Navigating Architecture Classes in College Curriculum

Architecture programs in colleges and universities offer a structured pathway for students to develop the diverse skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the field. These programs typically combine theoretical coursework with hands-on studio experience, preparing graduates for licensure and professional practice.

Core Components of an Architecture Curriculum

An architecture curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, carefully designed to provide a holistic understanding of the built environment. These subjects include design principles, history and theory, technical systems, and professional practice.

Design Studios: The Heart of Architectural Education

The studio sequence is at the core of architectural education. It progressively explores formal, conceptual, and technical considerations and how they interrelate in the creation of space. The School of Architecture recognizes design as a synthesis of thinking, analyzing, and making - an iterative process that engages issues of space, historical precedent, sustainability, ecology, urbanity, landscape, built-form, and construction toward innovation. These studios provide students with opportunities to apply their knowledge and develop their design skills through practical projects.

History and Theory: Understanding the Past to Shape the Future

Courses in architectural history and theory provide students with a critical understanding of the evolution of architecture and its cultural context. Students delve into the history of Western architecture, explore world architecture, and analyze modern architecture. These courses equip students with a foundation for informed design decisions and a broader perspective on the role of architecture in society. Architecture History Electives, offer a range of courses.

Technical Systems: Integrating Engineering and Design

A strong understanding of technical systems is crucial for architects to create safe, sustainable, and functional buildings. Curricula include courses such as:

Architectural Structures: These courses cover the principles of structural design and materials, ensuring that students can design buildings that are structurally sound and efficient. ARC 331 Architectural Structures I (Preq. ARC 232) and ARC 332 Architectural Structures II (Preq. ARC 331) are examples of such courses.
Environmental Control Systems: These courses focus on the integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems into building design, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability. ARC 414 Environmental Controls Systems (Preq. ARC 211) is an example.
Architectural Construction Systems: These courses cover the methods and materials used in building construction, providing students with a practical understanding of how buildings are assembled. ARC 432 Architectural Construction Systems (Preq. ARC 232) is an example.

Digital Representation: Communicating Design Ideas

In today's digital age, proficiency in digital representation is essential for architects. Courses in this area cover computer-aided design (CAD), building information modeling (BIM), and other digital tools used to create and communicate design ideas. ARC 251 Digital Representation is an example.

Professional Practice: Navigating the Business of Architecture

Courses in professional practice prepare students for the business and ethical aspects of architecture. These courses cover topics such as contracts, project management, and professional ethics. ARCH 5430 Introduction to Professional Practice in Architecture is an example.

Degree Options: Bachelor of Architecture vs. Bachelor of Design

Colleges and universities offer different degree paths in architecture, each with its own focus and requirements. The two most common options are the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) and the Bachelor of Design (B.Des.).

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)

The Bachelor of Architecture is a professional degree that is typically required for licensure as an architect. Most states require architects to hold accredited degrees. Two types of degrees accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) are the Bachelor of Architecture (5 years) and the Master of Architecture (1, 2 or 3 years depending on institution). Both degrees are structured for registration and licensure. It is a more intensive program that focuses on design studio work and technical coursework, preparing students for a wide range of architectural roles. The B.Arch. program is limited access.

Bachelor of Design (B.Des.)

The Bachelor of Design is a non-professional degree that provides a broader foundation in design principles and skills. The Bachelor of Design requires students to demonstrate and to understand the creative design process and associated skills as they relate to problem solving and spatial organization. Students will develop skills in spatial design, graphic communication, materials, technology and environmental issues. It is often a good option for students who are interested in pursuing careers in related fields such as urban planning, interior design, or landscape architecture.

Course Examples at Dallas College

Architecture classes at Dallas College give students the opportunity to gain exposure to the wide variety of skills that architects must master. Dallas College offers a range of architecture courses, including:

ARC 211 Natural Systems and Architecture
ARC 232 Structures and Materials
ARC 241 Introduction to World Architecture
ARC 242 History of Western Architecture
ARC 251 Digital Representation
ARC 331 Architectural Structures I (Preq. ARC 232)
ARC 332 Architectural Structures II (Preq. ARC 331)
ARC 414 Environmental Controls Systems (Preq. ARC 211)
ARC 432 Architectural Construction Systems (Preq. ARC 232)
ARC 441 History of Contemporary Architecture

Curriculum Structure and Progression

Architecture programs typically follow a structured curriculum with a clear progression of courses. Students begin with foundational courses in design, history, and technology, and then move on to more advanced topics in their later years.

Critical Tracking

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for progress toward each major. To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses.

Semester Examples

At Northeastern University, for example, the architecture curriculum is structured as follows:

SEMESTER 1

ARCH 1000 Architecture at Northeastern
ARCH 1110 Fundamental Architectural Representation
ARCH 1120 Fundamental Architectural Design
ARCH 1310 and ARCH 1311 Buildings and Cities, A Global History and Recitation for ARCH 1310
PHYS 1141 General Physics

SEMESTER 2

ARCH 2130 Site, Space, Program
ARCH 2240 Architectonic Systems
Architecture History Elective 1 (Complete any course in the range of ARCH 2300 to ARCH 2399)
EEAM 2000 Professional Development for Co-op
ENGW 1111 First-Year Writing

SEMESTER 3

ARCH 2140 Urban Housing
ARCH 3450 Advanced Architectural Communication
Architecture History Elective 2 (Complete any course in the range of ARCH 2300 to ARCH 2399)
MATH 1241 Calculus 1

SEMESTER 4

ARCH 2340 and ARCH 2341 Modern Architecture and Recitation for ARCH 2340
ARCH 3170 Architecture, Infrastructure, and the City
ARCH 3210 and ARCH 3211 Environmental Systems and Recitation for ARCH 3210

SEMESTER 5

Travel Study Students work with the department and their advisor to choose the approved off-campus study experience that best aligns with their ambitions.

SEMESTER 6

ARCH 5115 Option Studio
ARCH 5330 Theories of Architecture and Urbanism
ARCH 5430 Introduction to Professional Practice in Architecture
ENGW 3314 Advanced Writing in the Arts, Media, and Design or ENGW 3315 Interdisciplinary Advanced Writing in the Disciplines

SEMESTER 7

ARCH 3370 Advanced Topics in Architectural History
ARCH 5140 Capstone Studio
ARCH 5230 and ARCH 5231 Structural Systems and Recitation for ARCH 5230
ARCH 5310 Design Tactics and Operations

Prerequisites

Many courses have prerequisites, ensuring that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in advanced coursework. For example, ARC 331 Architectural Structures I requires ARC 232 as a prerequisite.

Enhancing the Learning Experience

Many architecture programs offer opportunities to enhance the learning experience through study-abroad programs, off-site learning opportunities, and access to specialized facilities.

Study Abroad

Many students supplement their education with study-abroad and off-site learning opportunities in Vicenza, Asia, Mexico, Nantucket and more. Students work with the department and their advisor to choose the approved off-campus study experience that best aligns with their ambitions. Please note that Urban and Architectural History Abroad (ARCH 4850), taught exclusively on Dialogues of Civilizations, also satisfies one of the two architectural history electives.

Facilities

An extensive library, modern computer labs, woodshop, 3D fabrication lab and beautiful college environment facilitate creativity.

Considerations

When registering for classes, note additional electives are required. If you are taking less than 18 semester hours during fall or spring semesters, verify with your advisor that you have registered for all required electives.

GPA requirement

Minimum 2.500 GPA required Architecture Major Credit Requirement Complete 96 semester hours in the major.

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