The Architecture transfer program parallels the first two years of education at a majority of undergraduate schools of architecture. It offers a balance of academic and design courses.

The academic courses provide students with a broad base of general knowledge which widens their outlook and increases their ability to evaluate issues and make enlightened decisions. The design courses emphasize the development of skills in architectural conceptualization and design decision-making. They include both traditional methods of architectural graphics and model building as well as use of the computer as a three-dimensional design study tool.

Together, the academic courses and design courses form the foundation needed for advancement in architectural education and, later, in professional practice. Students have the opportunity to enrich their education through participation in field trips and a variety of architecture-related extracurricular activities.

Since architecture programs vary among senior colleges and admission is highly competitive, faculty assistance is readily available to students preparing design portfolios and investigating potential transfer institutions. The architecture faculty are registered architects.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

• Use analytical skills to determine the major elements of a work of architecture and/or an architectural design project;
• Comprehend and apply the various stages of the creative thought process to produce an architectural design;
• Understand and apply the basic principles of sustainable design;
• Use two- and three-dimensional visual communication skills (freehand, traditional, and computer-generated drawings and physical models) to convey a complete architectural idea;
• Demonstrate knowledge of the important buildings and stages in the history of architecture and the social and technological factors that influenced them;
• Critically evaluate the built environment – its relationship to the natural world and the reciprocal sociological and psychological influences on man;
• Demonstrate knowledge of architectural materials and structural systems and their appropriate applications in building construction.

Admission to the Architecture program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with at least one year of science (biology, chemistry, or physics) and two years of algebra. Courses in the visual arts are highly recommended.