Program Overview
The curriculum emphasizes design excellence, critical thinking, and hands-on experience, with students working in small studios with faculty mentors. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in the field of architecture, including architectural design, project management, and urban planning.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Objective:
The curriculum in Architecture was established at Auburn University in 1907, making Auburn one of the first universities in the nation, and the first in the South, to offer Architecture as a major. Since then, the Architecture Program has enjoyed a strong reputation for the abilities of our graduates and the quality of our faculty. It is consistently ranked among the best in the country. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of architecture, including design, history, theory, technology, and professional practice. The program emphasizes design excellence, critical thinking, and hands-on experience. Students work in small studios with faculty mentors to develop their design skills and to explore a wide range of architectural topics. The curriculum also includes a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, as well as courses in math, science, and engineering.
Outline:
The program consists of five years of study, with a total of 159 credit hours. The curriculum is divided into four main parts:
- Year 1: Introduction to Architecture Design
- Years 2-4: Studio Design
- Year 5: Architectural Thesis
Year 1:
Introduction to Architecture Design
- ARCH 1000 Careers in Design and Construction
- ARCH 1420 Introduction to Digital Media
- ARCH 1010 Introduction to Architecture Design
- ARCH 1060 Visual Communication
- ARCH 1020 Introduction to Architecture Design II
- MATH 1150 Pre-Calculus Algebra and Trigonometry or 1610 Calculus I
- PHYS 1500 General Physics I
Years 2-4:
Studio Design
- ARCH 2010 Studio I
- ARCH 2110 History of World Architecture I
- ARCH 4320 Materials and Methods of Construction II
- ARCH 3320 Materials and Methods of Construction I
- ARCH 2020 Studio II
- ARCH 2210 Environmental Controls I
- ARCH 3110 History of World Architecture II
- 3 hours of ARCH 3410 Dessein Electives
- ARCH 3700 Seminar in History and Theory
- 3 hours of ARCH Seminar
- ARCH 3010 Studio III
- ARCH 3020 Studio IV
- BSCI 3440 Structure of Buildings II
- 3 hours of ARCH Seminar
- ARCH 4010 Studio V
- ARCH 4110 History of Urban Architecture
- ARCH 4500 Professional Practice
- ARCH 4020 Studio VI
- 3 hours of ARCH Seminar
- ARCH 2220 Environmental Controls II
Year 5:
Architectural Thesis
- ARCH 5010 Studio VII
- ARCH 5020 Thesis Studio
- 6 hours of ARCH Seminar
- 3 hours of Core Social Science
- 3 hours of Core Social Science
- 3 hours of Core Philosophy (Humanities)
- PHYS 1510 General Physics II
- ARCH 5990 Thesis Research
Assessment:
Students in the Architecture Program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Studio projects: Students work on a variety of design projects throughout the program. These projects are assessed by faculty based on their creativity, originality, technical proficiency, and ability to meet the project brief.
- Examinations: Students take written and oral examinations to assess their knowledge of architectural history, theory, and technology.
- Presentations: Students present their work to faculty and peers on a regular basis. These presentations are assessed on the clarity of the presentation, the quality of the work, and the student's ability to answer questions.
Teaching:
The Architecture Program is taught by a dedicated faculty of architects, historians, and theorists. The faculty are all actively involved in the profession of architecture, and they bring their real-world experience to the classroom. The program also benefits from a strong network of adjunct faculty, who are practicing architects in the community. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lecture: Lectures are used to introduce students to new concepts and ideas.
- Studio: Studios are the heart of the Architecture Program. Students work in small studios with faculty mentors to develop their design skills and to explore a wide range of architectural topics.
- Seminar: Seminars are used to discuss readings and to engage in critical thinking about architecture.
- Fieldwork: Students take field trips to visit architectural sites and to meet with practicing architects.
Careers:
Graduates of the Architecture Program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of architecture, including:
- Architectural Designer
- Project Architect
- Urban Designer
- Landscape Architect
- Interior Designer
- Architectural Historian
- Architectural Critic
- The program offers a variety of study abroad opportunities.
- The program has a strong alumni network that provides support and mentorship to students.
