ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS … · 2013. 11. 8. · p. 6 The University of...

ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS 2012-13

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Architectural Studies

with information on...

The B.A. in Architectural StudiesThe B.A. in Architectural Studies - Master of Urban Planning “4+1” TrackThe B.A. in Architectural Studies - Master of Architecture Track

The University of Kansas – School of Architecture, Design & Planningp. 2

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN & PLANNINGTHE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

Michael M. Swann, Associate DeanAdmissions and Advising

A Guide to the Bachelor of Arts

in

Architectural Studies for

Current and Prospective Students

Contents

The B.A. in Architectural Studies: A Different Approach to Architectural Education ........................ 3The Architectural Studies Curriculum ................................................................................................ 5Specializing within Architectural Studies ........................................................................................... 7The B.A.-Master of Urban Planning “4+1” Track ............................................................................... 9The B.A.-Master of Architecture “4+3” Track ................................................................................. 12The B.A. Architectural Studies and Related Professional Paths ....................................................... 15Other Career Paths with a B.A. in Architectural Studies .................................................................. 17Application Procedures, Admissions and Financial Aid .................................................................. 20Estimated Expenses and Midwest Student Exchange Program ......................................................... 21The KU School of Architecture, Design and Planning ..................................................................... 23The University of Kansas .................................................................................................................. 24Contacts for Additional Information ................................................................................................. 25

(Cover photo courtesy of Pat Owens/KU Urban Planning.) 8/9/2012

The University of Kansas – School of Architecture, Design & Planning p. 3

The B.A. in Architectural Studies: A Different Approach to Architectural Education

At the University of Kansas, there are several paths of study open to undergraduate students who are interested in architecture and the built environment.

The Master of Architecture I (M.Arch. I) degree at KU consists of 180 credits and requires a minimum of 5 years of full-time study for completion. This NAAB-accredited program is designed for high school graduates who possess a strong background in mathematics, sciences and art and high levels of graphic and technical skills.

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering (B.S., Arce) includes 165 credit hours and, like the M.Arch. I, requires a minimum of 5 years of full-time study for completion. This ABET-accredited degree is designed for high school graduates who possess very high levels of proficiency in mathematics and sciences and a strong background and interest in art.

While the majority of students who apply seek admission to either the Master of Architecture I or the Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering, a growing number of applicants find that their personal, academic and professional interests are served best in the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies

A Foundation Degree with Many Options

The four-year, 124-credit course of study that leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Architectural Studies prepares students for graduate education in many careers that are enhanced by a broad knowledge of architecture, architectural history and theory. It is a liberal arts degree program that can be of great value to students who plan to carry out graduate study in many fields including architecture, design, urban planning, facility management, business, government, law, museum studies or public administration.

Most of these fields of specialization extend beyond the traditional realms of formal architectural design, building technology and construction. Architectural specializations have


emerged in construction supervision, site planning, interiors, acoustics, lighting, heating and air conditioning, electrical and structural design, historic preservation, energy conservation, land use planning, urban design, computer applications, environmental impact assessment, life safety regulation, post-construction evaluation and value management. New specializations continue to appear because of new social needs and improved technologies.

The B.A. Architectural Studies curriculum covers many aspects of architecture but does not include design studios. All B.A. students take a core of classes in architecture, architectural history and theory, and then complete the architecture requirements from a wide range of elective courses drawn from various topical areas within architecture. Students work with an advisor to define an area of interest within architecture and to select courses that cluster within that area.

Students wanting to practice architecture and become licensed architects may pursue a professionally accredited, accelerated Master of Architecture degree after completion of the B.A. in Architectural Studies. This educational path may include KU’s accredited M.Arch. III or it may include a three-year M.Arch. III at one of the many other architecture schools that offer this graduate professional degree.


The Architectural Studies Curriculum

Distribution of Course Requirements in the B.A. Architectural Studies________________________________________

Course Work that Must be Completed Within SADP (35 credits)Architecture Major Core Courses (7 required classes; 17 credits)

Architecture Major Elective Courses (18 credits)

Course Work that Can be Completed Within or Outside SADP (21 credits)Interest Elective Area (15 credits)

Electives of Choice (6 credits)

Course Work that Must be Completed Outside SADP (68 credits)English (9 credits) Non-Western Culture (3 credits)

Math (3 credits) Natural Science (6 credits)Communications/Logic (3 credits) Social Science (9 credits)

Lab Science (4 credits) Humanities (9 credits)Western Civilization (6 credits) Foreign Language (16 credits)________________________________________

The B.A. Architectural Studies degree is designed to provide a foundation education. It requires basic and advanced study in a core of course work that is offered within the Architecture Department and the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. It also includes a variety of course requirements that include classes outside the School. These outside requirements are identical in their organization and structure to the general education component in other B.A. degrees at KU.

