StudyQA — Bachelor: Architecture — University of Massachusetts at Amherst (Page 6)

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Description Contents Requirements

B.F.A. 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.

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 Foundation Studio 1
ART 142 Foundation Studio 2

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: 1 course

ART-HIST 343 20th Century Architecture

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

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

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

Application Fee
Official High School Transcript or Secondary School Exams
Secondary School Exams
Official SAT or ACT score report
Academic Letter of Recommendation
TOEFL: A minimum composite TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL with minimum of 17 on each subscore (code #3917)
IELTS: A minimum composite IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test with minimum of 6.0 on each subscore
A note on financial and visa information: Applicants needing an F-1 student visa will receive email instructions on how to submit their financial documents after an offer of admission has been made. For more about finances and visa processing for international students please see this page. If you are currently living in the United States and believe your visa status will qualify you as a domestic student, please be sure to include your U.S. visa information in the "Geography and Citizenship" section of the Common Application.

Applicants planning to major in Architecture should file their application with the Admissions Office early to facilitate the portfolio review process. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of 10-15 items representing their best artwork and demonstrating independent thought and diversity of experience. The portfolio must include drawings from direct observation and may also include works in 2-D or 3-D media. Portfolios should be sent directly to the Architecture department. Transfer students must include their college transcript(s)