Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Architecture B.S.

School of Architecture
College of Design
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2018
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 98 to 99
  • Degree: Bachelor of Science
The bachelor of science (with a major in architecture) is a pre-professional architecture degree program that offers studio-based design education and a rigorous program of history/theory and building technology courses. The program exposes students to the formal, socio-cultural, material, environmental, and historical factors that shape built environments. The BS program fosters a sense of stewardship for local and global built environments by providing opportunities for students to engage with College of Design faculty and research centers, to enroll in service learning courses, and to study abroad. Design education in the BS program is structured around five sequential semester-long design studios. Each studio is a focused study in one of architecture’s core areas: 1. material assemblies, 2. site and the designed environment, 3. program and typology, 4. metropolitan design, and 5. advanced design. Through hands-on making and complementary courses, students demonstrate how these core areas affect formal, spatial, and experiential qualities of architectural space. BS students develop visual literacy through design thinking and the development of design processes in design studios by engaging spatial representation in drawing and computational courses, by researching historical precedents and theoretical texts in history and theory seminars, and by exploring concepts of sustainability and resilience in technology courses. The BS program fosters a sense of stewardship of local and global built environments by providing opportunities for students to engage with College of Design faculty and research centers, to engage in design-build activities, to enroll in service learning courses, and to study abroad. Students are eligible to apply to the BS degree program from within the College of Design after completing all required first-year courses. Admission is competitive, with a portfolio, transcripts, and an essay included in the application process. Students in the BS will take five required 6-credit design studios, a sequence of history/theory and building technology courses, and 9 credits of upper-level architecture electives. Graduates of the BS are well prepared to apply to the second year of the School of Architecture's master's of architecture graduate program; master's of science degree programs in sustainability, heritage preservation and conservation, and metropolitan design; as well as other graduate degree programs at peer institutions, per their admissions requirements.
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Students must complete 12 credits before admission to the program.
Freshman and transfer students are usually admitted to pre-major status before admission to this major.
A GPA above 2.0 is preferred for the following:
  • 2.80 already admitted to the degree-granting college
  • 2.80 transferring from another University of Minnesota college
  • 2.80 transferring from outside the University
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Prereqs for the B.D.A. or B.S.
ARCH 1281 - Design Fundamentals I [AH] (4.0 cr)
ARCH 2301 - Drawing and Critical Thinking (4.0 cr)
ARCH 2281 - Design Fundamentals II (4.0 cr)
General Requirements
All students in baccalaureate degree programs are required to complete general University and college requirements including writing and liberal education courses. For more information about University-wide requirements, see the liberal education requirements. Required courses for the major, minor or certificate in which a student receives a D grade (with or without plus or minus) do not count toward the major, minor or certificate (including transfer courses).
Program Requirements
Major coursework
ARCH 3281 -  Architecture Studio 01: Material (6.0 cr)
ARCH 3282 - Architecture Studio 02: Site (6.0 cr)
ARCH 3611 - Design in the Digital Age (3.0 cr)
ARCH 4283 - Architecture Studio 03: Program (6.0 cr)
ARCH 4284 - Architecture Studio 04: Urban Design (6.0 cr)
ARCH 4511 - Materials and Methods I (3.0 cr)
ARCH 4521 - Environmental Technology I (3.0 cr)
ARCH 4561 - Architecture and Ecology [ENV] (3.0 cr)
ARCH 4571 - Architectural Structures I (3.0 cr)
ARCH 4701W - Introduction to Urban Form and Theory [WI] (3.0 cr)
ARCH 5212 - Undergraduate Architecture Studio 05: Advanced Design (6.0 cr)
ARCH 3411W - Architectural History to 1750 [HIS, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 3411V - Architectural History to 1750 [HIS, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
ARCH 3412W - Architectural History Since 1750 [HIS, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 3412H {Inactive} [HIS, GP] (3.0 cr)
ARCH 3711V - Honors: Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context [SOCS, CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 3711W - Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context [SOCS, CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
Courses to be completed prior to year three of the program
Calculus
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus [MATH] (4.0 cr)
or MATH 1271 - Calculus I [MATH] (4.0 cr)
Physics
PHYS 1101W - Introductory College Physics I [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
or PHYS 1201W {Inactive} [PHYS, WI] (5.0 cr)
or PHYS 1301W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering I [PHYS, WI] (4.0 cr)
Architectural history elective
ARCH 4421W - Architecture and Interpretation: The Cave and the Light [WI] (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 4423 {Inactive} (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 4424 - Renaissance Architecture (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 4425W - Baroque Architecture [WI] (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 4428 {Inactive} [HIS, GP] (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 4432 - Modern Architecture (3.0 cr)
or ARCH 4434 - Contemporary Architecture (3.0 cr)
or Arch 44XX Architecture History
Architecture electives
Nine upper division architecture credits not used elsewhere.
