The School of Architecture at the University of Minnesota exposes students to the sociocultural, environmental, formal, and historical factors that shape the built environment. Students develop visual literacy by thinking through the design process in studios and workshops, by researching historical precedents, and by analyzing theoretical texts and the physical environment.
The School of Architecture fosters a sense of stewardship for the local and global built environment by providing opportunities for students to engage the College of Design research centers, enroll in service learning courses, and study abroad.
The School of Architecture offers three undergraduate architecture degrees and the professional master of architecture (M. Arch), which is required to become a licensed architect in the state of Minnesota. The School also offers the master in science in architecture (M.S.), a research-based graduate degree.
Pre-Architecture Track: The pre architecture track is designed for freshman and transfer students who need to complete the course prerequisites required to apply to an architecture degree (see below for degree admission requirements and the four year sample plan). Freshman applicants interested in applying to the pre architecture track should review the freshman admissions Web page for deadlines and application materials. Transfer students from within and outside the U of M should review the transfer admissions Web page for deadlines and application materials.
Bachelor of arts (B.A.) (offered by the College of Liberal Arts)
- Four Year Sample Guide: Fall 2009 (pdf)
- liberal arts degree with emphasis in architecture
- access to design workshops
- some architectural electives
- requires proficiency in a second language to graduate
- graduates are eligible to apply to a 3+ year master of architecture program
- In addition to the general CDes admission requirements, applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing freshman composition, Arch 1281, and Arch 1701, as well as 30 completed college credits (end of freshman Pre-Architecture year for most students). See four year sample plan above for details. See the transfer admission Web page for deadlines and application materials.
Bachelor of design in architecture (B.D.A.)
- Four Year Sample Guide: Fall 2009 (pdf)
- explores the breadth of the architecture field
- flexible degree in design thinking through architecture
- access to design workshops
- many architectural electives
- graduates are eligible to apply to a 3 or 3+ plus year master of architecture program
- Admission requirement: In addition to the general CDes admission requirements, applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing freshman composition, Arch 1281, and Arch 1701, as well as 30 completed college credits (end of freshman Pre-Architecture year for most students). See four year sample plan above for details. See the transfer admission Web page for deadlines and application materials.
- PRE-professional architecture degree
- Four Year Sample Guide: Fall 2009 (pdf)
- rigorous architecture design studios
- required technology courses
- traditional approach to architecture
- graduates are eligible to apply to a 2 year master in architecture program (NOTE: U of M master in architecture program requires three years to complete)
- Admission requirements: In addition to the general CDes admission requirements, applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing the first YEAR of coursework in the BDA or BA degrees (end of sophomore year for most students). See sample plan above for specific degree requirements. A portfolio is also required for admission to the BS. See Admission Supplement for portfolio criteria.
All applicants to an architecture program are strongly encouraged to contact a Prospective Student Adviser for assistance in determining which architecture program is the right fit. NOTE: Students cannot earn more than one architecture degree over time.