The global practice of architecture invites students to develop an extensive background in related areas of expertise. Within the required curriculum, Bachelor of Architecture students may select from studios and architecture electives to satisfy an area of specialization. Working with their academic advisors, students are encouraged to identify a specialization in their second or third year of study in order to plan the appropriate sequence of courses. Credit requirements for each specialization are met by a combination of required core courses, advanced studios, and architecture electives. Prior approval for electives is required.
A maximum of one course can be applied toward two different specializations.
Click here to declare a B. Arch specialization.
Architectural History and Theory (9 credit hours)
In addition to the required History/Theory courses list below:
AAH 119: History of World Architecture I
AAH 120: History of World Architecture II
ARCH 321: Contemporary Architecture
Required Architectural history elective
Students must also take three elective history of architecture courses (AAH, ARCH, or LA) approved by the college:
ARCH 445: The Prairie School
ARCH 446: History of Landscape Architecture (same as LA 502)
ARCH 454: Contemporary Chicago Architecture: Case Studies
ARCH 456: Topics in Modernism
ARCH 470: Image City: Mediation of Space
ARCH 473: Conflict and Time
ARCH 491: Topics in Architecture & Theory
ARCH 497: Topics vary. By approval of History/Theory Strand Director
ARCH 500: Global Modernism
ARCH 502: Advanced Topics in History and Theory I
ARCH 503: Advanced Topics in History and Theory II
LA 497: Special Projects (History/Theory). By approval of History/Theory Strand Director
AAH 380. Topics vary. By approval of History/Theory Strand Director
Design/Build (9 credit hours)
In addition to a design/build studio, ARCH 417 or ARCH 418 (six credit hours), students must take three design/build electives (nine credit hours) approved by the college:
ARCH 421: Basics of Building Simulation in the Built Environment I
ARCH 448: Furniture Design/Build
ARCH 449: Alternative Chairs
ARCH 467: Advanced Materials Workshop
ARCH 480: Materials and Construction
ARCH 492: Topics in Design/Build
ARCH 497: Special Projects (Design/Build). By approval of Design/Build Director.
CAE courses may be applied by approval of the Design/Build Director.
View Bachelor of Architecture Design/Build Gallery
Digital Design (9 credit hours)
In addition to the required Design Communication courses listed below:
ARCH 107: Design Communications I
ARCH 108: Design Communications II
Students must also take three elective Digital Design courses approved by the college:
ARCH 433: Introduction to Digital Fabrication
ARCH 435: Digital Fabrication
ARCH 436: Advanced Modeling
ARCH 437: BIM Revit
ARCH 438: Design Visualization
ARCH 490: Topics in Digital Design
ARCH 497: Special Projects (Digital). By approval of Design Communication Director
Landscape Architecture (9 credits)
In addition to a Landscape Advanced Studio (LA 545 or LA 546), students must also take three elective landscape courses. Students pursuing this specialization must speak to the MLA Director about course selection and sequence. Students pursuing this specialization should take at least two seminar/lecture courses prior to enrolling in a landscape studio.
Choose 3 electives from the following:
ARCH 445: The Prairie School
ARCH 446: History of Landscape Architecture (same as LA 502)
ARCH/LA 497: Special Projects (Sightscapes, Tropical Modernity, etc.) by approval of the MLA Program Director.
LA 501: HTC I: Landscape Architecture Theory (same as ARCH 520)
LA 503: HTC IV: Advanced Contemporary Theory: Case Studies
LA 516: Pro Practice II: Landscape Architecture and Time
LA 527: Design Media III: Advanced Modeling and Fabrication - Dynamic Processes
LA 565: Ecology and Materials Workshop I: Plants and Planting
LA 566: Ecology and Materials Workshop II: Earthworks and Infrastructure
LA 567: Ecology and Materials Workshop III: Planting Design and Construction (Prereq:LA 565)
LA 568: Ecology and Materials Workshop IV: Constructing the Urban Environment