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Prospective Students
Architecture
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 with the College of Design research centers, enroll in service learning courses, and study abroad.
The School of Architecture offers three undergraduate architecture degrees and professional two year and three year master of architecture (M. Arch) degrees, 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.
Prospective Student Advising: All applicants to an architecture program are strongly encouraged to contact the College of Design for assistance in determining which architecture program is the right fit. NOTE: Students cannot earn more than one architecture degree over time.
PRE ARCHITECTURE: The pre architecture program is a one year program designed for freshman and transfer students to complete the course prerequisites required to apply to a full architecture degree. 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 to the transfer admissions Web page for deadlines and application materials.
BACHELOR OF ARTS (offered by the College of Liberal Arts)
- Degree requirements and sample plan
- liberal arts degree with emphasis in architecture
- some architecture electives and design workshops
- requires proficiency in a second language to graduate
- graduates are eligible to apply to a 3 year master in architecture program
- Admission requirements: 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
- Degree requirements and sample plan
- explores the breadth of the design field
- flexible degree in design thinking through architecture
- many architecture electives and design workshops
- graduates are eligible to apply to a 3 year master in architecture program
- Admission requirements: 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).
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
- Degree requirements and sample plan
- PRE-professional architecture degree
- studio-based education
- technology sequence.
- graduates are eligible to apply to a 2 year master in architecture program
- 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.