH 305 | Research and Design III | 3.0 |
| STAT 245 | Statistics for Engineering and Technology I | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 351 | Science and Systems IV | 3.0 |
| ARCH 353 | Technology IV | 3.0 |
| ARCH 362 | Documentation and Regulation IV | 3.0 |
| ARCH 386 | Research and Design IV | 3.0 |
| PROJ 372 | Architectural Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 total | 15.0 | |
| Program total | 60.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,850 | $948 | $622 | $7,420 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,850 | $948 | $622 | $7,420 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,936.30 | $948 | $622 | $20,506.30 |
| 2 | 2 | $18,936.30 | $948 | $622 | $20,506.30 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.23/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation (ORNT 118) for students starting in Fall 2023 will take place online on August 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
You'll need to register for your classes ahead of each semester.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn how to register for your classes and find important registration deadlines.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a power-user hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Students require a Windows PC. Mac-based laptops are not supported in this program.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
This program doesn't require any textbooks.
Contact
Phone: 403.284.8367
Email: construction.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Blair Marsden, Academic Chair
Email: blair.marsden@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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