Architectural Studies BS / Interior Architecture MS

Major: Architectural Studies and Interior Architecture
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 229.0
Co-op Options: No-Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Five years)
 

About the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree offers 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. They challenge students to apply knowledge acquired from these disciplines to consequential design problems.

As an art, a technical craft, and an ethical practice, architecture is the culturally responsible design and production of buildings that are functional, sustainable, inspiring, and responsive to their physical and social contexts. Students have the opportunity to reinforce their skills in the field by opting to participate in Drexel’s signature co-op program. The accelerated degree gives students the opportunity to work full-time in an architecture or design firm or related fields, either locally, nationally, or internationally. The BS in Architectural Studies program prepares students for employment in architecture and architecture=related fields. This degree is offered as a co-op and a non-co-op option. The degree modality is face-to-face; however, a small number of classes may be offered partially or fully in a virtual format. This allows us to attract talented experts from outside the greater Philadelphia area and provides more flexibility for students on co-op or out working in the profession.

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies is not NAAB accredited and does not directly prepare for architectural licensure and registration. The pre-professional BS in Architectural Studies degree offers a foundation in the field of architecture as preparation for continued education in a professional NAAB-accredited graduate degree program. It is also the ideal foundation for specialization in other related disciplines to pursue an individualized path through interdisciplinary coursework, or continue architectural studies with additional studio courses.

The MS Interior Architecture graduate program offers a post-professional degree for students with a background in interior design or architecture. The curriculum reinforces design fundamentals; advances technical skills and conceptual approaches; allows for specialization in areas such as, but not limited to health/wellness, making/fabrication, or technology/representation; and culminates in a comprehensive thesis research and design project. Comprised of 45 graduate credits, the program can be completed in 4-6 quarters. Students select from a range of studio, seminar, and elective courses to create a program tailored to their professional interests.

The program is closely affiliated with the graduate MS in Design and the MS in Urban Strategy programs within the Department of Architecture, Design & Urbanism, It provides access to graduate programs across the University. These connections allow students to engage and collaborate with experts from a variety of disciplines, preparing them to take leadership roles in the profession.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Architecture Program website.

Admission Requirements

BS Architectural Studies:

• 1250+/- SAT scores
• 3.3+/- high school GPA
• Writing Supplement
• Applicants must submit eight to 12 pieces of work in a variety of media that demonstrate a balance of technique and concept. The portfolio should emphasize analog work. Architectural projects are not expected. CAD-based portfolios are discouraged.

Portfolio guidelines for the B.S. in Architectural Studies follow the current Westphal College description. 

MS Interior Architecture

The submission of a design portfolio is required. 

Admission to the program requires a first professional degree from an accredited program in interior design or a non-professional degree in architecture. Applicants with degrees in related fields or unaccredited programs who have professional experience in interior design or architecture will be considered through review of transcript and portfolio.

Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements may be recommended for the MS Interior Architecture & Design program.

Degree Requirements

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INTR 699 consists of several components: a series of sketch problems, design competitions, professional experience and portfolio review. These must be completed during the two + graduate years.

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. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study

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Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.