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The Major
The BS in Architecture is an interdisciplinary major that integrates architecture and design. The program (housed in the Department of Architecture) 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 building technologies. The Design Studies concentration is intended for students who transfer to the department or who have a broader interest in the design fields. It has more flexibility in requirements for studio, history, and technology. 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 BS 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 (all courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted):
The Design Studies concentration will require the following additional courses:
Other Requirements of the Major
Admission to the Major Admission to the Architecture major will require successful portfolio review 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. Transfer students Current UMass Amherst students in other majors (or undeclared/exploratory status) can apply directly to the Architecture major while taking foundations level studios and art history survey courses, subject to portfolio review. Due to the requirements of the program, current UMass students must apply during their first year at UMass.
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