Architectural Studies BS / Urban Strategy MS

Major: Architectural Studies and Urban Strategy
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)
BS Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 04.0803
BS Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 25-1031
MS Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 45.1201
MS Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 19-3051

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 to prepare students to give students an understanding of the discipline. At the heart of the curriculum are the introductory-level design studios where students are challenged to apply their knowledge acquired from the above 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 coop program, giving 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 entry level employment in architecture and in fields related to architecture, However this program is not NAAB accredited and does not directly prepare for architectural licensure and registration.

The pre-professional BS in Arch Studies degree creates the 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 such as design research, urban strategy, interior architecture and design, construction management, real estate development, digital media and animation.

The MS in Urban Strategy program is a cross-disciplinary, 48.0 credit master’s degree designed to prepare students to become 21st century urbanists equipped to collaboratively and creatively solve complex multi-faceted urban challenges on all levels: locally, nationally and globally. The program boasts a cross-disciplinary curriculum focused on strategy, problem solving, and collaboration in the domains of urban planning, design, health, engineering, policy, community and economic development and sociology.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Architecture Program website.

Admission Requirements

BS Architectural Studies:
• The admission requirements will be similar to those admitted to the Architecture Program; 1250+/- SAT scores and 3.3+/- high school GPA.
• Applicants should submit eight to 12 pieces of work in a variety of media that demonstrate a balance of technique and concept. Portfolio guidelines for the B.S. Architectural Studies will follow the current Westphal College description.
• Writing Supplement.

MS Urban Strategy
Transcripts: Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended

Standardized Test Scores: GRE/MAT test scores are accepted and appreciated, 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). Scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores. IELTS scores may be submitted in lieu of TOEFL scores.

Essay: Please write approximately 500 words explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree from Drexel; your short-term and long-term career plans; and how your background, experience, interest, and/or values, when combined with a Drexel degree, will enable you to pursue these goals successfully.

Résumé: Please submit a resume electronically

Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. To electronically request recommendations, you must list your recommenders and their contact information on your application. We advise that you follow up with your recommenders to ensure they received your recommendation request — they may need to check their junk mail folder. Additionally, it is your responsibility to confirm that your recommenders will submit letters by your application deadline and follow up with recommenders who have not completed their recommendations.

Academic Experience: You must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in your major.

Degree Requirements

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Students not participating in co-op will take one additional credit of ARCH Elective instead of COOP 101.

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Select 12.0 credits from 500-600 level courses, including Special Topics (T580 and T680) in AADM, AAML, BUSN, CHP, COM, DSRE, EDPO, ENTP, ENVP, HMP, INTR, PBHL, PLCY, SCTS, URBS

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.

4+1, Non-co-op (Accelerated program completed in 5 years)

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year