The B.A. degree is designed to be completed within 4 years of full-time study.

The B.A. Architectural Studies degree was established at KU in 1989. It was created in response to a growing national trend in architectural education away from a single, undergraduate professional degree for entry into the profession of architecture to combinations of undergraduate and graduate accredited degrees that provide students with a more broadly-based, undergraduate, foundation education (B.A. or B.S.) followed by more technically and professionally focused coursework at the graduate level in the form of an M.Arch. The majority of architecture schools in the United States offer this bachelors-masters sequence of degrees, similar to the traditional educational path found in law and medicine. At KU, we offer two tracks that lead to the award of an accredited degree in architecture: 1) the 5-year, 180 credit M.Arch. I mentioned above; and 2) the B.A.-M.Arch. III path that resembles the structure of professional education found in law and medicine.


Suggested Sequencing of Courses in the B.A. Architectural Studies

First Year

English 101 3 English 102 3Mathematics 105 or 115 3 Lab Science 4Architecture 103 3 Communications/Logic 3Architecture 105 1 Architecture 104 1Social Science 3 Architecture 106 3Humanities 3 Social Science 3 16 17

Second YearForeign Language 5 Foreign Language 5English (200-level or above) 3 Natural Science 3Western Civilization I 3 Western Civilization II 3Architecture 540 3 Architecture 541 3Humanities 3 Social Science 3 17 17

Third Year

Foreign Language 3 Foreign Language 3Architecture 542 3 Non-Western Culture 3Humanities 3 Natural Science 3Architecture Elective 3 Architecture Elective 3Interest Elective 3 Interest Elective 3 15 Choice Elective 3 18

Fourth Year

Architecture Elective 3 Architecture Elective 3Architecture Elective 3 Architecture Elective 3Interest Elective 3 Interest Elective 3Interest Elective 3 Choice Elective 3 12 12


Students enrolled in the B.A. Architectural Studies degree have access to a broad range of courses both within the School of Architecture, Design and Planning as well as throughout the rest of the University. Many students in the B.A. Architectural Studies program complete double majors or minors in other fields such as business, interior design, art history and journalism. Others choose to structure their selection of courses so that they build up expertise within one of the three concentrations that fit well with undergraduate courses in the School. Specializations in environmental studies, history and theory of architecture or urban planning offer students an opportunity to begin preparing early for advanced graduate or professional degrees in fields that are closely allied with architecture.

The Environmental Studies Concentration

Environmental studies and related courses explore and investigate issues of the physical, aesthetic, and social aspects of the natural and built environments. The environmental studies concentration exposes students to fundamental knowledge of human’s impact on the natural environment and introduces holistic approaches to designing in a sustainable manner.

Specializing within Architectural Studies

Recommended courses

Core architecture coursesARCH 103 Introduction to Architecture IARCH 104 Introduction to Architecture IIARCH 540 History of Architecture IARCH 541 History of Architecture IIARCH 542 History of Architecture IIIARCH 665 History of Urban Design

SADP electivesARCH 360 Introduction to Landscape Architecture ARCH 628 Structure in Nature and Architecture UBPL 715 Community in Neighborhood Planning and Design ARCH 600 Visualizing Airflow ARCH 622 Materials Investigations ARCH 680 Building with Intelligence UBPL 565 Principles of Environmental Planning

The History and Theory of Architecture Concentration

The History and Theory concentration focuses on the history of architecture and introduces students to a breadth of chronological periods and geographical areas through a wealth of courses offered within the university. This focus can prepare students for further study at the graduate level and professions in art or architectural history, landscape architecture, or architecture and for careers in fields such as historic preservation.


The Urban Planning Concentration

Urban planning is a broad and diverse field that addresses the future of neighborhoods, cities, and regions. Some of the major areas of planning practice include: land use planning, environmental planning, economic development planning, transportation planning, and housing and community development planning. Urban planners rely on a skill set that is both creative and analytical. Students interested in Urban planning should consider the relevant UBPL and ARCH courses, as well as a variety of related social science courses offered at KU. This focus can provide a solid base for the pursuit of graduate studies and careers in planning.

Recommended courses


SADP electivesARCH 360 Introduction to Landscape ArchitectureARCH 440 Theory and Context in ArchitectureARCH 614 Freehand DrawingARCH 618 Architectural PhotographyARCH 628 Structure in Nature and ArchitectureARCH 631 Issues in Contemporary ArchitectureARCH 648 Historic PreservationARCH 662 Twentieth Century American LandscapesARCH 600 Ideas of PlaceARCH 600 Reading American CitiesARCH 600 Historic Preservation EconomicsARCH 600 Homeplaces UBPL 300 Planning the American CityUBPL 522 History of the American City

Recommended courses


SADP electivesUBPL 500 Planning the American CityUBPL 522 History of the American City UBPL 538 Environmental Planning Techniques UBPL 565 Principles of Environmental Planning UBPL 662 Twentieth Century American LandscapesARCH 600 Reading the American City ARCH 665 History of Urban Design


Urban planners work with civic leaders, residents and businesses to develop new solutions to community problems. They help leaders envision the direction their community will grow and find the right balance of new development and services, environmental protection, and innovative change.

