Architecture BArch
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Architecture (BARCH)
Minimum Required Credits: 151
Co-op Option(s): None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 04.0902
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-1011
About the Program
Architecture blends artistic vision, technical skills, and material construction. Architects are critical thinkers. They integrate analytical strategies, problem-solving tactics, spatial acuity, aesthetic sensitivity, cultural understanding, and social responsibility. Architects are creative makers. They synthesize complex human needs, local conditions, global ecosystems, and construction technologies to propose yet-to-exist places. Architects are collaborators. They coordinate clients, communities, consultants, and contractors. Architects are communicators. They translate ideas into built realities through drawings, models, words, and images.
Drexel's accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree program develops these attributes in students pursuing professional licensure or careers in related fields. Rigorous design studios, immersive academic coursework, and extended experiential learning opportunities prepare our students for lifelong careers shaping their built environments.
The National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) certifies Drexel's professional Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch). The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) regulates Registered Architect (RA) licensure. Criteria include a professional architecture degree from an accredited school, such as Drexel, work experience through the Architecture Experience Program (AXP), and passing the Architectural Registration Exams (ARE). Students can opt to fulfill these requirements through Drexel's Integrated Pathway to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) program.
Drexel offers two paths to B.Arch Degree: the 3+2 Option (3+2) and the Part-Time Evening Option (PTE). Both balance artistic inquiry with practical application, studio training with professional experience. They are alternatives to traditional programs in which field work usually follows degree completion.
The 3+2 Option is designed for recent high school graduates. Students study full-time on campus for three years, then continue part-time evening coursework for the remaining two years. This enables students to accrue professional work experience as employees at local architecture and adjacent design practices.
The Part-Time Evening Option is suitable for transfer students and others unable to pursue full-time studies during the day. PTE students take evening courses over six years, accruing professional experience along the way. Transfer students can reduce the length of their studies at Drexel through transcript and portfolio reviews.
Early degree coursework includes principles and practices in architectural design, core university requirements, and skills development. Advanced coursework features design specializations, industry technologies, and professional preparation. Throughout, the program provides robust academic inquiry. The Drexel Advantage blends campus-based, hands-on learning with career-focused experience. This distinguishes Drexel's Architecture Program from peer institutions. Because our students enrolled in the IPAL program may concurrently meet all three licensure criteria-the Bachelor of Architecture degree, work experience, and passing required licensure exams-they can graduate as licensed architects.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
Degree Requirements 3+2
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Studio Art Requirements | ||
| ARST 1001 | Design Foundations A | 3.0 |
| ARST 1005 | Design Foundations B | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| MATH 1001 | Mathematical Tools and Techniques | 4.0 |
| PHYS 1101 | Physics I | 4.0 |
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| Architecture Studios | ||
| ARCH 2101 | Architecture Studio I | 4.0 |
| ARCH 2102 | Architecture Studio II | 4.0 |
| ARCH 2103 | Architecture Studio III | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3110 | Civic Architecture Studio | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3120 | Architecture and Urbanism Studio | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3130 | Specialized Architecture Studio | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3140 | Integrated Architecture Studio | 4.0 |
| Visual Representation | ||
| ARCH 2201 | Architectural Representation I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2202 | Architectural Representation II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2203 | Architectural Representation III | 3.0 |
| Professional Practice | ||
| ARCH 3301 | Professional Practice in Architecture | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3310 | Architectural Programming | 3.0 |
| ARCH 4399 | Architectural Experience Requirement | 0.0 |
| Architectural History and Theory | ||
| ARCH 2401 | Architectural History I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2402 | Architectural History II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3401 | Theories of Architecture and Urbanism | 3.0 |
| Building Tectonics | ||
| ARCH 2501 | Materials and Methods | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3501 | Structural Systems I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3502 | Structural Systems II | 3.0 |
| Building Systems and Sustainability | ||
| ARCH 3601 | Building Systems I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3602 | Building Systems II | 3.0 |
| Architecture Electives | ||
| Architecture and Civic Engagement (CE) Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Topics in Architectural Practice and Engagement | ||
| Applied Digital Tools in Architecture | ||
| Architecture, Urbanism, and Activism | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Building Technology and Sustainability (BT) Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Topics in Building Technology and Sustainability | ||
| Passive House | ||
| Healthy Building Design | ||
| Architectural Lighting Design | ||
| Case Studies in Architectural Technology | ||
| Building Enclosure Design | ||
| Ecological Thinking in Architecture | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Architectural History Theory (HT) Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Architecture in Philadelphia | ||
| History of American Architecture | ||
| History and Theory of Modern Architecture | ||
| History of Mediterranean Architecture | ||
| History of Urban Space | ||
| Environmental Psychology and Design Theory | ||
| Introduction to Historic Preservation | ||
