Architectural technologists are involved at every stage of building design and construction, from blueprints to building codes and from interior design to space planning. It’s a great career for detail-oriented, visual thinkers who enjoy working in a technology-driven environment. You’ll be able to work in residential, commercial and institutional design and construction.
Architectural Technologies is a three-year diploma offered full time at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw campus. It includes five academic semesters and three four-month Co-operative Education work terms. The program offers two areas of concentration: Building Sciences and Interior Design. The first three semesters are common to both areas. You’ll focus on residential design and wood frame construction (National Building Code - Part 9), and build knowledge and skills in:
In your fourth and fifth semesters, you’ll focus in on your chosen area. In Building Science, you’ll receive an introduction to commercial and institutional building construction with emphasis on construction detailing and methods, structural systems, environmental controls and the building envelope (National Building Code - Parts 3 and 4).
In Interior Design, you’ll receive an introduction to commercial and institutional interior construction with an emphasis on interior finishes, detailing and methods, space planning, lighting design and material selection (National Building Code - Parts 3 and 4).
Your co-operative work term counts as courses. You pay tuition and receive credit, but you also get paid. It’s a great way to gain valuable experience while earning a salary.
Co-operative work terms are paid, so you'll earn while you learn. Saskatchewan Polytechnic arranges your interviews; it's up to you to shine. It's also a chance to develop important "soft skills" in job interviewing, professional attitude, interpersonal communication and more.
Many of our co-op employers require both a valid Saskatchewan Driver's License and a clean Driver's Abstract. For international students, it can take up to 12 months to obtain a Driver's license; therefore, it is to your advantage to come with a Driver's License from your home country if possible.
Use your Architectural Technologies diploma to ladder into the Bachelor of Construction Management right here at Saskatchewan Polytechnic or as a stepping stone to the Bachelor of Interior Design degree program at RCC Institute of Technology or the Bachelor of Technology degree program at Memorial University in Newfoundland.
Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in the building design construction industry. Many graduates are self-employed consultants in the home building industry while others work for architects, engineers, interior designers, home designers, facility managers, developers, contractors or construction specialty companies.
Do you need help deciding if these careers could be a good fit for you? Contact Career Counselling Services.
Do you already know this is the program you want to take but need more detailed information or help applying? Connect with a Recruitment Advisor.
| Sample Job Title | NOC Classification1 | Earning Potential2 |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Estimator/Project Manager | Construction Estimators (2234) | $50,000 - $110,000 |
| Architectural/Interior Designer | Architectural Technologists and Technicians (2251) | $26,100 - $93,900 |
| Technical Sales/Specification Writer | Technical Sales Specialists - Wholesale Trade (6221) | $31,900 - $101,400 |
September
*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics requirement also accepted:
ACCUPLACER©
The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.
2020/21 Academic Year
Year 1 - $9,085
Year 2 - $11,325
Year 3 - $4,520
| Sept - Dec | Jan - Apr | May - Aug | |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Work term 1 |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Work term 2 | Semester 4 |
| Year 3 | Work term 3 | Semester 5 |
Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. See links below to more information about PLAR and detailed PLAR candidate guides for courses in this program.
Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit to Sask Polytech or to another college or university.
Transfer credit options vary over time; this information is subject to change. Transfer credit options for this program include:
potential transfer credit toward Bachelor and Master's degrees in interior design, architecture and construction management.Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.
The Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists’ (CCTT) Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) accredits the program at the Technologist level. The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) also accredits the program as an International Associate Degree Program.
The educational unit shall demonstrate accountable behavior by providing information about its accredited degree programs to the general public.
Institutions shall broadly and accurately publish the objectives of the degree program, admission requirements, degree program assessment measures employed, the information obtained through these assessment measures and actions taken as a result of the feedback, student achievement, the rate and types of employment of graduates and any data supporting the qualitative claims made by the degree program.
Program Objectives, Assessment and Quality Improvement Plan
Mission Statement
The Architectural Technologies program provides students with the highest quality preparation for employment and leadership in all aspects of Saskatchewan’s building design and construction industry.
Goals
We endeavour to become…
We endeavour to provide…
Measurable Objectives
American Council for Construction Education-Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation from this ACCE Accredited program, a graduate shall be able to:
1. Demonstrate effective communication, both orally and in writing.
2. Demonstrate the ability to estimate quantities and costs for the bidding process in a construction project.
3. Demonstrate the ability to schedule a basic construction project.
4. Demonstrate the ability to use current technology related to the construction process.
5. Interpret construction documents (contracts, specifications, and drawings) used in managing a construction project.
6. Apply basic principles of construction accounting.
7. Use basic surveying techniques used in building layout.
8. Discuss basic principles of ethics in the construction industry.
9. Identify the fundamentals of contracts, codes, and regulations that govern a construction project.
10. Recognize basic construction methods, materials and equipment.
11. Recognize basic safety hazards on a construction site and standard prevention measures.
12. Recognize the basic principles of structural design.
13. Recognize the basic principles of mechanical, electrical and piping systems.
In addition, upon graduation from this program, a graduate shall also be able to:
14. Design NBC Part 9 residential buildings
15. Participate in the design of NBC Part 3 commercial buildings.
Technology Accreditation Canada- General Outcomes
Upon Graduation from this TAC Accredited program, a graduate shall be able to:
Technology Accreditation Canada- Program Discipline Outcomes
Upon Graduation from this TAC Accredited program, a graduate shall be able to:
Average number of applicants over the past five years: 90
Program capacity in first semester: 42
We recommend that prospective students apply in the fall of their final year of high school. Please verify admission requirements with the registration office.