Urban planners are trained to protect the environment, to create housing for people, to preserve historic buildings and places, to design public spaces, to develop alternative transportation choices, to foster economic development and to craft healthy communities. Good urban planning creates communities that offer better choices for living. Planners help people make their communities more convenient, healthful, efficient, fair and attractive. Good planning improves the welfare of people and communities in the present and for the future.

The Master of Urban Planning (M.U.P.) degree is the normal academic qualification for those who wish to become professional planners. KU’s accredited M.U.P. is offered by the Department of Urban Planning in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. The degree includes core courses in planning history, theory and methods as well as specialized classes in environmental planning, housing and development planning, land use planning and urban design, and transportation planning.

An M.U.P. degree opens doors to careers in environmental conservation, housing, economic development, historic preservation, real estate development, and many other areas. State, city and local governments as well as private companies and nonprofit agencies employ planners. There are planning jobs in such areas as health care delivery, criminal justice, education, public finance and law.

The “4+1” Plan

The Master of Urban Planning degree requires two years of full-time, graduate-level course work. Normally, a student would complete a bachelors degree in a relevant discipline such as architecture, engineering, geography, sociology, business or environmental studies before beginning the 2-year M.U.P. degree at KU.

Students in the B.A. Architectural Studies degree program who wish to receive an accredited, professional M.U.P. have the opportunity to shorten the usual 6-year period required to complete a bachelors degree and the M.U.P. by one full year of study. Beginning in 2010, Architectural Studies students who 1) achieve a GPA of 3.25 by the end of their third year of study, and 2) complete the appropriate B.A. requirements shown below, have the opportunity to spend their fourth year in the B.A. degree completing the first year of courses required in the M.U.P. These urban planning classes are used to satisfy remaining undergraduate requirements so that students receive the B.A. degree at the end of their fourth year. This also allows students to finish the second and final year of M.U.P. work in their fifth year at KU, at which time they would also be awarded the accredited M.U.P. degree.

The B.A. Architectural Studies - Master of Urban Planning “4+1” Track


Course requirements and application procedures are described in the following table. Any Architectural Studies student who would like to follow this “fast track” to a professional degree in urban planning should contact the B.A.-M.U.P. advisor or the associate dean during the first year of study.

The B.A. Architectural Studies - Master of Urban Planning “4+1” Curriculum

Year One: See the B.A.-M.U.P. advisor about requirements and course options. Begin the Architectural Studies curriculum. Complete 30-36 credits that count toward the B.A., as shown below.

English 101 3 English 102 3Mathematics 105 or 115 3 Lab Science 4Architecture 103 3 Communications/Logic 3Architecture 105 1 Architecture 104 1Social Science 3 Architecture 106 3Humanities 3 Social Science 3 16 17

Year Two: Check progress with the B.A.-M.U.P. advisor and continue work on the Architectural Studies core courses, distribution classes, and other requirements. Complete an additional 30-36 credits as shown below and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25.

Foreign Language 5 Foreign Language 5English (200-level or above) 3 Natural Science 3Western Civilization I 3 Western Civilization II 3Architecture 340 3 Architecture 341 3Humanities 3 Social Science 3 17 17

Year Three: Enroll in an additional 30-36 credits of course work so that 100 credit hours are completed before the fall semester of the fourth year. These credits should include any degree requirements that are not Architecture Major Electives, Interest Area Electives or Electives of Choice. In addition, to fill some of the five elective courses listed below, consider enrolling in UBPL 300 Planning the American City; UBPL 522 History of the American City; or UBPL 565 Principles of Environmental Planning. Make sure that at least 21 upper-division credits (classes numbered 300 and above) are completed by the end of the third year.

Please meet with the B.A.-M.U.P. advisor during the fall semester. By March, submit the internal application (for the B.A.-M.U.P.) so that you may enroll in urban planning classes during the fourth year, and make sure that your GPA is at least 3.25 by the end of the third


year. Students who plan to complete the M.U.P. degree must take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to or during their final year in the B.A. Architectural Studies degree.

