Mar 29, 2024  
Undergraduate Record 2013-2014 
    
Undergraduate Record 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Architecture


The Bachelor of Architecture program attracts a diverse range of students with a wide range of interests that are bound together by an overriding desire to consider and construct environments of enduring value. Two different concentrations are offered: Pre-Professional concentration and the Design-Thinking concentration.

Note: Students who wish to obtain the Master of Architecture professional degree apply to a graduate program. Students expecting to enter graduate studies should have maintained a 3.000 cumulative average, with a 3.500 average in the architectural design sequence. Admission into the graduate program in architecture at the University of Virginia is extremely competitive.

Bachelor of Science (Architecture)


Years 1-2 The prime objective of the curricular core of the first two years is to provide a framework for the study of contemporary culture through observation, analysis, and considered design of our ongoing constructed occupation of the earth. This exploration uses design as a mode of critical inquiry from the scale of the city to the scale of the hand while maintaining its focus on the value of this effort to the community and the land, both immediate and extended.

Students entering the Department of Architecture as first year students follow one curriculum for their first two years. Starting in their second year, the strategic choices of electives will prepare the student to pursue the concentration of their choice. 

First Year


Fall Semester - Credits: 17

Spring Semester - Credits: 15

 

Second Year


Fall Semester - Credits: 16 Spring Semester - Credits: 16

 

NOTES:


One Open Elective per semester may be taken Credit/No Credit. A Maximum of 8 degree credits will be granted for Ensemble Music or Dance. A maximum of 12 degree credits will be granted for AIRS, MISC, & NASC courses. PHYE “Physical Education” credits do not count toward degree totals. It may be necessary to use Open electives to complete the requirements of a Minor.

Election of Concentration

At the end of spring semester of the Second Year, each student will elect either the pre-professional concentration or the Design-Thinking concentration within the BS Architecture major. The two paths are designed to maximize the opportunities for undergraduate study given the scope of student interests and wide range of career paths.

Third Year - Pre-Professional Concentration


This Concentration is for students intent on pursuing a career as a practicing Architect. The curriculum is designed to maximize the opportunities to explore through design of complex projects as well as representing intentions in material form.

Fall Semester - Credits: 15 Spring Semester - Credits: 16

 

or


Third Year - Architectural Design Thinking


The Design Thinking concentration is for students interested in multidisciplinary problem solving beyond architecture. The curriculum offers a strong core in the design of the built environment while offering broader studios and electives designed to collaborate across the University. 

Fall Semester - Credits: 16 Spring Semester - Credits: 15

 

Fourth Year - Pre-Professional Concentration


 

Fall Semester - Credits: 15 Spring Semester - Credits: 15
  •  
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
  • School of Architecture Theory or History Elective Credits: 3
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
  • SARC 5555 Visualization Elective Modules
    • or
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  •  
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
  • SARC 5555 Visualization Elective Modules
    • or
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  • Open Elective Credits: 3

 

or


Fourth Year - Architectural Design Thinking


Fall Semester - Credits: 16 Spring Semester - Credits: 15
  •  
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
  • School of Architecture Theory or History Elective Credits: 3
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
  • Leadership Elective Credits: 3
  • SARC 5555 Visualization Elective Modules
    • Or
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  •  
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
  • SARC 5555 Visualization Elective Modules
    • A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
    • Or
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  • Open Elective Credits: 3
  • Open Elective Credits: 3

 

Architecture Minor


A minor in architecture provides students with an opportunity to develop a basic understanding of, and appreciation for, architecture as an important component of culture and the built environment. The Minor in Architecture is offered to all students at the University. Students who complete the Minor range from those whose major is in a related field and who wish to expand the boundaries of that endeavor, to those considering graduate study in architecture.

Requirements


 
 
ARCH - Architecture department elective Credits / Units: 3
           Prerequisite: ARCH 1010 and ARCH 1020
ARCH - Architecture department elective Credits / Units: 3
           Prerequisite: ARCH 1010 and ARCH 1020
Elective within the School of Architecture Credits / Units: 3

             Total Credits: 17

Upper-level undergraduate students may enroll in graduate courses in the 5000 level for elective credit. These courses are described in the Graduate Record and are offered through all four departments.

Although SARC, ALAR, ARH, ARCH, LAR, and PLAN are pre-professional and professional courses, not all are restricted to School of Architecture students. If students outside the school wish to enroll in one of these courses, they should secure the approval of the faculty member offering that course. Even in professionally-oriented courses, some faculty members encourage and welcome such participation.