| Intensive Architecture Studies Tour | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Topics in Architectural History and Theory | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Select three (3) additional credits of any Architecture Elective | 3.0 | |
| Senior Project | ||
| ARCH 4988 | Architecture Undergraduate Thesis I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 4989 | Architecture Undergraduate Thesis II | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 151.0 | |
- 1
A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Degree Requirements Part-time Evening
| University Requirements | ||
| EXP 1001 | Introduction to Experiential Learning | 3.0 |
| WRIT 1100 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1110 | English Composition I | |
| WRIT 1200 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 3.0 |
| or WRIT 1210 | English Composition II | |
| Introductory Core Competencies 1 | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories | 6.0 | |
Introductory: Inquire and Analyze | ||
Introductory: Collaborate and Integrate | ||
Introductory: Apply and Engage-satified by Making and Storytelling-Creative Process in the College Requirements below | ||
| Free Electives | 15.0 | |
| College Requirements | ||
| Select one course from each of the three (3) categories of Westphal College Courses | ||
| Visual and Information Literacy | 3.0 | |
| Making and Storytelling-Creative Process | 3.0 | |
| Global and Cultural Histories | 3.0 | |
| Program Requirements | ||
| Degree Requirements outside of Program | ||
| Studio Art Requirements | ||
| ARST 1001 | Design Foundations A | 3.0 |
| ARST 1005 | Design Foundations B | 3.0 |
| ARST 1100 | Introductory Drawing | 3.0 |
| Math and Science Requirements | ||
| MATH 1001 | Mathematical Tools and Techniques | 4.0 |
| PHYS 1101 | Physics I | 4.0 |
| Degree Requirements inside of Program | ||
| Architecture Studios | ||
| ARCH 2101 | Architecture Studio I | 4.0 |
| ARCH 2102 | Architecture Studio II | 4.0 |
| ARCH 2103 | Architecture Studio III | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3110 | Civic Architecture Studio | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3120 | Architecture and Urbanism Studio | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3130 | Specialized Architecture Studio | 4.0 |
| ARCH 3140 | Integrated Architecture Studio | 4.0 |
| Visual Representation | ||
| ARCH 2201 | Architectural Representation I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2202 | Architectural Representation II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2203 | Architectural Representation III | 3.0 |
| Professional Practice | ||
| ARCH 3301 | Professional Practice in Architecture | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3310 | Architectural Programming | 3.0 |
| ARCH 4399 | Architectural Experience Requirement | 0.0 |
| Architectural History and Theory | ||
| ARCH 2401 | Architectural History I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 2402 | Architectural History II | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3401 | Theories of Architecture and Urbanism | 3.0 |
| Building Tectonics | ||
| ARCH 2501 | Materials and Methods | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3501 | Structural Systems I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3502 | Structural Systems II | 3.0 |
| Building Systems and Sustainability | ||
| ARCH 3601 | Building Systems I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 3602 | Building Systems II | 3.0 |
| Architecture Electives | ||
| Architecture and Civic Engagement (CE) Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Topics in Architectural Practice and Engagement | ||
| Applied Digital Tools in Architecture | ||
| Architecture, Urbanism, and Activism | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Building Technology and Sustainability (BT) Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Topics in Building Technology and Sustainability | ||
| Passive House | ||
| Healthy Building Design | ||
| Architectural Lighting Design | ||
| Case Studies in Architectural Technology | ||
| Building Enclosure Design | ||
| Ecological Thinking in Architecture | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Architectural History Theory (HT) Electives | ||
| Select two of the following: | 6.0 | |
| Architecture in Philadelphia | ||
| History of American Architecture | ||
| History and Theory of Modern Architecture | ||
| History of Mediterranean Architecture | ||
| History of Urban Space | ||
| Environmental Psychology and Design Theory | ||
| Introduction to Historic Preservation | ||
| Intensive Architecture Studies Tour | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Topics in Architectural History and Theory | ||
| Special Topics in Architecture | ||
| Select three (3) additional credits of any Architecture Elective | 3.0 | |
| Senior Project | ||
| ARCH 4988 | Architecture Undergraduate Thesis I | 3.0 |
| ARCH 4989 | Architecture Undergraduate Thesis II | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 151.0 | |
- 1
A complete list of eligible introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.
Program Learning Outcomes
1. Professional Practice: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to pursue professional licensure according to the requirements established by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
2. Applied Knowledge: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to meaningfully contribute to the architecture profession, within alternative careers in related fields, or to continue with advanced studies in graduate programs.
3. Historical and Cultural Contexts: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to draw from the history of architecture, contemporary methods, and socio-culturally ethical perspectives as they approach design challenges.
4. Design Communication: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to collaborate across disciplines using visual, verbal, and written communication skills to convey and cultivate design ideas.
5. Research and Innovation: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to formulate research questions, analyze design problems, and deploy creative and evidence-based methods to develop innovative architectural solutions.
6. Engagement: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to contribute to the improvement of our collective built environments and society through active, compassionate engagement with professional peers, communities, and project stakeholders
7. Sustainability and Design Integration: Upon completion of this program, students will be able to integrate sustainable design strategies into design proposals through measurable outcomes that demonstrate their understanding of the interdependence between built and natural environments.
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