Foreign Language 3 Foreign Language 3Architecture 342 3 Non-Western Culture 3Humanities 3 Natural Science 3Architecture Elective 3 Architecture Elective 3Interest Elective 3 Interest Elective 3 15 Choice Elective 3 18

Year Four: Meet with the B.A.-M.U.P. advisor to confirm that all course work is appropriate for completion of the B.A. requirements and that enrollment in urban planning classes meets the first-year requirements for the M.U.P. Complete the required 24 credits of graduate classes in urban planning and submit the full application for the M.U.P. degree by July 1 following the fourth year. Enroll in 6 credits of urban planning electives during the summer following the fourth year.

UBPL 741 Quantitative Methods I 3 UBPL 705 Economic Analysis 3UBPL 815 History & Theory 3 UBPL 742 Quantitative Methods II 3Urban Planning Elective 3 UBPL 736 Planning Institutions 3Urban Planning Elective 3 Urban Planning Elective 3 12 12Summer following Year Four:

Urban Planning Elective 3Urban Planning Elective 3 6

Year Five: Meet with the M.U.P. advisor to make sure that appropriate progress to degree is being made. Complete the courses listed below.

UBPL 850 Urban/Regional Theory 3 UBPL Implementation Seminar 3UBPL 763 Professional Practice 3 Urban Planning Elective 3Urban Planning Elective 3 Urban Planning Elective 3Urban Planning Elective 3 Urban Planning Elective 3 12 12


Preparing for a Professional Career in Architecture

Graduates of the B.A. Architectural Studies program who wish to pursue a professional career as a licensed architect may apply for admission to the M.Arch. III degree. In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. This Master of Architecture degree, as well as the M.Arch. I, is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs.

The Master of Architecture III at KU

The M.Arch. III curriculum is designed in three parts. The first two semesters plus two summer sessions offer an accelerated education in the foundations of architecture as a professional design discipline. The second academic year emphasizes professional development, with the comprehensive studio as a capstone experience. The third and final year offers students a choice of options for an inquiry of enhanced depth typical in graduate education. This allows students to develop a specialization by the time they complete the professional degree.

The B.A. Architectural Studies - Master of Architecture “4+3” Track


The M.Arch. III Curriculum_________________________________________________________________________

Summer Session (required of some students)

ARCH 502 Accelerated Design I 6 ARCH 613 Visual Thinking 3 First Year

ARCH 503 Accel Design II 6 ARCH 504 Accel Design III 6ARCH 626 Bldg Technology I 3 ARCH 627 Bldg Technology II 3ARCH 665 Hist of Urban Design 3 ARCH 530 Env Systems I 3ARCH 560 Site Planning 3 ARCH 524 Structures I 4 ARCH 540 Arch History I 3

Summer Session ARCH 690 Architectural Study Abroad 6 ARCH 505 Acc Design III 6

Second Year

ARCH 608 Arch Design V 6 ARCH 609 Comprehensive Studio 9ARCH 531 Env Systems II 3 ARCH 555 Professional Practice 3ARCH 541 Arch History II 3 ARCH 542 Arch History III 3ARCH 624 Structures II 3 ARCH 701 Intro to Grad Studies 3ARCH 658 Programming 3

Third Year

ARCH 8XX Professional Options 6 ARCH 8XX Professional Options 6ARCH 630 Arch History/Theory 3 ARCH XXX Arch Elective 3ARCH XXX Arch Elective 3 ARCH XXX Arch Elective 3ARCH XXX Arch Elective 3

The M.Arch. III at KU thus requires a sequence of six semesters and two summers of architectural design studio and synthesis experiences, each of which is accompanied by associated professional graduate courses, constituting a total of 118 credit hours. The program also has a required study abroad component, planned to occur during a student’s second summer.

B.A. Architectural Studies graduates who are admitted to the M.Arch. III enter at one of two points in the curriculum. First, students whose portfolio and course work indicates a need for basic instruction in architectural design, begin the degree in the summer session. Second, students whose application and portfolio indicate a proficiency in basic design and visualization usually begin course work with the fall semester of the first year.


The Application and Admission Process

Admission to the M.Arch. III requires completion of the B.A. degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. A complete application consists of the following materials:

1. Graduate application;2. One official transcript from all colleges or universities attended;3. Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to comment on the applicant’s

intellectual abilities and probable success in graduate study;4. Application fee;5. Evidence of language proficiency if the native tongue is not English;6. A statement of interest indicating the applicant’s career goals and the relationship of these

goals to the M.Arch; 7. Portfolio of design work, limited to 10 megabytes in PDF format or samples of written work

or other creative artifacts you have produced if your previous degree was not in a design related discipline;

8. For international students, a financial statement showing minimum financial support for the first year of study.

The online application may be submitted at http://www.graduate.ku.edu. All oapplicaiton materials should be uploaded at the time of applicaiton. Check the School’s web site for updates to the admission/application process or requirements www.sadp: http://www.sadp.ku.edu/ga.

