Program Overview

Introduction to the Architecture Program

The Architecture program at the University of NebraskaLincoln provides a strong foundation for a career in the architecture and design industry. It equips students with cutting-edge technical skills and a creative, problem-solving mindset to positively contribute to the built environment.

Program Overview

A major in architecture surrounds us in our daily lives, shaping the physical environment to express the values and beliefs of a culture and its people. Architects design buildings to motivate people, and the program at the University of NebraskaLincoln is designed to inspire students to make a difference.

Program Requirements

• The program requires 120 credit hours for the Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) and an additional 58 credit hours for the Master of Architecture (M.Arch).
• Minors are available in Architectural Studies, Landscape Architecture, Community and Regional Planning, and Product Design.

The Nebraska Difference

The University of NebraskaLincoln's Architecture program is the only NAAB-accredited program in Nebraska. It boasts a 74% employment rate of licensed architects in the state and a 96% job placement rate.

Program Features

Cross-Disciplinary Studios

The program features project-based experiential learning in design studios, culminating in the fourth year with 'collaborate' and 'integrate' design studios. In these studios, designers express and explore ideas, generate and evaluate alternatives, and ultimately make decisions and take action.

Design Research

The program's academics emphasize the complementary and contributory relationship between research and design, with an emphasis on design research as a projective activity. Students have numerous opportunities to gain real-world design research experience, including pairing their interests and goals with faculty-led undergraduate research projects.

Design/Build and Community Assist Studios

These studios provide firsthand experience with real clients, creating collaborations that span design and construction. The Design/Build studios and Community Assist studios research efforts aimed at combatting issues relevant to communities across Nebraska and beyond.

Notable Courses

• Structural Fundamentals (ARCH 231): Introduction to the concept of structure as integral and essential to architectural design.
• Materials and Assemblies (ARCH 232): Introduction to materials and assemblies with an emphasis on design implications and contemporary practice.
• Architectural History and Theory (ARCH 240/241): An introductory survey of the history and theory of architecture from Prehistory to the present day.
• Architectural Theory (ARCH 341): Architectural theory, defined as written accounts on what architecture should be and why.
• Design Studio: Collaborate (DSGN 410): A collaborative design research approach to complex problems.
• Architectural Design: Integrate (ARCH 411): A continuation of complex problems related to the integration and consideration of environmental stewardship, technical documentation, accessibility, building envelope systems, and more.

Internships and Careers

• Internships: Project assistant, architectural intern, summer intern, design coordinator, and more.
• Careers: Architectural designer, curatorial operations, senior director of experience design, digital transformation specialist, designer and strategist, and project architect.

Graduate Schools

• Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, Columbia University
• Master of Architecture, Princeton University
• Real Estate Development + Design, University of California-Berkeley
• Master of Architecture, University of Michigan
• Master of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania

Outside the Classroom

Internships

Connect with a global network of top-firm professionals at the Career Fair to discover internships that offer real-world challenges and solutions for customers.

Study Abroad

Immerse yourself in a culture and study architectural masterpieces firsthand through faculty-led education abroad programs.

Student Organizations

Build friendships and connections by joining the network of student organizations, each offering an array of activities and professional development opportunities.

Design Competitions & Charrettes

Stretch your skills in design competitions and charrettes, investigating design solutions for issues ranging from sustainability and social equity to housing attainability and urban overcrowding.

Academics & Experiential Learning

• Gain practical, hands-on experience with professionals and community stakeholders in the fourth-year 'collaborate' design studios.
• Work on cross-disciplinary projects that ignite your passion for architecture and the built environment.
• Push boundaries and help solve complex problems by collaborating 1-to-1 with faculty on Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience (UCARE) projects.

Career Preparedness

• Hone your soft skills and interview talents with career prep workshops.
• Connect with a network of alumni and professionals to find impactful internships that turn into jobs.
• Build the future you want by customizing your educational experience with cross-disciplinary minors offered at the undergraduate level.

Community

• Get involved in one of the many recognized student organizations affiliated with the college.
• Live and learn with others who share your career interests in the Responsible Design Learning Community.