Take exactly 9 credit(s) from the following:
· ARCH 3xxx
· ARCH 4xxx
Upper division credits outside the major
Take 9 upper division credits outside the major
Upper Division Writing Intensive within the major
Students are required to take one upper division writing intensive course within the major. If that requirement has not been satisfied within the core major requirements, students must choose one course from the following list. Some of these courses may also fulfill other major requirements.
Take 0 - 1 course(s) from the following:
· ARCH 3411V - Architectural History to 1750 [HIS, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ARCH 3411W - Architectural History to 1750 [HIS, GP, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ARCH 3711V - Honors: Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context [SOCS, CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ARCH 3711W - Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context [SOCS, CIV, WI] (3.0 cr)
· ARCH 4421W - Architecture and Interpretation: The Cave and the Light [WI] (3.0 cr)
· ARCH 4701W - Introduction to Urban Form and Theory [WI] (3.0 cr)
 
More program views..
View college catalog(s):
· College of Design

View future requirement(s):
· Fall 2022
· Spring 2021
· Fall 2020

View sample plan(s):
· Architecture

View checkpoint chart:
· Architecture B.S.
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ARCH 1281 - Design Fundamentals I (AH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Using architecture broadly defined, students will develop essential habits of work and mind, as well as an ability to understand the relationship between drawing, making and exploring. The course will introduce and begin to build an understanding of the role of iteration and critique, as well as traditional and contemporary modes of representation in architecture.
ARCH 2301 - Drawing and Critical Thinking
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 1301/Arch 5371/LA 5301/LA
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
This course provides an in-depth foundation for understanding how drawing functions as a discipline-specific way of thinking, brings self-critical precision to non-verbal production, and supports processes of conceptual exploration. prereq: Arch 2281 or department consent
ARCH 2281 - Design Fundamentals II
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Foundation architectural design studio. Design principles, technical drawing, material manipulation.
ARCH 3281 - Architecture Studio 01: Material
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Students in this undergraduate studio practice an iterative, open-ended design process as it relates especially to the technical and experiential role of materials, material assembly, construction, structure, and tectonics in architecture. Students develop their ability to think through multiple modes of media, including physical and digital drawings and models, with an emphasis on physical model-making. prereq: Arch BS major and Arch 2301
ARCH 3282 - Architecture Studio 02: Site
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Students in this undergraduate studio practice an iterative, open-ended design process as it relates especially to the fundamental role of site as a technical and experiential context in architecture. Students learn to identify and explore the static, dynamic, tangible, and intangible forces that impact, and are impacted by, architectural interventions. Students develop their ability to think through multiple modes of media, including physical and digital drawings and models, with an emphasis on physical model-making. prereq: [3281 or 4281], BS Arch major
ARCH 3611 - Design in the Digital Age
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3611/Arch 5611
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to design, design process. Developing/understanding ways of seeing, thinking, and acting as a designer. Changes in design being wrought by digital technology. Team design project.
ARCH 4283 - Architecture Studio 03: Program
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Students in this undergraduate studio practice an iterative, open-ended design process as it relates especially to the fundamental role of program as a technical and experiential aspect of architecture. Students learn to broadly explore and critically evaluate the needs and activities required and possible through design interventions in the built environment. Students develop their ability to think through multiple modes of media, including physical and digital drawings and models, with an emphasis on digital model-making.
ARCH 4284 - Architecture Studio 04: Urban Design
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Students in this undergraduate studio develop design sensibilities around the role of architecture in the urban environment. Students engage the complex realities and discourses that relate to urban design; develop their ability to work with multiple layers of consideration, related terminology and means of representation; develop their ability to work with ways of observing, interpreting, and synthesizing that are specific to urban conditions and processes; and further develop a sensibility for the broad possibilities of doing urban design.
