Architecture (ARCH)

Brian Rex, Department Head
Department of Architecture
SIM 108
605-688-4841
email: brian.rex@sdstate.edu
http://www.sdstate.edu/arch/

Programs

The new architecture program consists of two degrees, a 4-year non-professional Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies followed by a 2 year Master’s in Architecture graduate degree (M.Arch). The program places special emphasis on sustainable and renewable design practices. The curriculum will lead students to meet 34 specific learning outcomes as required by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB). In addition to SDSU’s General Education Requirements, students will take classes in math, general engineering, physics, art, global studies, construction management, and architecture courses devoted to specific aspects of design, construction, theory, and practice.

During their first year in the undergraduate program, students will have a pre-architecture status. Those who wish to continue in the program and who are in good academic standing, will apply for formal admission to the undergraduate program in Architectural Studies at the beginning of their second year.

The core academic experience offered in the Department of Architecture is our 3 and a half years of professional study leading to a Master of Architecture degree. All students who go through our program will matriculate through all the courses in our professional program.* There are two paths a student can follow to enter these advanced professional years of study. Path A and Path B students take the 3.5 years of professional study together in the same sections.

Path A (4 year B.Sc.Arch.Stud. + 2 year M.Arch.) is comprised of a four year Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a two year professional Master of Architecture degree. This is the typical path for high school graduates and university transfers wanting a design based liberal arts education leading into a professional education in architecture. The core professional years of study are the last 3.5 years of this 6 year program. Professional studies begin in the spring of the third year. Students graduating with a B.Sc.Arch.Stud. from SDSU will apply for admission into the graduate M.Arch. degree.

Path B (3.5 year M.Arch.) People who already have a B.A. or B.Sc. degree of any specialization from an accredited university can apply for admission (based primarily on undergraduate academic achievement and a portfolio that demonstrates an educated ability to make things) into the first semester of the 3.5 years of professional studies and matriculate through these years to a Master of Architecture degree. Students provisionally admitted with insufficient graphic capacity may be required to take fundamental drawing and / or design courses the Fall semester before beginning professional study.

The whole department is focused on an interactive, haptic, and performance basedcurriculum rooted in fundamental issues of professional architecture and design practice. The undergraduate degree program begins with a unique design based liberal arts education. Our professional graduates will know how to make buildings well; how to make good drawings and models of architecture; and how to make places by building.