Architectural Technology

Diploma

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Are you passionate about designing innovative spaces that shape the world around us? NAIT’s Architectural Technology program is the perfect fit for those ready to transform their creativity and attention to detail into a rewarding career. Architectural technologists are key members of architectural teams who translate design concepts into graphic images, then into technical drawings and specifications that ultimately result in the creation of the built environment.

As a student in our program, you'll acquire the essential skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field. From free-hand sketching techniques to computer-aided drawing skills, you'll learn to craft graphic images and technical drawings that bring architectural visions to reality.

You will also have the chance to participate in a co-op program to further your skills and gain practical work experience all while establishing invaluable connections with industry.

Our program equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities with architectural firms, construction companies, government agencies, and much more.


Technology

Please review the following pdf for the computer specifications needed for the first day of school.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Jan. 08, 2025 (Winter) Hybrid Evenings & Weekends Main 3 Years ((Part-time)) Open N/A
  Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Hybrid Weekdays - Daytime Main 2 Years (Full-time) Open Open
Jan. 08, 2026 (Winter) Hybrid Evenings & Weekends Main 3 Years (Part-time) Upcoming N/A
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

View Campus Map

Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

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?




The personal information on this form is being collected under the authority of the Post-secondary Learning Act and section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). The information will be protected by the provisions of FOIP, and will be used for the purpose of registration and administration of the event. If you have any questions or concerns about the collection, use, security or disclosure of the personal information, please contact General Council at 780.471.7664 or legal@nait.ca.

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

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

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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