Architecture - B.S. Download to print

Kent State's architecture program enables students to acquire and apply knowledge that contributes to the betterment of our physical environments. The balanced curriculum of technology, visualization, history, theory and design studio coursework offers a platform for scholarship, constructive discourse and debate. Northeast Ohio's rich history and dynamic urban landscape serve as a setting for academic learning and the study of "real world" conditions. By placing equal emphasis on the poetics and pragmatics of construction and design, the curriculum inspires experimentation, collaboration, discovery, critical thinking and innovation. The program fosters academic excellence and prepares students to be responsible and accomplished architectural professionals. 

The college offers full-semester programs abroad for qualified third-year Architecture students. The study abroad program is housed in the 13th-century Palazzo dei Cerchi, located in the heart of historic Florence, Italy. The program is open to all students who have made satisfactory progress toward completion of their undergraduate program.

Architects held about 113,700 jobs in 2010. The job outlook indicates a 24% increase between 2010 and 2020. Approximately 7 out of 10 jobs were in the architectural, engineering, and related services industry—mostly in architectural firms with fewer than five workers. A small number worked for residential and nonresidential building construction firms and for government agencies responsible for housing, community planning, or construction of government buildings, such as the U.S. Departments of Defense and Interior, and the General Services Administration. About 1 in 5 architects are self-employed. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Application deadline is Jan. 31. All applications must include the application fee, official American College Test (ACT)/Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and an official high school transcript which shows class rank and coursework in 9th, 10th and 11th grades, as well as the courses that are being taken or will be taken in the senior year. Transcripts that do not show class rank and senior courses cannot be considered. All completed applications received by the deadline will be reviewed. Applicants will be considered based on the following criteria:

• High school GPA.

• High school class rank.

• ACT/SAT scores.

While Kent State University is an open admissions university that offers admission to students who are graduates of accredited high schools, admission to the architecture program is highly selective. Of the students who apply each year to architecture, approximately 100 are enrolled in the program. Of the remaining applicants, approximately 50 are selected as alternates. Should additional space become available prior to the beginning of fall semester, spaces will be filled from the roster of alternates.

To be considered, freshmen need at least a 3.0 cumulative high school grade point average (on a 4.0 scale), a minimum ACT composite score of 25 (1140 combined critical reading and math SAT score), minimum ACT sub scores of 25 in both English and math, AND a rank in the top 20 percent of their graduating class.

Applicants will be notified of their admission status by March 1. Those offered admission to the architecture program must notify the College of their decision by April 1. Admission not confirmed by this date will be offered to alternates.

Students not admitted to the B.S. program may qualify for admission to the College of Architecture and Environmental Design as a General (AED-G) major. These students may apply for admission to the architecture summer studio program. They must complete their first year with a minimum 2.750 GPA (3.000 GPA or higher are the most competitive), complete first year non-studio requirements, and apply for the summer studio program. Students who are accepted will complete First Year Design Studio I and II during the summer between their first and second years. A personal interview with the Associate Dean for Architecture is recommended during the first week of the spring semester of their first year.

AED-Gs are assigned to freshman orientation classes with all College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors. These classes aid in understanding the broad range of career options within the environmental design professions. Students should take regular coursework in preparation to attempt entry into one of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors or may consider alternative degree program options. Students should meet with their advisor to aid in making a decision regarding their degree program and major. In order to move forward with a minimum loss of credit hours, it is strongly recommended that AED-G students, who were not accepted into a degree program, choose an alternate degree program within or outside the College prior to completing 45 credit hours.

Requirements for Advancement to Third Year—Professional Level

Advancement review for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture occurs at the end of the second year. Upon completion of 60 semester hours, students are required to contact the Office of Advising and Academic Services in Taylor Hall to obtain a requirement sheet bearing a current evaluation of all progress toward completion of the student's chosen degree program. Requirement evaluations are not a substitute for meeting with a faculty advisor. To advance, students must accomplish the following:

• Comply with all specific course prerequisites.
• Complete the following courses: AED 10001, 10002, 10101, 10102; ARCH 10111, 20101, 20102, 20112, 20113, 20201, 20301, 20601, 20602; MATH 12002 (or MATH 12011 and 12012); PHY 13001, 13012, 13021
• Earn a minimum 2.25 GPA in architecture courses.
• Earn a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.

Minimum 131 credit hours and 39 upper-division hours including all required coursework. Minimum 2.250 major GPA and 2.000 cumulative GPA.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of building systems and their integration for human comfort including lighting, heating ventilation, and acoustics.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive design studio experiences (capstone) through which students apply an understanding of the integration of building design, site design, assemblies, structure, environmental systems and building code requirements.
3. Demonstrate the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles of two and three-dimensional form and space making. Provide students with an introduction to the technical and theoretical fundamentals of programming, sustainable, urban and site design.