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: 226.0
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 to give students 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. This allows students to work full-time in an architecture or design firm or related fields, either locally, nationally, or internationally. The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies program prepares students for architecture and architecture-related employment. While this program is not NAAB-accredited and does not directly prepare for architectural licensure and registration, the pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree offers a strong foundation in architecture for future graduate studies in Architecture if desired. It is also the ideal foundation to explore other related disciplines while pursuing an individualized path of interdisciplinary coursework, or to continue their architectural design studies with additional studio courses.

The MS in Urban Strategy program is a cross-disciplinary, 45.0 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, 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.

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.

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