Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Architectural Studies BS / Design MS program is an accelerated 5-year (4+1) BS/MS program that offers a valuable professional pathway between design-based disciplines. This program combines the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (ARCS) and the Master of Science in Design (MS).

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree provides an introduction to architecture while affording students the flexibility to customize their studies based on their interest in the realm of design and the built environment. The program encompasses foundation courses in the applied and social sciences, the humanities, and a range of architecture courses where students gain an understanding of the discipline. Introductory-level design studios are at the heart of the curriculum, challenging students to apply knowledge acquired from these disciplines to consequential design problems.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for this program include:

• SAT scores of 1250+/- and a high school GPA of 3.3+/-
• A portfolio of 8-12 pieces of work in a variety of media that demonstrate a balance of technique and concept
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Standardized test scores (GRE/MAT) are accepted but not required
• TOEFL scores are required for international applicants or applicants who earned a degree outside the U.S. (minimum scores: 100/577/233)
• An essay explaining reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel, short-term and long-term career plans, and how the background, experience, interest, and/or values will enable the pursuit of these goals successfully
• A resume
• Two letters of recommendation

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for this program include:

• General Education Requirements:
  • CIVC 101 Introduction to Civic Engagement
  • COOP 101 Career Management and Professional Development
  • ENGL 101 Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research
  • ENGL 102 Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing
  • ENGL 103 Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres
  • MATH 101 Introduction to Analysis I
  • MATH 102 Introduction to Analysis II
  • PHYS 182 Applied Physics I
  • PHIL 317 Ethics and Design Professions
  • UNIV A101 The Drexel Experience
  • Arts and Humanities (minimum 12 credits)
  • Natural Science (minimum 3 credits)
  • Social Science (minimum 9 credits)
  • Free Electives (24 credits)
• Architecture Requirements:
  • Studios (must be taken in sequence):
    • ARCH 181 Architecture Studio 1A
    • ARCH 182 Architecture Studio 1B
    • ARCH 183 Architecture Studio 1C
    • ARCH 281 Architecture Studio 2A
    • ARCH 282 Architecture Studio 2B
    • ARCH 283 Architecture Studio 2C
  • Required Professional Courses:
    • ARCH 141 Architecture and Society I
    • ARCH 142 Architecture and Society II
    • ARCH 143 Architecture and Society III
    • ARCH 170 Architectural Technology I
    • ARCH 172 Architectural Technology II
    • ARCH 173 Architectural Technology III
    • ARCH 211 Architectural Representation I
    • ARCH 212 Architectural Representation II
    • ARCH 213 Architectural Representation III
    • ARCH 224 Architectural Representation IV
    • ARCH 225 Architectural Representation V
    • ARCH 226 Architectural Representation VI
    • WEST 210 Innovative Problem Solving
  • Senior Project Sequence:
    • ARCH 490 Capstone Project I
    • ARCH 492 Capstone Project II
  • Architecture Electives (23 credits)
  • Interdisciplinary Pathway Electives (18 credits)
• MS Design Research Requirements:
  • Design Research Core Requirements:
    • DSRE 620 Design Problem Solving
    • DSRE 625 Technologies of Making
    • DSRE 630 Data Visualization for Design Professionals
    • DSRE 635 Translational Design Research
    • DSRE 641 Contemporary Design Theory
    • DSRE 645 Design Research Thesis Proposal
    • DSRE 650 Thesis Research and Practicum
    • DSRE 750 Thesis in Design Research I
    • DSRE 760 Thesis in Design Research II
    • DSRE 770 Thesis in Design Research III
  • Design History or Research Option (3 credits)
  • Free Electives (15 credits)

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan of study for this program is outlined over five years, with two options: a co-op plan and a no-co-op plan. The co-op plan includes a co-op experience in the third year, while the no-co-op plan does not include a co-op experience.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major, and the third can be in any discipline.

Total Credits

The total credits required for this program are 229 credits.