Information for New Architecture B.D.A. & B.A. Students

Required Registration for B.D.A. and B.A. Students

Fall Term:

  • Arch 2301 (prerequisite for 2281)
  • Arch 3411
  • Arch 3711W
  • Physics or Calculus (if needed; consult your APAS report)

Spring Term:

  • Arch 2281 (prerequisite for the Design Workshops)
  • Arch 3412
  • Arch 3611
  • LA 3501
  • Physics or Calculus (if needed; consult your APAS report)

Four-year Sample Plan for Architecture B.D.A. Students Admitted for Fall 2009

Four-year Sample Plan for Architecture B.A. Students Admitted for Fall 2009

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Equipment & Supplies Requirements

Both Arch 2301 and Arch 2281 are studio courses that require a sizable upfront investment. Please see the equipment and supplies lists below. Additional requirements may be made by your instructors. Most of the required equipment and supplies are available at the U of M Bookstore.

Equipment and Supply Lists:

Arch 2301 equipment & supplies (Note: Arch 2301 students are expected to have the items on this list purchased by the first day of class.)

Arch 2281 equipment & supplies (Note: This is a spring term class. You may wait until spring to purchase these items.)

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Technology

The College of Design provides hardware and software information for architecture students. CDes works with the U of M Bookstore to provide this technology.

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Academic Advising

Valerie Tvrdik Anderson: students with last names beginning with A-K

Chris Schlichting: students with last names beginning with L-Z

To schedule an advising appointment, please call 612-626-3690 or stop by 107 Rapson Hall. Note: Advisers do not make their own appointments.

You are required to have an advising appointment with your CDes academic adviser prior to registering for spring 2010 classes in November. You may fulfill this requirement by meeting with your adviser at any point during fall term.

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Study Away

We highly encourage students to consider spending a semester away in their junior or senior year or joining a shorter excursion during any summer, winter or spring break. Exposure to other cultures is a critical component of every architect's education. Students interested in a study away experience should work closely with their CDes academic adviser and the U of M Learning Abroad Center to learn about their options and outline their course of study. Careful program and course planning will help you stay on track for timely graduation.

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Student Groups

Consider joining a CDes or U of M student organization. Popular options for CDes students include:

  • American Institute of Architects - Student Chapter (AIAS)
  • Assembly of Architects
  • Freedom by Design
  • Green Light
  • International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)
  • Students for a New Urbanism (SNU)
  • U.S. Green Building Council Student Chapter

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Working

Architecture is a demanding major. It requires a serious time commitment for success. Although we recognize that many students need to work to finance their undergraduate education, the School of Architecture faculty members strongly recommend that you work no more than 10 hours per week. Maintaining a high GPA is critical for acceptance to a graduate or professional program (note: a professional degree is required for licensure as an architect).

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Optional Application to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program

 

Upon completion of the first year in the BDA or BA program with a minimum suggested 2.80 GPA, you may apply to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.) program. Application to the B.S. involves a competitive review based on submission of your portfolio, U of M GPA, and career statement.

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