Please note that enrollment in the M.Arch. III degree requires approval of the Architecture Graduate Committee. Approval requires recommendations, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, and submission of a portfolio. B.A. Architectural Studies students interested in pursuing the professional M.Arch. III degree might reduce the remaining degree requirements by selecting specific architecture courses to serve as Architecture Major Electives in their B.A. degree. B.A. students who plan on applying for admission to the M.Arch. III must complete Physics 114, which is normally used to fulfill the Lab Science requirement in the B.A. degree.


Architectural Studies graduates are not limited to following professional paths in architecture or urban planning. Indeed, the breadth of course work covered by many B.A. students helps in uncovering interests, talents and abilities in other fields that are closely related to architecture. The B.A. in Architectural Studies is an excellent foundation for graduate, professional degrees in such fields as law, business, real estate development, construction management, historic preservation and other disciplines in which the built environment is a focus.

Graduate and Professional Options Related to Architectural Studies

Students wishing to pursue any of the professional options mentioned above will want to begin thinking about appropriate degree programs before their final year in Architectural Studies. The following graduate degrees and professional outcomes have been pursued successfully by previous Architectural Studies graduates.

The B.A. Architectural Studies and Related Professional Paths

Professional and Graduate Study Paths for B.A. Graduates

Graduate Degree Professional Outcome

following B.A. Arch Studies with no specific emphasis Master of Architecture (M.Arch. III)............ Architectural practice Master of Urban Planning (MUP)................ Urban planning; economic development Master of Business Administration (MBA).. Business; real estate development Juris Doctorate (JD)...................................... Legal practice; construction law Master of Construction Mgmt (MCM)......... Construction management

following B.A. Arch Studies with Environmental Studies Emphasis Environmental Studies (MA, Ph.D)............. Environmental research, teaching following B.A. Arch Studies with History and Theory Emphasis Art History (MA, Ph.D)............................... College teaching; historical research Historic Preservation (MA, Ph.D)............... Public service; private consulting Architectural History (MA, Ph.D)............... College teaching; public history, research

following B.A. Arch Studies with Urban Planning Emphasis Geography (MA, Ph.D)............................... College teaching/research; development Historic Preservation (MA, Ph.D)............... Public service; private consulting


Students should meet with their faculty advisor or with the associate dean of the School no later than the end of their third year of study to discuss which professional paths make sense given their interests, abilities and academic record.

Basic Preparation for Graduate and Professional Options

Architectural Studies students who wish to pursue a graduate or professional degree related to their B.A. should start registering for tests and preparing materials after they have finished their third year of study. Please assume that all graduate degrees require a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for regular admission. All degrees and programs will have their own specific application forms, requirements and procedures. All will require full and complete transcripts of academic work, at least three recommendations, and at least one essay or statement of purpose. All will also have application fees and application deadlines running from mid-winter to early spring. Check each degree program’s admission requirements no later than the beginning of the fall semester in your final year of the B.A. Assume that the graduate degrees listed below will have the following requirements.

General Application Requirements for Graduate Degrees

M.Arch III Some programs will require GRE scores. Some will require an interview. All will require a portfolio of creative work and references.

MUP All will require GRE scores and references. Some will look at mathematics and writing. MBA GMAT scores showing strong analytical and mathematical skills are required. Some work

experience is required or preferred.JD The LSAT is required. All schools also require references. Strong writing, communication

and analytical skills are important.MCM GRE scores are required by most programs. Construction experience is also required by

most programs.MA The GRE, references and a strong academic record are required by most programs. Other

requirements, such as writing samples, depend upon the discipline.Ph.D Almost all Ph.D. programs require successful completion of a master’s degree with evidence

of superior research and writing skills as evidenced in a written thesis.


Architectural Studies graduates who do not choose to pursue the graduate and professional options described above should consider the wide variety of entry-level positions that require a knowledge of architectural vocabulary, an understanding of basic building processes, and strong skills in analysis, communication and organization. Relevant positions are found in both the public and private sectors.

Public Sector Opportunities

Previous B.A. graduates have found employment in all levels of government. The application process for such positions can be lengthy and it will require matching competencies developed in specific courses to the required qualifications specified in the position descriptions. The process can involve the completion of numerous forms and considerable time spent completing application materials on-line.

Federal and State Government. A first step in approaching employment with the federal government is developing a familiarity with the many agencies that employ people with the skill sets offered in degrees related to architecture and the built environment. This can be done by visiting agency web sites. It’s also important to develop a familiarity with the federal government’s Office of Personal Management (OPM), which oversees the human resources issues and activities of all federal agencies. OPM also oversees a position classification system that describes the required qualifications, skills, duties and responsibilities for the thousands of different jobs that exist within the federal government. There are many positions that require only a generalist undergraduate degree and some that, given the kinds of specializations found in the B.A. Architectural Studies, would be highly appropriate. For starters, check the qualifications for facility manager, project management trainee, space planner and similar job categories. Also, have a look at the local listings displayed on the web sites for large federal agencies that have regional headquarters or offices in the Kansas City area. This would include the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each agency has its own human resources division that advertizes positions and these will require that standard OPM procedures be followed.

