The school of architecture is committed to instilling in its students the values of craft, visualization and stewardship. To implement the mission for the program, the school of architecture has adopted a curriculum focusing on conceptualization, use and content, building technologies, professional responsibilities and developing a critical position in regard to the environment and architecture.

First Year

The first year is intended to encourage students to explore the opportunities and expectations of an environmental design education. Students acquire the fundamental math, science, writing, and design skills that are the foundation of their future learning as well as develop their knowledge of contemporary practices and philosophies in architecture. Particular emphasis is placed on conceptualization in the first year of the curriculum with open enrollment into first year of the program.

Second Year

The second year requires that students complete their university core to ensure a broad perspective from which to engage their environmental design education. Within the School’s curriculum students acquire a broad historic understanding of architecture in both its cultural and technical imperatives as well as the ability to design structural systems and utilize architectural graphics to communicate design concepts.

Third Year

Throughout the third year students develop the ability to design environmental control and integrated building construction systems as well as the ability to utilize advanced graphic communication strategies. A professional practice course provides students with an understanding of the strategies by which design concepts and business strategies are resolved in terms the architect’s responsibilities for the health, safety and welfare of both individuals and communities.

Fourth Year

Built upon the foundations of the first three years, the fourth year consists of one required studio course during one semester and a selection from one of the option studios in the other semester. Every student must complete a capstone studio emphasizing professional responsibility in which the student synthesizes program development, site development, structural systems, environmental controls systems, principles of sustainability and graphic communication.