|
The four-year course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies prepares students for graduate school or any career that is enhanced by a knowledge of architectural history and theory. It is a liberal arts degree program that can be valuable to students who plan on graduate study in many fields, including law, business, urban planning, government, public service, design, or museum studies.
These fields of specialization extend beyond the traditional realms of formal architectural design, building technology, and construction. Architectural specializations have emerged in construction supervision, site planning, interiors, acoustics, lighting, heating and air conditioning, electrical and structural design, historic preservation, energy conservation, land use planning, urban design, computer applications, environmental impact, life safety, post-construction evaluation, and value management. New specializations continue to appear because of new social needs and improved technologies.
The curriculum covers architectural theory and history, and does not include design studios. All students take a core of classes and then complete the architecture requirements from a wide choice of electives. Students work with an advisor to select electives in their field of interest.
The Architectural Studies degree emphasizes an appreciation for architectural history and design theory and an interest in the cultural influences that shape the built environment. After graduate study, students with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies may work in historic preservation, urban planning, city management, law, education, or in business and management positions.
Students wanting to take the design curriculum and become licensed architects follow a five-year Bachelor of Architecture (outlined on page 4), or may pursue a professionally accredited graduate architecture degree after completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies. The NAAB-accredited M.Arch. is offered by the University of Kansas and can be combined with the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (see page 2).
As the B.A. degree becomes an integral part of the professionally accredited M.Arch, it will be possible in exceptional cases for entering students to complete a liberal arts and a professional M.Arch. degree in six and one-half years. |