The same general procedures, on a smaller scale, exist for most civil service positions in state government. The Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) in Topeka and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), also in Topeka, have hired B.A. graduates in the past. An architectural studies background would also be useful in state tourism and economic development work. What’s looked for, most often, is an ability to do site-specific survey research, often cultural resources surveys of neighborhoods, historic corridors, and so on. Preparation for this kind of work can be found in several classes, especially in several of the community planning and historic preservation classes that are available.

Other Career Paths with a B.A. in Architectural Studies


Local and Municipal Government. Local governments normally have positions that involve research, presentation and management of information about local buildings, neighborhoods, park systems, and other features of the landscape for the purposes of promotion, economic development, recreation and education. There are entry-level positions in heritage centers, history museums and other operations where a knowledge of local architecture, and an ability to explain and interpret it to others would be critical. There are many heritage centers and organizations in mid-size and larger metropolitan areas. Some of these same mid-size cities have Main Street programs that are federally funded and that promote the downtown area, organize merchants, preserve historic architectural features and generally attempt to bring vitality to the town’s core.

Not-for Profits and Development Agencies. Larger cities rely on private/public and federally-funded agencies to carry out much of the economic development and community management work that promotes growth and improvement. Many cities have community development corporations (CDCs) that have been established to funnel federal development grants into housing programs and other social and economic development programs within a group of neighborhoods. CDCs are involved in extensive planning, survey work, housing analyses, community organization and other “grass roots” tasks.

Several of the courses available to B.A. students are built around projects that require using numeric data, writing analytical reports, producing maps, diagrams and other displays of visual information, carrying out field work, conducting library and web-based research, and leading structured interviews. These are skills that are required in many positions, particularly in economic development agencies that help shape the business climate and physical or built environment. Locally, such organizations as the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) are excellent examples of agencies that work with businesses, local governments and many other quasi-government offices to improve the local economy and the overall quality of life in the area. Their employees do substantial background and preliminary research that is used in developing hotels, convention centers, transportation systems, stadiums, parks and the like.

Private Sector Opportunities

The variety of private sector opportunities depends largely upon a student’s understanding of the skills that have been acquired, their applicability, and how they can be presented to a potential employer. The following job categories are simply a few of those that call for skills that can be obtained in the course of completing the B.A. in Architectural Studies. Facility Management. All buildings have to be managed. Many companies have a large stock of buildings that they occupy and use and they employ facility managers to make sure that the physical plant for the company is maintained, is used appropriately, and is ready to accommodate changes in the way the company is run. Large corporations in the Kansas City area such as Hallmark, Cerner, Twentieth Century, and Honeywell have significant facility management divisions. Local public organizations such as Johnson County Government, KU


Medical Center, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Federal Reserve Bank also require large facility management offices. All of the local hospitals, banks, school districts and other organizations that occupy buildings require similar facility management services. The local chapter of the International Facility Management Association has several hundred members making it one of the largest professional chapters for facility managers in the United States. Students who have had some technology/construction classes, are competent with CAD and other relevant software packages related to building design, have good organizational skills, are able to communicate clearly and effectively and are able to learn things quickly, and understand the basics of how buildings operate should consider facility management as a growing, multi-disciplinary profession that will call on all that is learned in the Architectural Studies degree.

Property Management. Shopping centers, office buildings, housing complexes and other building complexes that have a high rate of churn and turnover are usually managed by private companies. Many commercial real estate companies hire property managers who oversee the operation, promotion, security, leasing of space and other activities that need to be coordinated. A fundamental understanding of environmental design as well as the skills and types of knowledge studied in the B.A. Architectural Studies help in understanding how a building can be used and manipulated. This preparation, along with basic business and interpersonal skills make property management a job market worth examining.

Building Materials Supply and Sales. The materials used in buildings are produced by manufacturers and sold to the client, builder or architect by the manufacturer’s representative. This can be a lucrative but very demanding area of employment that requires excellent interpersonal skills, sound business skills, a solid knowledge of architectural vocabulary, and a fundamental understanding of building materials and the design/construction processes. Building material suppliers must have an idea of what appeals to architects and interior designers, how the “design culture” operates and what is valued within that culture, and what the current trends in design and practice might be. There are literally hundreds of companies in the region that supply building materials and they need intelligent, well-rounded and energetic people, familiar with architecture, to represent and sell their products.

