Overview The study of architecture develops intellectual, professional, and creative knowledge and skill. Architectural studies allow students to generate physical solutions to complex environmental design problems that often have competing economic, social, and political parameters. The profession of architecture attracts those who have a wide range of interests and skills and wish to make a unique contribution to society.

Degree Programs

Over the next few years, the SoA plans to significantly expand from its current 280 students and to add a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines related to architecture. With the greater size of the student body and the disciples offered the SoA will provide a rich forum for the support and exchange of ideas and actions, and be able to engage and explore a broader range of environmental design issues.

Doctor of Architecture Degree

For students who entered prior to or during the 2007-08 academic year, the School offered a single degree, the Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch.), open to students directly out of high school, or who have completed prior degrees. The program is designed for students who seek to expand their knowledge and skill such to lead positive change in the built and natural environment.

The School is in the process of formulating a four-year pre-professional Baccalaureate degree in environmental design. When the degree is authorized, students already enrolled in the D.Arch. program will be given the option to transfer from the D.Arch, program. After completion of the Baccalaureate degree, students may complete their professional studies in the three-year D.Arch. program. The first four years of the D.Arch. program are identical to the first four years of the planned pre-professional Baccalaureate degree; therefore, students who elect to transfer to the pre-professional Baccalaureate degree program will not lose time or credits toward the completion of the degree. Students in the program will be allowed to apply for provisional acceptance into the three-year segment of the program after completion of the third year of the four-year segment of the program. A student who is allowed to enroll in the three-year segment of the program must be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 GPA for all years of the four-year segment of the program and successfully complete a portfolio review process.  When the pre-professional Baccalaureate degree in environmental design is approved, the three-year D. Arch. degree, open to holders of a Baccalaureate or higher degree, will supercede the seven-year D. Arch. degree.

The program creates and disseminates knowledge using a variety of methods:

-Design put forward as a creative and rigorous problem solving activity

-Multi-disciplinary work involving private and public entities

-Project-based learning

-Broad-based collaboration

-Integrated learning and practice

-Sustainability

-Integration of culture, technology, and sustainability in all coursework

-Construction innovation

-Community service

-International programs

-Design communication

-Global practice

-Bold leadership 

The four year segment of the D.Arch. program is open to students who have not completed a Baccalureate degree. The first four years of the program provide the student with a broad and deep background in the liberal arts and sciences, and expose students to important issues which affect the design of the built environment and the impact on the natural environment. Students are able to enroll in architecture studio in the first semester and to therefore have a better basis to judge whether architecture or related design fields are the right career choice for them. Students are given the choice of a concentration within the degree; concentrations include Landscape Architecture, Construction Management, Interior Design, Urban Design, and Historic Preservation. The concentrations give students focus to their studies, and allow them to pursue these specialized areas later in academic or professional settings.

The three-year segment of the D.Arch. program is open to students who have completed a Baccalaureate or higher degree. Students entering the program in a field unrelated to architecture will be required (based on an evaluation of transfer credit and degree type) to attend an intensive summer program prior to initiating the three year curriculum sequence. The three year curriculum offers over 90 graduate level credits in courses necessary for accreditation by the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB). In most U.S. state jurisdictions, a NAAB accredited degree is a pre-requisite to obtaining professional architecture licensure. The curriculum offers students a number of unique opportunities for study including study abroad with a focus on Asia and the Pacific, professional experience, and a culminating Doctorate project that combines research and design.