The mission of our undergraduate program is to develop the next generation of leaders in the design professions, enhance the design of built environment and provide service to improve quality of life for people. Our work prepares graduates to become designers of the built environment. The program highlights the interdisciplinary interaction between interior design, architecture, the human sciences, and aesthetics to improve quality of life for the public good.
Degree Program Description
Architectural Studies promotes connections between people and place, and between interior design and architecture with the intention of preparing graduates to become lifelong designers of the built environment. Students in this program conduct systematic inquiry into the design process, sustainable products and practices, the interaction between people and the built environment, and digital technologies. The program highlights research as it advances the interdisciplinary interaction between interior design, architecture, the human sciences, and aesthetics to improve quality of life for the public good. Following the freshman year students must submit a portfolio of their work for acceptance into the professional phase of the program.
Major Program Requirements
The BS is offered with two emphasis area options: Interior Design and Architectural Studies. Both emphasis areas focus on the development of environmental designs for human living, work, and leisure. The Interior Design emphasis results in a terminal bachelor’s degree accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). The Architectural Studies emphasis is a pre-architecture bachelor’s degree or pre-professional option, and students continue their education at another graduate program offering a professional M. Arch degree to become practicing architects. Depending on the performance in our undergraduate program, and the quality of their design portfolio, students may qualify for scholarships, graduate assistantships and maybe eligible to waive some graduate coursework.
Minors & Certificates
Students who are non-majors may receive a Minor in Architectural Studies with 15 credits.
In partnership with the College of Engineering, Architectural Studies students may receive a Minor in Sustainability with required courses in Architectural Studies, and an additional 6 credits of specified Engineering coursework.
In partnership with the College of Engineering, Architectural Studies students may receive a Minor in Construction Management with required courses in Architectural Studies, and an additional 6 credits of specified Engineering coursework.
In partnership with the Trulaske School of Business, Architectural Studies students may receive a minor in Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management.
In partnership with the College of Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architectural Studies students may receive a Certificate in Sustainability with required courses in Architectural Studies, and an additional 3 credits of specified coursework.