Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Architectural Studies

Major Description

Architectural Studies provides an undergraduate academic education in architecture that can serve as a foundation for advanced professional education. It offers an appropriate balance of basic professional studies in architectural design, architectural history, practice and technology, structures, and studies in the arts and sciences.  It is humanistic and professional discipline, which synthesizes art and science through intellectual rigor, aesthetic judgment, and technical understanding. 

 

Courses That Introduce the Major:
  • ARCH 171—Design I: Concepts and Theories of Architectural Design
  • ARCH 172 —Design II: Drawing and Modeling
  • MATH 220—Calculus
  • MATH 231—Calculus II  or  Physics 101—College physics: Mech & Heat

Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.

Possible Career Opportunities:

This major prepares students to enter a two-year NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture degree program, or to pursue a graduate degree or career in an allied discipline.

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  • Ability to conceptualize & understand spatial relationships
  • Ability to generate ideas and evaluate feasibility of implementation
  • Ability to identify past influences
  • Ability to understand measurements
  • Aptitude for details, logic and reasoning
  • Computer skills
  • Creativity
  • Good technical writing ability
  • Knowledge of construction
  • Research and analytical skills
  • Architect
  • Architectural Historian
  • Building Contractor
  • City Planner
  • Conservator
  • Construction Manager
  • Consumer Researcher Educator
  • Draftsperson
  • Graphic Designer
  • Historic Preservationist
  • Industrial Designer
  • Inspector
  • Interior Architect
  • Interior Designer
  • Landscape Architect
  • Product Designer
  • Professor
  • Regional Planner
  • Surveyor
  • Technical Writer
  • Town Planner
  • Urban Designer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
  • Participating in undergraduate research
  • Applying for a study abroad experience
  • Join an Architectural Student Organization
  • Utilizing resources of The Career Center
  • Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
    • American Institute of Architecture Students: Promotes excellence in architecture education, training and practice. Members of the AIAS have the opportunity to have their work published in Crit, Journal of the AIAS, the only international journal devoted to the work and critical thoughts of architecture students.
    • Society for Evidence-Based Architecture: Brings together groups of students, faculty and professional who are committed to enhance human health and well-being through design of the build environment.
Further Information:

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Architectural Studies.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Architecture.  These organizations include American Institute of ArchitectsArchitects, Designers, Planners for Social Responsibility and National Association of Minority Architects.