ARCH 4511 - Materials and Methods I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Building materials, assemblies, construction operations shaping building designs. Material properties for designing/detailing building systems, elements, components. Applications. Modeling, hands-on building experiences. prereq: BS Arch major or BDA major jr/sr
ARCH 4521 - Environmental Technology I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Issues related to environmental quality/design. Climate response. Heating, cooling, lighting design. Indoor air quality. prereq: BS Arch major
ARCH 4561 - Architecture and Ecology (ENV)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4501/Arch 4561/Arch 5501
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to theories/practices of ecological approaches to architectural design. Ecological context, implications/opportunities of architecture. Historical/theoretical framework for ecological design thinking. Issues studied at various scales: site/community, building, component.
ARCH 4571 - Architectural Structures I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Structural mechanics, graphic/quantitative analysis. Loads, materiality, strength, equilibrium, stability, serviceability, reliability. External/internal forces. Shear/moment diagrams/calculations. Structural behavior of building systems. Design using wood/steel members. prereq: BS Arch major
ARCH 4701W - Introduction to Urban Form and Theory (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Urban form, related issues of design/theory/culture. Thematic history of cities. Lectures, discussions, assignments. prereq: [3411, 3412] or instr consent
ARCH 5212 - Undergraduate Architecture Studio 05: Advanced Design
Credits: 6.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Advanced design studio to engage students in range of critical subjects to be determined by respective instructors. Intended to challenge students with independent/experimental approach to design that builds on prior knowledge, develop working methodologies/design ethics. prereq: C- or better in 3281, 3282, 4283, 4284
ARCH 3411W - Architectural History to 1750 (HIS, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3411W/Arch 3411V
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will begin to situate us, and our work, in the context of the much larger, much longer human story. Architecture, both in practice and in its historical study, is fundamentally about people. In studying the human past through the built environment, from prehistory to 1750, we will see how architecture, both the ordinary and the extraordinary, is the product of its cultural, political, and social context. People make buildings and spaces, and buildings and spaces shape the ideas and behaviors of people. By studying architectural history we will learn about trends of style and form, but our primary emphasis is to learn about the relationships, practices, narratives, and beliefs that have constituted human culture around the world and across time. prereq: first year writing requirement; Soph or above
ARCH 3411V - Architectural History to 1750 (HIS, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3411W/Arch 3411V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will begin to situate us, and our work, in the context of the much larger, much longer human story. Architecture, both in practice and in its historical study, is fundamentally about people. In studying the human past through the built environment, from prehistory to 1750, we will see how architecture, both the ordinary and the extraordinary, is the product of its cultural, political, and social context. People make buildings and spaces, and buildings and spaces shape the ideas and behaviors of people. By studying architectural history we will learn about trends of style and form, but our primary emphasis is to learn about the relationships, practices, narratives, and beliefs that have constituted human culture around the world and across time. prereq: first year writing requirement; Soph or above
ARCH 3412W - Architectural History Since 1750 (HIS, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Examples of the built environment from the Enlightenment to the present are studied within a broad social, cultural, and political context. Major architectural movements and their associated forms and designs. prereq: Soph or above
ARCH 3711V - Honors: Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context (SOCS, CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3711W/Arch 3711V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designed environment as cultural medium and as product of a sociocultural process and expression of values, ideas, and behavioral patterns. Design/construction as complex political process. prereq: Honors, [soph or above]
ARCH 3711W - Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context (SOCS, CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3711W/Arch 3711V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designed environment as cultural medium/product of sociocultural process/expression of values, ideas, behavioral patterns. Design/construction as complex political process. prereq: Soph or above
MATH 1142 - Short Calculus (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
A streamlined one-semester tour of differential and integral calculus in one variable, and differential calculus in two variables. No trigonometry/does not have the same depth as MATH 1271-1272. Formulas and their interpretation and use in applications. prereq: Satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1031 or 1051]
MATH 1271 - Calculus I (MATH)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Math 1271/Math 1381/Math 1571/
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Differential calculus of functions of a single variable, including polynomial, rational, exponential, and trig functions. Applications, including optimization and related rates problems. Single variable integral calculus, using anti-derivatives and simple substitution. Applications may include area, volume, work problems. prereq: 4 yrs high school math including trig or satisfactory score on placement test or grade of at least C- in [1151 or 1155]
