The Major

B.F.A. Architecture is an interdisciplinary major that integrates architecture and design. The program (housed in the Department of Art, Architecture, and Art History) has an interdepartmental curriculum including coursework in studio arts, art history, environmental design, landscape architecture and regional planning, engineering, and building materials. This degree provides students broad exposure to aspects of building and material science as well as a variety of cultural, environmental, and historical perspectives, preparing them to make innovative and integrated contributions as architects and designers.

Concentrations

There are two concentrations: Architecture Studies and Design Studies.

The Architecture Studies concentration is intended for students who plan to pursue a professional graduate degree in architecture. It requires more courses in architecture studios, architectural history, and technology, and more directed electives related to design.

The Design Studies concentration is intended for students with a broader interest in the design fields, including interior design. It has more flexibility in requirements for studio, history, technology, and directed electives related to design. Because it has fewer requirements, it will also allow students to double major.

In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may consist of a preprofessional undergraduate degree (such as the BFA Architecture) and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

Requirements

The Architecture major will require the following core courses applicable to every student (courses carry the ARCH-DES designation unless otherwise noted):

• Math/Physics: 3 courses

MATH 104  Algebra/Analytic Geometry/Trigonometry

MATH 127  Calculus for Life & Social Sciences I

PHYS 131/133  Physics I plus Lab

• Foundations:  Choose 4 courses

ART 110  Basic Studio/Drawing

ART 120  Drawing Composition

ART 131  Two Dimensional Design I

ART 142  Three Dimensional Design I

Other 100 and 200 level studios approved by the Program

• Design/Graphics:  4 courses

300  Design I (4 cr)

301  Design II (4 cr)

540  Analysis and Representation I

541  Analysis and Representation II

• History/Theory:  3 courses

One survey course (ART-HIST 100, 110, or 115)                  

ART-HIST 118 History of Architecture and the Built Environment

370  Junior Year Writing

The Architectural Studies concentration will require the following additional courses:

• Design/Graphics: 3 courses

400  Design III (4 cr)

401  Design IV (4 cr)

403  Design V (5 cr) –or— 404  Design VI (6 cr)

• History/Theory:  2 courses

ART-HIST 343  20th Century Architecture

Additional architecture history course approved by the advisor

• Technology:  2 courses

BCT 211  Energy Efficient Housing

BCT 313  Principles of Light Frame Structure Technology

• Directed electives:  minimum 9 credits

Courses in architecture-related fields developed in consultation with and approved by the faculty advisor.

The Design Studies concentration will require the following additional courses:

• Design/Graphics:  1 course

Design or art studio approved by the advisor

• History/Theory:  1 course

Design history course approved by the advisor

• Technology:  1 course from the following list

BCT 211  Energy Efficient Housing

BCT 313  Principles of Light Frame Structure Technology

510  Furniture Design and Technology

• Directed Electives:  minimum 9 credits

Courses in design related fields developed in consultation with and approved by the faculty advisor.

Other Requirements of the Major

1. Grades: Majors must earn a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in all courses required for the major. 
2. Computers: Students are required to provide their own laptop computers and software, to specifications provided by Program, for all ARCH-DES design and graphics classes.

Admission to the Major

Admission to the Architecture major will require successful portfolio reviews in addition to fulfillment of the standard University admission requirements.

High school seniors with exceptional visual arts backgrounds can apply directly to the Architecture  major when they apply for admission to the University, subject to portfolio review.

UMass students in other majors (or undeclared status) can apply directly to the Architecture and Design majors while taking foundations level studios and art history surveys, subject to portfolio review.

External transfer students with strong visual arts backgrounds can apply directly to the major when applying to the University, subject to portfolio review.