Program Overview

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Architecture Major

The undergraduate program in architecture develops critical thinkers, problem solvers, and skilled professionals ready to take on the challenges of sustainable design. Our prime location between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore offers many advantages: a faculty of highly respected scholars and practitioners; alumni connections and careers at countless architectural firms; and rich architectural diversity.

Overview

The first two years of the curriculum focus on developing a broad-based and well-rounded liberal education, complemented by courses that introduce you to architecture. You will be exposed to the many resources and opportunities of the university while refining your academic and career interests. We offer you two degree options that are tailored to fit your particular academic and career interests.

Degree Options

• Bachelor of Science: The curriculum is centered on design studios, with complementary coursework in architectural history, theory, technology, and visual media. The studio courses offer unique experiences where you will not only have the opportunity to show your design skills but also work with communities to help solve real-world problems.
• Bachelor of Arts: One unique feature of this program is your ability to pursue an academic path that reflects your passions and interests. It is not uncommon for students to discover that their interest in architecture reveals other career aspirations. Earning a bachelor of arts in architecture allows you to build a foundation in architecture while preparing for careers in business, urban planning, real estate development, or historic preservation, just to name a few.

Faculty and Expertise

Students receive rigorous and comprehensive instruction from a faculty whose members are active in professional practice and research. Their individual areas of expertise include architectural design and theory, history, architectural archaeology, technology, urban design and planning, and historic preservation.

Admission to the Major

• Freshman applicants:
• Transfer applicants:

Program Objectives

The School's mission is to educate Architects, Planners, Preservationists, Developers, and the many allied stakeholders whose work and scholarship focus on the quality of the built environment and promote social justice, cultural value, resource conservation, and economic opportunity.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to think critically about the role of context in design.
2. Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to communicate design intentions, visually and verbally.
3. Students should be able to demonstrate an ability to demonstrate knowledge from the technology course sequence into the design process.
4. Students should demonstrate the ability to design projects that provide healthful environments while conserving resources for future generations.
5. Students should demonstrate an understanding of the ethical issues underpinning the formation of professional judgment in architectural design and practice.

Curriculum Requirements

All students must complete the following courses:

• MATH120: Elementary Calculus I (3 credits)
• or MATH140: Calculus I
• PHYS121: Fundamentals of Physics I (4 credits)
• ARCH171: Design Thinking and Making in Architecture (3 credits)
• ARCH225: History of World Architecture I (3 credits)
• ARCH200: Design Media and Representation I (3 credits)
• ARCH226: History of World Architecture II (3 credits)
• ARCH300: Design Media and Representation II (3 credits)
• ARCH201: Elements and Principles of Architecture (1 credit)
• ARCH462: Methods & Materials of Building Construction (3 credits)
• ARCH400: Architecture Design Studio I (6 credits)
• ARCH463: Sustainable Systems in Architecture (3 credits) Total Credits: 35

Bachelor of Science Degree Option

For the Bachelor of Science degree option, students must complete three additional 6-credit design studios and accompanying technical/structures courses.

• ARCH401: Architecture Design Studio II (6 credits)
• ARCH402: Architecture Design Studio III (6 credits)
• ARCH403: Architecture Design Studio IV (6 credits)
• ARCH464: Architectural Structures I (3 credits)
• ARCH465: Architectural Structures II (3 credits)
• ARCH466: Environmental Systems in Architecture (3 credits)
• ARCH474: (1 credit)
• ARCH4XX: (12 credits) Total Credits: 40

Bachelor of Arts Degree Option

For the Bachelor of Arts degree option, students must complete 36 additional credits in upper-level Architecture electives and a minimum of 9 additional credits in directed electives inside or outside the major.

• Select 36 additional credits in upper-level Architecture electives (36 credits)
• Select 9 additional credits in directed electives inside or outside the major (9 credits) Total Credits: 45

Graduation Plans

Click here for roadmaps for graduation plans in the School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Additional information on developing a graduation plan can be found on the following pages:

• the Student Academic Success-Degree Completion Policy section of this catalog

Conclusion

The Architecture Major at the University of Maryland offers a comprehensive education in architecture, with a focus on sustainable design, critical thinking, and problem-solving. With two degree options, students can choose the path that best fits their academic and career interests. The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for careers in architecture, urban planning, real estate development, and more.