Architectural Services Marketing. In addition to the qualifications mentioned for the positions described above, the marketing of architectural services requires extraordinary verbal communication skills and strong “people” skills. Marketers fill a “supporting” role in most firms, even though they may be responsible for coordinating proposals, presentations and bids. Only the mid-size and larger firms have dedicated marketing directors and only the largest firms have marketing budgets sufficient to support staffs that carry out elaborate marketing plans.

Historic Preservation Surveying, Research and Consulting. There are a number of smaller, private consulting firms in the Kansas City area that serve as consultants to communities, firms, governments and corporations on historic preservation projects. They also compete to carry out government-funded preservation surveys and archaeological mitigation studies.


The School of Architecture, Design and Planning is one of only four schools at KU that directly admit freshmen into degree programs. This means that students must follow a process in which they apply for admission to KU, designate the B.A. in Architectural Studies as their proposed major, and receive an admission decision first from KU and second from the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. To start the process, please visit KU’s Office of Admissions and Scholarships at http://www.admissions.ku.edu/.

Application Procedures for New Students

The decision on admission to the B.A. in Architectural Studies is based on a variety of different factors including overall academic performance, standardized test scores and evidence of a standing interest in architecture and its related disciplines. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their academic records (grades, classes completed, high school class rank, and ACT scores) as well as their interests, talents and experiences as described in their application. Students should plan to take the ACT test early enough to have scores submitted with their application. There is no minimum grade point requirement, however, rank in class is an admission criterion. Students from Kansas high schools should rank in the top 25 % of their class; all other students should rank in the top 15%. Students who do not meet these minimum thresholds may still apply for admission to the B.A. Architectural Studies.

Application Procedures for Transfer Students and Current KU Students

Transfer students and current KU students who seek admission to the B.A. Architectural Studies should have a strong scholastic background, both in achievement level and curriculum selection. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of their academic records (grades, classes completed) as well as their interests, talents and experiences as described in their application. Transfer students and current KU students must have completed the appropriate math class (KU’s Math 105 or 115, or an equivalent class from another school) with a grade of “C” or better before they can be admitted to the degree. Only grades of “C” or better are accepted in transfer credit toward a degree in the School of Architecture, Design and Planning. Transfer student applications must be received by October 1 for the spring semester and by February 1 for the summer or fall.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning has a limited number of scholarships (approximately $1,000 each) for entering freshmen. These scholarships are administered directly by the School and no application is necessary for new students. Additional awards and scholarships are available to students at all year levels. These funds are provided by professional organizations and firms and other private donations; they are intended to support students who have demonstrated academic achievement and commitment to the profession.

Application Procedures, Admissions and Financial Aid


All awards are for one year and are not automatically renewed. All incoming students are urged to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the KU Office of Student Financial Aid, 50 Strong Hall. A completed file with that office allows students to be considered for all forms of financial aid. For additional details, please call the KU Office of Student Financial Aid at (785) 864-4700 or visit the web site at www.financialaid.ku.edu.

Estimated Expenses Please note that the Missouri-Kansas Reciprocal Tuition Agreement covers Missouri residents who are enrolled in the School’s M.Arch. I and M.Arch. III degrees and the B.S. Architectural Engineering degree. It does not cover Missouri residents enrolled in the B.A. Architectural Studies degree. Estimates annual undergraduate expenses for 2012-13 include the following items:

Estimated Total Annual Expenses: Resident and Non-Resident Students

Resident Non-ResidentTuition and University Fees (30 credits in 2 semesters)* $9,678.00 $23,748.00 Room and Board (double occupancy, residence hall) 8,186.00 8,186.00Books and Supplies (average for architecture students) 1,225.00 1,225.00Lab Fees and Miscellaneous Expenses** 1,550.00 1,550.00 $20,639.00 $34,709.00

*based on undergraduate compact tuition rates**does not include $42.10 per credit hour for architecture course fees

Midwest Student Exchange Program

Beginning in Fall 2013, KU’s Master of Architecture I and B.A. Architectural Studies degrees will be included within the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP). This means that non-resident students admitted to either of these degrees will be charged tuition at a rate equivalent to 1.5 times the in-state or resident rate.

In order to qualify, a student must:

-be a legal resident of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota or Wisconsin;

-achieve a high school GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale;

-have a composite score of at least 24 on the ACT or 1090 on the SAT.


Application and Admission Timeline

October-December. Submit application to KU’s Office of Admissions and Scholarships. You can apply on-line at http://www.admissions.ku.edu/. Be sure to indicate the appropriate major on the application and answer the Architecture Interest Profile questions at the end of the application. These will focus on your interest in architecture. To be considered for University Scholarships, submit a complete application by November 1st.