PHYS 1101W - Introductory College Physics I (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1101W/Phys 1107
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Fundamental principles of physics in the context of everyday world. Use of kinematics/dynamics principles and quantitative/qualitative problem solving techniques to understand natural phenomena. Lecture, recitation, lab. prereq: High school algebra, plane geometry, trigonometry; primarily for students interested in technical areas
PHYS 1301W - Introductory Physics for Science and Engineering I (PHYS, WI)
Credits: 4.0 [max 4.0]
Course Equivalencies: Phys 1201W/1301W/1401V/1501V
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Use of fundamental principles to solve quantitative problems. Motion, forces, conservation principles, structure of matter. Applications to mechanical systems. Prereq or Concurrent: MATH 1271/1371/1371H or equivalent
ARCH 4421W - Architecture and Interpretation: The Cave and the Light (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4421/Arch 5421
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Historical/hermeneutical investigation of iconography of grotto. Intertwined themes of descent into earth and ascent to light, from earliest strata of human culture to present day. prereq: [3411, 3412] or instr consent
ARCH 4424 - Renaissance Architecture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4424/Arch 5424
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
History of architecture and urban design in Italy, from 1400 to 1600. Emphasizes major figures (Brunelleschi, Alberti, Bramante, Palladio) and evolution of major cities (Rome, Florence, Venice). prereq: 3411 or instr consent
ARCH 4425W - Baroque Architecture (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4425/Arch 5425
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall
Architecture and urban design in Italy, from 1600 to 1750. Emphasizes major figures (Bernini, Borromini, Cortona, Guarini) and evolution of major cities (Rome, Turin). prereq: 3411 or instr consent
ARCH 4432 - Modern Architecture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4432/Arch 5432
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Odd Year
Architecture and urban design in Europe and the United States from early 19th century to World War II. prereq: 3412 or instr consent
ARCH 4434 - Contemporary Architecture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4434/Arch 5434
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Fall Even Year
Developments, theories, movements, and trends in architecture and urban design from World War II to present. prereq: 3412 or instr consent
ARCH 3411V - Architectural History to 1750 (HIS, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3411W/Arch 3411V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will begin to situate us, and our work, in the context of the much larger, much longer human story. Architecture, both in practice and in its historical study, is fundamentally about people. In studying the human past through the built environment, from prehistory to 1750, we will see how architecture, both the ordinary and the extraordinary, is the product of its cultural, political, and social context. People make buildings and spaces, and buildings and spaces shape the ideas and behaviors of people. By studying architectural history we will learn about trends of style and form, but our primary emphasis is to learn about the relationships, practices, narratives, and beliefs that have constituted human culture around the world and across time. prereq: first year writing requirement; Soph or above
ARCH 3411W - Architectural History to 1750 (HIS, GP, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3411W/Arch 3411V
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
This course will begin to situate us, and our work, in the context of the much larger, much longer human story. Architecture, both in practice and in its historical study, is fundamentally about people. In studying the human past through the built environment, from prehistory to 1750, we will see how architecture, both the ordinary and the extraordinary, is the product of its cultural, political, and social context. People make buildings and spaces, and buildings and spaces shape the ideas and behaviors of people. By studying architectural history we will learn about trends of style and form, but our primary emphasis is to learn about the relationships, practices, narratives, and beliefs that have constituted human culture around the world and across time. prereq: first year writing requirement; Soph or above
ARCH 3711V - Honors: Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context (SOCS, CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3711W/Arch 3711V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designed environment as cultural medium and as product of a sociocultural process and expression of values, ideas, and behavioral patterns. Design/construction as complex political process. prereq: Honors, [soph or above]
ARCH 3711W - Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context (SOCS, CIV, WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 3711W/Arch 3711V
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Fall
Designed environment as cultural medium/product of sociocultural process/expression of values, ideas, behavioral patterns. Design/construction as complex political process. prereq: Soph or above
ARCH 4421W - Architecture and Interpretation: The Cave and the Light (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Arch 4421/Arch 5421
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Spring
Historical/hermeneutical investigation of iconography of grotto. Intertwined themes of descent into earth and ascent to light, from earliest strata of human culture to present day. prereq: [3411, 3412] or instr consent
ARCH 4701W - Introduction to Urban Form and Theory (WI)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F only
Typically offered: Every Spring
Urban form, related issues of design/theory/culture. Thematic history of cities. Lectures, discussions, assignments. prereq: [3411, 3412] or instr consent