Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Architecture

About

The undergraduate program in Architecture leads to the pre-professional degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The program is designed to provide a broad, but rigorous design studio-based educational experience that is a pre-requisite to graduate studies in architecture and subsequently fundamental to the professional practice of providing architectural services. In this context the students' creative and innovative design activities are guided by an understanding of the complexity of factors relating to human interaction with the designed and natural environments and an awareness of the fact that architectural design decisions have consequences that impact global habitability, cultural evolution, environmental change, and the sustainability of human societies.

To effectively address challenges of the 21st century architects collaborate with various design professionals on complex design and planning issues related to the built environment where the interconnections of science, art and technology are self-evident. The program's curriculum reflects this interdisciplinary and inter-professional realm and transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries by drawing from related curricula. Design studio and technology courses systematically incorporate concern for the social, economic, political and physical components of design-research problem-solving processes.

The pre-professional degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture is desirable for those wishing a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment in architecturally related areas. Graduates are employed in related fields such as digital arts, urban development, real estate, and construction. Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, private firms and service providers also offer employment opportunities. Generally it is an excellent preparation for roles in society that benefit from an understanding of and exposure to architectural design.

Accreditation

For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.

Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree is a component of the Master of Architecture Degree accredited by NAAB, the National Architecture Accrediting Board. For accreditation, programs must demonstrate that each student possesses the knowledge and skills defined by the following learning outcomes:

Critical Thinking and Representation

Architects must have the ability to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of ideas based on research and analysis of multiple theoretical, social, political, economic, cultural and environmental contexts. This ability includes facility with the wider range of media used to think about architecture, including writing, investigative skills, speaking, drawing and model making.

Integrated Building Practices, Technical Skills and Knowledge

Architects are called upon to comprehend the technical aspects of design, systems, and materials, and be able to apply that comprehension to their services. Additionally, they must appreciate their role in the implementation of design decisions, and the impact such decisions on the environment.

Leadership and Practice

Architects need to manage, advocate, and act legally, ethically and critically for the good of the client, society and the public. This includes collaboration, business, and leadership skills.

Career Possibilities

• Careers133.32 KB

Requirements

General Education Requirements - Credits: 37-42

• First-Year Seminar - Credits: 2-3
• English Composition - Credits: 6
  • ENG 101 - Composition I
  • ENG 102 - Composition II
• Second-Year Seminar - Credits: 3
• Constitutions - Credits: 4-6
  • HIST 100 - Historical Issues and Contemporary Society
  • PSC 101 - Introduction to American Politics
• Mathematics - Credits: 3-5
  • MATH 127 - Precalculus II
  • MATH 128 - Precalculus and Trigonometry
• Distribution Requirements - Credits: 19
  • Humanities and Fine Arts: Automatically satisfied by Major requirements
  • Social Science: 9 Credits
    • One course each from three different fields
  • Life and Physical Sciences and Analytical Thinking: 10 Credits
    • Two courses from life and physical sciences category (at least one course of which must have a laboratory)
    • PHYS 151A
    • PHYS 151L
    • Physical Science elective
    • Analytical Thinking 3 credit course
• Multicultural and International
  • Multicultural, one 3 credit course required
  • International, one 3 credit course required

Major Degree Requirements - BS in Architecture Credits: 81

• Humanities and Fine Arts Electives - Credits: 6
• Basic Design Core - Credits: 24
  • AAD 180 - Design Foundation I
  • AAD 201 - History of the Built Environment/Discussion
  • AAD 201D - History of the Built Environment/Discussion
  • AAD 202 - Analysis of the Built Environment
  • AAD 267 - Introduction to Digital Media
  • AAE 280 - Design Foundation II
  • AAE 282 - Design Foundation III
• Upper-Level Design Courses - Credits: 53
  • AAD 367 - Advanced Digital Media
  • AAD 400 - Clinical Internship
  • AAE 380 - Architectural Design I
  • AAE 382 - Architectural Design II
  • AAE 451 - Multidiscipline Theory and History in Architecture
  • AAE 455 - The Enlightenment to Mid-20th Century: Architectural History and Theory
  • AAE 480 - Architectural Design III
  • AAE 481 - Architecture, Place and Identity
  • AAE 482 - Architectural Design IV
  • ABS 322 - Construction Technologies II
  • ABS 331 - Environmental Control Systems I
  • ABS 332 - Environmental Control Systems II
  • ABS 341 - Structures for Architects I
  • ABS 440 - Structures for Architects II

Total Credits: 120-123

Notes:

1. AAE 282 and Portfolio review are Milestone Experience courses for Architecture B.S.
2. AAE 482 is a Culminating Experience course for Architecture B.S.

Documents/Downloads

• Plans of Study: NA
• Syllabi: AAD .68 KB, AAE .16 KB
• Degree Worksheets: .39 KB, .16 KB, .44 KB
• Careers: Career Possibilities133.32 KB
• Graduate Handbooks: NA
• Additional Downloads: NA
• Related Links: NA

Contacts

School of Architecture

The School of Architecture provides professional and continuing education in the design professions of architecture, landscape architecture, interior architecture, and design. Along with addressing the theoretical and practical aspects of general design education, our school focuses on the important design issues facing Las Vegas, the state of Nevada, and the Southwest.

College of Fine Arts

The College of Fine Arts provides an academic experience that heightens awareness of the physical, intellectual, and cultural world. We diligently prepare students for professional employment and/or post-graduate study in their artistic area.