Architectural Studies Minor

The interdisciplinary minor in Architectural Studies provides a general introduction to careers in architecture. The curriculum includes architectural design, sustainability, engineering principles and the history of the built environment. Students learn to design original buildings for real-world contexts with client and community involvement. They research, document, and render their original designs and present and defend them in critiques. Stewardship of natural resources, innovations in sustainability, LEED standards and certification are emphasized in courses and projects. Prior knowledge of physics and advanced mathematics is not required.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Students will design and produce models for an original project for a specific client that includes architectural plans, materials, cost and sustainability and defend their design to a panel of judges composed of faculty, architects, artists, engineers and investors.
• Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the historical and contemporary architecture built throughout the world for sacred, civic, commercial, cultural, and domestic environments.
• Students will be able to explain the national standards of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and their incorporation within buildings and landscape architecture.
• Students who have completed the Architectural Studies minor will prepare a professional portfolio that includes selected design works from EGR353 Green Architectural Engineering,  ART/EGR499A Architecture Studio I,  ART/EGR499B Architectural Studio II, and other courses and creative works of their choosing. Students must post their portfolios online.

For further information, contact Dr. Joseph Wunderlich, Department of Engineering and Physics or Dr. Patricia Ricci, Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

The requirements for Architectural Studies minor are: