| Contact Information |
School of Architecture
Campbell Hall
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400122
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4122
www.arch.virginia.edu |
History
Instruction in architecture was an essential aspect of Thomas Jefferson’s vision for the University of Virginia from the very beginning — it was built into the fabric of the Academical Village and the Lawn. In 1919, the McIntire School of Art and Architecture was created and the first class of eleven students started classes in September of that year. Since then, the School has grown to over 600 students in four disciplinary areas: architectural history, architecture, landscape architecture, and urban and environmental planning. Today, the School offers 3 undergraduate degrees (in architectural history, architecture, and urban and environmental planning), and 6 undergraduate minors.
The School Today
The mission of the School of Architecture is to educate the next generation of innovative leaders who will envision courageous new futures and build a world that is more compelling, resilient, sustainable, and equitable.
The undergraduate program in architecture history focuses on the historic development of buildings, landscapes, and urban form through critical analysis of social and cultural contexts. After attaining this degree, many graduates pursue work with museums, non-profits, and other cultural organizations, as well as in the areas of preservation and cultural heritage. Others seek advanced degrees in architectural history, art history, architecture, landscape architecture, or planning.
The Department of Architecture trains leaders who creatively engage and give form to the complexities of the built environment across all scales and cultures. With a stellar roster of faculty focused on design excellence and intellectual development, we provide a comprehensive body of knowledge that addresses the most pressing historical and current spatial challenges confronting society. These challenges are addressed through a rigorous design studio sequence, that embodies a diversity of approaches, scales, methods, and instruments affiliated with design. The curriculum is enhanced by an expansive set of courses that include history, theory, building technology, visualization, computation, urbanism, and professional practice, among others. Utilizing design as the primary objective of instruction, UVA Architecture is committed to shaping the citizen-architect of the twenty-first century. In examining a multiplicity of spatial conditions—from interiors to buildings to public space to open territories—we shape architects that will become critical mediators between society and space.
The undergraduate professional program in urban and environmental planning is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. Students in this major explore the impact that global urbanization has on the built environment and develop strategies of design, policy, and community engagement to ensure healthy cities for the future. With the Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning degree, many graduates go directly into the profession with governmental agencies or private planning and development firms. Others go on to advanced degrees in planning, architecture, community development, law, public administration, and business.
For all students, the first year includes shared foundation courses. Advanced courses are structured to promote a well-rounded liberal arts education and a rigorous studio or research-based curriculum that synthesizes inquiry and application. Each of the three majors has a corresponding minor. Multidisciplinary minors in historic preservation and global sustainability also are offered, and students have many opportunities to participate in international study abroad programs.
Study Abroad
The School of Architecture encourages study abroad by offering summer and semester-long programs in:
Students also have the option of a study abroad opportunity in the fall semester in Barcelona, Spain, and Venice, Italy.
To study abroad, students must be in good academic standing. Further, to earn degree credit students must have a cumulative UVA GPA of no less than 2.50 at either the point of application or at the end of the term prior to the commencement of study abroad. These standards apply both to UVA study programs and study abroad programs under the auspices of another institution or organization.
Several programs administered by the School of Architecture are competitive, and priority is given to applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence as reflected in a higher GPA.
For additional information on a School of Architecture education abroad programs go to this website, contact the Director of Advising+Academic Support & Associate Dean of Academics.
The programs administered by the School of Architecture are competitive; priority is given to applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence as reflected in a higher GPA. Applicants to semester and exchange programs are required to be in Academic Good Standing as per the School of Architecture Rules + Regulations.
