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The Major
BFA Architecture is an interdisciplinary major that integrates architecture and design. The program 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 104 Algebra/Analytic Geometry/Trigonometry MATH 127 Calculus for Life & Social Sciences I PHYS 131/133 Physics I plus Lab
ART 110 Basic Studio/Drawing ART 120 Drawing Composition ART 131 Foundation Studio 1 ART 142 Foundation Studio 2 Other 100 and 200 level studios approved by the Program
300 Design I (4 cr) 301 Design II (4 cr) 540 Analysis and Representation I 541 Analysis and Representation II
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:
400 Design III (4 cr) 401 Design IV (4 cr) 403 Design V (5 cr) –or— 404 Design VI (6 cr)
ART-HIST 343 20th Century Architecture
BCT 211 Energy Efficient Housing BCT 313 Principles of Light Frame Structure Technology
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 or art studio approved by the advisor
BCT 211 Energy Efficient Housing BCT 313 Principles of Light Frame Structure Technology 510 Furniture Design and Technology
Courses in design related fields developed in consultation with and approved by the faculty advisor. Other Requirements of the Major
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. |
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