The primary purpose of program review is to ensure that Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs reflect current and emerging practices in business and industry. The program review process examines the viability and sustainability of programs in fostering the skills, knowledge, and practices to meet the needs of business and industry and the provincial economy. View the complete program review policy.
Annual Program Assessment: Accountability
The annual program assessment review will use summary data gathered by Institutional Research and Analysis (IR&A) and IR&A will be prepared annually for base programs. IR&A will prepare a program summary review report based on the key factors and performance indicators that have readily available quantifiable data. This report will include an assessment of the program's results based on the benchmark for each performance indicator. The data are primarily a numerical consolidation of annual program metrics including:
The report will also contain results from the most recent graduate employment and student surveys, including:
The annual program assessment will be provided to the Provost and Vice President Academic, deans and program head/chairs. The program head/chairs and division deans will meet to discuss program performance using the data to inform future planning. The discussion will also include any feedback from program advisory committee meetings.
Annual Program Assessment Support: Program Vitality Index Decision Making Matrix
The annual program assessment will be complemented by an examination of critical criteria from the institutional Program Vitality Index Decision Making Matrix/Rubric. The program vitality index provides information that facilitates determining the viability of program offerings and in developing program performance measures. IR&A will prepare an annual report which scores each program on four (4) critical criteria that focus on the demonstration of a critical mass of students, appropriate graduation rates and evidence of sufficient employment opportunities:
Programs are expected to score 60% or greater to be deemed viable and not require further examination. Programs scoring less than 60% will undergo further examination using established secondary criteria. The Program Vitality Index Decision Making Matrix/Rubric report for each program will be provided annually to the Provost and Vice President Academic and division deans who will provide results and discuss the outcomes and future program direction with their program head/chairs.
Program Review Sustainability
The program review will occur for all base programs and will consist of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic education framework analysis, including a gap analysis. The Saskatchewan Polytechnic education framework analysis will examine the following key areas:
Participation in the education framework gap analysis will include the school's program development consultant, program head/chair and the dean or associate dean as well as program faculty as needed. The review will identify strengths and opportunities for improvement in each of the key areas and will outline a plan to meet any deficiencies. Following each education framework review, results will be discussed with the program advisory committee or trade board. Results of the program review will be acted upon as per the Academic Authorities' Grid.
External Accreditation and Program Approval
Many programs are accredited by an external agency or approved by a professional association. Accreditation and professional association approval usually provides a comprehensive examination of curriculum and other key program components and elements based on approved up-to-date fixed standards. Preparation for accreditation or approval is the responsibility of the program and will be conducted per accrediting body timelines. Accredited and approved programs may also choose to have optional research done. This will supplement the accreditation or approval findings by providing information in any areas that the accreditation or approval process did not cover.
External Processes
Internal Processes
ESSENTIAL ELEMENT 1. PROGRAM DESIGN
ESSENTIAL ELEMENT 2. STUDENT EVALUATION
CUSTOMIZED ELEMENT 3. PROGRAM DELIVERY
CUSTOMIZED ELEMENT 4. STUDENT INTAKES
CUSTOMIZED ELEMENT 5. STUDENT PROGRESSION
CUSTOMIZED ELEMENT 6. LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES
SUPPORTIVE ELEMENT 7. STUDENT SUPPORT
SUPPORTIVE ELEMENT 8. EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORTIVE ELEMENT 9. INDUSTRY RELATIONS
Student Awards
Students in the Architectural Technologies program have recently won Academic Achievement and Centennial Merit awards for overall average as well as specific awards for achievement in individual courses.
The Saskatchewan Association of Architects, the Interior Designers Association of Saskatchewan, Construction Specifications Canada, and the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians all offer student awards.
Skills Canada
The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country.
Every year, more than 500 young people from all regions of Canada come to SCNC to participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology contests.
Each year, the Architectural Technologies program sends a graduate to compete at the national competition. Competing against the best representatives from all across Canada, we routinely do better than any other school, winning a medal every year, usually a gold medal, since 2000.
Applied Research Awards
The Architectural Technologies program often participates in applied research with industry partners. The Architectural Technologies program has won five awards from the Regional Centre of Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development for a series of small projects including studies of a green roof, community gardens, 100-mile house and a project in Thailand which involved students travelling to Thailand to build a school using local-sustainable materials.
In addition, the program won a federal NSERC grant for a study of energy consumption in commercial buildings.
Co-operative Employment Program
All students are required to work three paid work terms with local employers. When a graduate seeks employment, they are looking for their fourth job, not their first. Typically, the construction industry has been doing well and we have placed all students each semester.
During temporary economic downturns pertaining to resource prices, it sometimes takes longer to find employment. Our students and graduates have an edge over those without formal construction education.
Typical co-op employment over three semesters.
In Regina: 37 placements
In Saskatoon: 35 placements
Other locations: 13 placements
Graduate Employment
In recent years all graduates seeking employment have been employed in the building industry. Many return to a previous co-op employer. Others seek new opportunities. Some continue with their education.
Graduates may be employed in design offices, by homebuilders, by heavy construction companies, by property managers and by construction material suppliers.
Self-Employment
It is not unusual for a graduate with a few years' experience to open their own design or construction management firm, usually in the residential sector.
There is no better way to assess the program than to speak with former grads who now work in the construction industry. Contact the program and you will be put in touch with several grads.
Aggregate data is available on the school web site. Program specific data may be obtained from the Dean's office.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic routinely surveys students, graduates and employers. These are incorporated in the formal internal quality assessment process. Following are some recent (2016-17) survey results:
Students (percentage agreeing with the statement)
Graduates (percentage agreeing with the statement)
Employers of recent graduates (percentage agreeing with the statement)
