Overview

The Architectural Studies Program provides a broad introduction to the many roles creative, motivated people can play within the design profession. This degree is directed at three populations:
1) Students interested in the field of architecture who want a basis for further study and eventual employment in cultural theory and criticism, urban planning and design, studio art and other fields where an architectural sensibility may provide strategic advantage.
2) Students who plan to complete a terminal professional design degree in a second entry master degree level program and seek the broadly based education valued by such programs.
3) Students who seek an alternative option to a full studio- and technically-based professional program but who nonetheless could be excellent candidates for careers in the rapidly evolving design professions by combining architectural education with studies in other disciplines (e.g. journalism, geography, information technology, graphic design, library science, marketing, management). 

FAQ

What is the difference between the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science in Architecture?
The big difference is that the accredited Bachelor of Science program satisfies all the technical requirements of the national accrediting agency. This means that B. Sci. studios have to cover very specific competencies, and students have to take in-depth courses in structures, environmental technology and professional practice. It’s a lot to learn, and that means there's not much time for electives. In the BA program, the goal is to give students literacy in–not mastery of–these technical matters.
The idea is for students to understand how architects think, how they express themselves and how they use technology. With the time freed up, students can delve much more deeply into issues of cultural theory, aesthetics and history, or they can combine their studies with major or minor work in another field that makes sense for their career plans.

Is it a professional degree?
The degree does not provide the professional qualification that would allow a graduate to sit for an architecture licensing exam. It is, however, designed to be an excellent preparation for the multi-year professional graduate programs offered by many major architecture schools.

What other career options are available to BA students?
The possibilities range widely. Graphic and web design are possibilities, as are various business and communications roles in design firms, museums, galleries etc. The program could lead to graduate work in urban planning, but it could also lead to a career in design journalism or editing.

Will students have physical studios?
The two studio courses have access to the same studio facilities provided to students in the professional program. Studio instructors have the freedom to do projects that would not fit into the professional curriculum, but the studios always involve making things–graphic, 3D or virtual–and it is essential that students and faculty have the flexibility to work at whatever scale or in whatever medium makes sense for the project.
The first year core course (Representation of Design) includes studio exercises and graphic tasks, but these do not require a dedicated studio space.

For more information on the Architecture Program:

Mary Jane Gear-Josza: (330) 672.2789 - [mjgear@kent.edu]