Architecture (B.F.A.)

Program Coordinator/Contact
Brian Rex, Department Head
Department of Architecture
SAME 378
605-688-4841
E-mail: brian.rex@sdstate.edu
www.sdstate.edu/arch
Click here for additional information.  

Program Information
The department has three academic components:

1. The first year School of Design undergraduate cross-disciplinary experience
2. The three semester pre-professional liberal arts in design experience
3. The seven semester professional program experience

A Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture degree (BFA-Arch) which is recommended for those who want a university education in architecture as their first post-secondary experience.  Students in this program typically come from high school, community college and technical institute, and transfer from other majors.  The B.F.A. in Architecture is 120 credit hours in eight semesters that can be completed in four regular (Fall & Spring only) academic years or three accelerated (year-round) academic years.  Students completing the B.F.A. in Architecture can apply to the two year Master of Architecture program to complete professional training.

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the architecture major, students will be able to:

• build abstract relationships and understand the impact of ideas based on the study and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural, and environmental contexts.
• use a diverse range of skills to think about and convey architectural ideas, including writing, investigating, speaking, drawing, and modeling.  
• comprehend the technical aspects of design, systems, and materials and be able to apply that comprehension to architectural solutions.
• demonstrate that they have the ability to synthesize a wide range of variables into an integrated design solution.  
• understand business principles for the practice of architecture, including management, advocacy, and the need to act legally, ethically, and critically for the good of the client, society, and the public.

Academic Requirements
Architecture students must maintain at least a major GPA of 2.6 and an overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the duration of the program.  A grade of a “C” or better is required in all ART, ARTE, ARTH, GDES, DSGN, LA, ARCH, CM and ID courses. 

Course Delivery Format
The curriculum is interactive, haptic and performance based, offering problem solving experiences in all major areas of professional practice.