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Architecture B.D.A. and B.A.: New Students
Information for New Architecture B.D.A. and B.A. Students
- Required Registration
- Design Workshop Registration
- Equipment & Supplies Requirements
- Academic Advising
- Technology
- Study Abroad
- Student Groups
- Working
- Optional Application to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program
Required Registration
You need to register for the following fall term courses (if not already taken):
- Arch 2301: Introduction to Drawing in Architecture (Note: This is a prerequisite for Arch 2281: Design Fundamentals II.)
- Arch 3411W: Architectural History to 1750
- Arch 3711W: Environmental Design and the Sociocultural Context
- Physics or Calculus (if needed; consult your APAS Report)
Four-year Plan for Architecture B.D.A.
Four-year Plan for Architecture B.A.
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Design Workshop Registration
Registration for Arch 3250: Design Workshops occurs following enrollment in Arch 2281: Design Fundamentals II. Students are permitted to take up to 4 credits of Arch 3250: Design Workshops in one semester. However, graduating seniors in the BDA may request to take up to 6 credits of Arch 3250: Design Workshops if they are needed to graduate that academic year. Permission will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Students should meet with their CDes adviser to request permission to do this.
Note: Students who register for more than 4 credits of Arch 3250: Design Workshops without having received special permission may be dropped from their Arch 3250: Design Workshop enrollment.
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Equipment & Supplies Requirements
Both Arch 2301 (fall term) and Arch 2281 (spring term) 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 -- fall 2012 (Note: Arch 2301 students are expected to have the items on this list purchased by the first day of class.)
- Arch 2281 -- spring 2013 list forthcoming (Note: This is a spring term class. You may wait until spring to purchase these items.)
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Academic Advising
Students with last names beginning with A-K are advised by Valerie Tvrdik Anderson, who can be reached at tvrdik@umn.edu or 612-626-7571.
Students with last names beginning with L-Z are advised by Chris Schlichting, who can be reached at schli019@umn.edu or 612-624-2824.
Note: Advisers do not make their own appointments. To schedule an advising appointment, please call 612-626-3690 or stop by 107 Rapson Hall.
You are required to have an advising appointment with your CDes academic adviser prior to registering for spring semester. You may fulfill this requirement by meeting with your adviser at any point during fall term.
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Technology
The College of Design provides hardware and software information for architecture students.
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Study Abroad
We highly encourage students to consider spending a semester abroad in their junior or senior year or participating in a shorter excursion during any summer, winter or spring break. Exposure to other cultures is a critical component of every architect student's education.
Students interested in a study away experience should work closely with their 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 architecture 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 architecture faculty 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 B.D.A. or B.A. 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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