February 1. All completed applications that have been processed by the KU Office of Admissions and Scholarships are reviewed for fall admission to the B.A. in Architectural Studies. The School of Architecture, Design and Planning will notify each prospective student as his/her application is received.

March 1. Admission decision letters for fall semester are mailed to applicants.

May 1. New Student Fee due ($350). For details, see http://affordability.ku.edu/billing/paying/newstudentfee/.

May. Register for New Student Orientation at http://www.orientation.ku.edu/.

June. Admissions decisions finalized for transfer students and others completing spring courses required for admission.

June or July. New Student Orientation and Enrollment sessions for students admitted to architecture degrees.

October 1. Deadline for receipt of completed applications for spring semester admission.

November 1. Admission decision letters for spring semester mailed to applicants.

The MSEP covers up to four years of undergraduate study. To renew this special tuition rate, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA at KU of 3.4 and complete a minimum of at least 30 KU credit hours each academic year.

To apply for this program, contact the KU Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 785-864-4700. For additional details, visit http://affordability.ku.edu/cs/

Timeline for Admissions and Applications

The following dates should be used as a chronological framework for preparing and submitting an application for admission to the B.A. in Architectural Studies.


The School of Architecture, Design and Planning is home to approximately 900 students and it offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, architectural engineering, design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, photo media, urban planning and visual communication. The relatively small size of the School fosters a unique and well known sense of community among its students and this allows for small classes, highly individualized instruction and an unusual array of support services.

Approximately 520 students in the School are completing degrees in architecture. Most of these are enrolled in either the 5-year or 3-year version of the Master of Architecture degree. Roughly 100 students are enrolled each year in the B.A. in Architectural Studies. A smaller number of students register each year in one of two post-professional architecture degrees which include a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Architecture (with one track in Architectural Management available at KU’s Edwards Campus and a second track in Architectural Research available on the Lawrence Campus) as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Architecture.

The educational experience is enriched by many unique opportunities for students. The School has extensive student exchange and foreign study programs with an architectural emphasis in Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, England, Scotland, Australia and Asia. These complement KU’s rich variety of study abroad programs found throughout the world. B.A. students also have the opportunity within their degree to complete requirements for KU’s Global Awareness Program, Research Experience Program, and Certification in Service Learning. Periodic field trips and other events and activities organized and sponsored by the School’s various student organizations present additional opportunities for students to extend learning and discovery beyond the classroom.

The KU School of Architecture, Design and Planning


The University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a major educational and research institution with 29,000 students and 2,200 faculty members. KU includes the main campus in Lawrence; the Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas; the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park; and educational and research facilities throughout the state.

KU has more than 40 special research facilities, in addition to those in individual departments and schools. Research expenditures at KU total more than $292 million a year. The National Science Foundation classifies KU as a major university receiving substantial research support. The Carnegie Foundation classifies KU as a research university with very high research activity, a classification given to the top research institutions.

KU is home to one of the top public-university library systems in the nation. Holdings presently include more than 4 million cataloged volumes; 350,000 maps and aerial photographs; 45,000 current periodicals; thousands of manuscript, photographic and archival pieces; many sets of microform materials and sound recordings; and a growing collection of electronic media. Visit www.lib.ku.edu.

The University Honors Program, www.honors.ku.edu, provides enriched educational opportunities for academically talented and creative students at KU. It brings students and faculty together in a teaching and research environment that challenges both to strive for high academic achievement and standards.

The Mount Oread Scholars Program also offers special opportunities, advising and support for academically qualified first-year students at KU. Visit www.advising.ku.edu/programs/mos.

KU’s Research Experience Program offers certification of undergraduate research experiences. To meet REP requirements, students complete research course work and prepare a thesis, paper or research presentation. Visit www.rgs.ku.edu/depts/training/rep/rep.shtml for information.

Each year, more than 60 Undergraduate Research Awards are given to students for original research projects supervised by KU faculty members. Students compete to receive $500 to fund research during the academic year and at least $1,500 for summer research projects.

More than 1,300 students are enrolled in KU’s Global Awareness Program. To fulfill GAP requirements, students study abroad, take classes with an international focus and participate in international co-curricular activities. Visit www.international.ku.edu/~oip/gap for information. KU has a lively international environment, with nearly 1,600 international students and many faculty members who have lived overseas.


Through coursework and independent projects, the Certification in Service Learning experience allows students to participate in an organized service activity that meets community needs. Visit www.servicelearning.ku.ed for information.

Gera Elliott, Admissions Coordinator205 Marvin Hall, 1465 Jayhawk BoulevardLawrence, Kansas 66045-7614E-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/KU Architecture

Michael M. Swann, Associate Dean206 Marvin Hall, 1465 Jayhawk BoulevardLawrence, Kansas 66045-7614E-mail: [email protected]

Contacts for Additional Information

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