An undergraduate B.A. degree from a liberal arts college such as Wooster can provide an excellent foundation for graduate training as a professional architect. Since the built environment both shapes and is shaped by society, an architect needs not only the technical training in design and engineering that would be provided by an advanced degree in architecture, but also the broader understanding of history, culture, physical and social sciences, mathematics, and the visual arts that is best attained within the context of a liberal arts education. An architect must think and write critically and be able to articulate their vision-another reason a liberal arts B.A. is good career preparation.
Students planning a career in architecture can major in any discipline while completing a four-year B.A. at The College of Wooster. While fulfilling their major and general education requirements, they should plan to take the following recommended courses as preparation for graduate study in architecture. Although Wooster does not offer a major in architecture or pre-professional coursework, the following recommended courses are standard admission prerequisites for most graduate architecture programs. Please note: Requirements differ across graduate schools, so students should research and contact specific programs being considered.
- One semester of Calculus*
- One or two semesters of Physics*
- Four or more Studio Art courses. Choose from drawing, design, photography, digital imaging, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics.Students can take either four introductory classes in different studio areas, or three introductory studio classes and one upper-level class.
- Modern Architecture (ARTH 22300)
While students take these courses in conjunction with the requirements of any major, many students interested in architecture will major in Studio Art and take additional art history courses. Most architecture graduate curriculums are studio-oriented, and require a visual arts portfolio for admission. The artwork you create in undergraduate studio classes will form the backbone of that portfolio.
*Most graduate architecture schools require one semester each of calculus and physics; however, some programs require two semesters.
The Pre-Architecture advisor is John Siewert, Department of Art & Art History
To learn more about creating your portfolio please contact:
Daren Kendall, Department of Art & Art History
Jodi Robison , Department of Art & Art History, Ebert Digital Lab.