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:
Jodi Robison , Department of Art & Art History, Ebert Digital Lab.
Daren Kendall, Department of Art & Art History
Students are encouraged to participate in off-campus learning experiences abroad or programs based in the US. Below is a list of current options geared toward Art and Art History.
Off-campus study requires mandatory Global Engagement Office (GEO 101) sessions. These introductory sessions cover the basics of how studying off-campus works. They will teach you about program options, financial aid, credit transfer, and so much more. Sessions are led by Global Peer Advisors who have recently returned from studying abroad.
New York Arts Program, NYC
Areas of Concentration:
Art, Communication Studies, Journalism and Music
Description: Founded in 1967, NYAP is the premiere off-campus domestic program specializing in providing students with opportunities in the arts and creative industries. Deeply connected to its location in a global cultural capital the NYAP semester advances students’ creative and critical skills, and helps them define and launch on a professional path through Internships, seminars that use NYC as an active resource, professional Development Workshops, program Individual advising, community & events, and an independent urban living experience in New York City.
Provider: Ohio Wesleyan University in partnership with The College of Wooster
LINK: Programs > Brochure > Global Engagement Office (wooster.edu)
Glasgow School of Art, Scotland
Areas of concentration:
Textile design, painting, photography, sculpture, silversmithing and jewelry, printmaking and graphic design, glass blowing, drawing, and architectural studies
Description: With one-on-one instruction, a high degree of independent study and focused studio work, GSA’s fine arts courses allow you to realize and develop your creativity and to mature as an artist. Emphasis is placed on studio work and continuous interaction and discussion with your instructors and visiting artists. Areas of concentration include: textile design, painting, photography, sculpture, silversmithing and jewelry, printmaking and graphic design, glass blowing, drawing and architectural studies.
Provider: The College of Global Studies, Arcadia University in partnership with The College of Wooster
LINK: Programs > Brochure > Global Engagement Office (wooster.edu)
Copenhagen, Denmark
Areas of concentration:
Core course: Modern Frame: European Art/Cinema
Elective courses: Ancient Art and Archaeology, Art in the Making, Danish Design, Women, Art, Identity; Garden Art in European Culture; European Art of the 20th Century
Description: As a DIS student, you will choose a core course from among 22 programs, in which you will travel on two faculty-led and course-integrated study tours regionally and in Europe. Subsequently, you can pick your electives from over 190 upper-level courses, and expand your curriculum with Optional Study Tours that allow you to pursue a passion in a fascinating part of Europe.
Provider: DIS (Danish Institute for Study Abroad) in partnership with The College of Wooster
LINK: Programs > Brochure > Global Engagement Office (wooster.edu)
Stockholm, Sweden
Areas of concentration:
Core Course: Nordic Contemporary Art
Description: As a DIS student, you will choose a core course from among 22 pro-grams, in which you will travel on two faculty-led and course-integrated study tours regionally and in Europe. Subsequently, you can pick your electives from over 190 upper-level courses, and expand your curriculum with Optional Study Tours that allow you to pursue a passion in a fascinating part of Europe.
Provider: DIS (Danish Institute for Study Abroad)in partnership with The College of Wooster
LINK: Programs > Brochure > Global Engagement Office (wooster.edu)
Rome, Italy
Areas of Concentration:
Studio Art, Art History, Fashion
Description: Rome will be your classroom. Can you imagine places like the Vatican, Pantheon, the Forum, or the Coliseum being part of your education? Welcome to study abroad! Wherever possible, IES courses take advantage of the city’s many opportunities through a se-ries of course-related field studies to many historical, artistic, and cultural sites.
Optional internship opportunity: If you want to become familiar with the local cultural envi-ronment and build professional relationships with Italians, enroll into an IES internship or so-cial action programs. These are unique opportunities for you to build up an international re-sume as you practice the language and develop your personal abilities.
Provider: IES Abroad (Institute for International Education) in partnership with The College of Wooster
Partner Institutions: Rome University of Fine Arts, Accademia di Costume e Moda
LINK: Programs > Brochure > Global Engagement Office (wooster.edu)
updated 1/23 contact the Global Engagement Office for more and most current information
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APEX
Sunmer programs, internships, fellowships and professional development opportunities are posted and organized thru APEX (Advising, Planning, and Experiential Learning) Visit the APEX web pages for more information, browse the current postings on the wall or make an appointment with an APEX Advisor. Additionally, you can visit the Scot’s Career Hub page.
Start your inquiry is with one of your Wooster Advisors: ARCH advisor, FYS Instructor, Advisor in major, or your I.S. Advisor
Studio Art internships are typically off-campus structured experiences, in which a student extends classroom knowledge to a work position within a community, business, or governmental organization. Student interns work and learn under the joint guidance of a host organization supervisor and a College of Wooster mentor.
Art History internships involve supervised participation for art history majors at an art museum or gallery, or with organizations providing pragmatic experience in architectural history, urban planning, or historic preservation. This experience may be student-designed or arranged in the context of an existing program, such as the Harvard Graduate School of Design Summer Career Discovery Program or Habitat for Humanity.
Department Funding
Each year the Department of Art & Art History provides modest funds for support of Senior Independent Study. These funds may be used for I.S. related expenses including supplies, copying, and travel. The amount is dependent on the number of received and approved proposals. The Department of Art & Art History faculty will determine if proposals are approved and allocation amounts. Your Application for Departmental Independent Study Funds must be submitted to the Administrative Coordinator. See the Studio Art I.S. Handbook for more information.
Your application will be evaluated on the quality of your writing, following guidelines, and how you intend to use the funds. A draft of the proposal must be reviewed wiith your I.S. advisor before you submit your final version to allow time to make changes. Submitting an application does not guarantee it will be accepted.
Your application must include:
• Provide an explanation of the intent of your project. This should include concept, materials, techniques, and project plan.
• Discuss the reason for requesting funds.
• Provide an estimated breakdown of expenses.
Henry J. Copeland Fund for Independent Study
In honor of his presidency at the College of Wooster, Wooster’s Board of Trustees established the Henry J. Copeland Fund for Independent Study in 1995 and raised $1 million in gifts to endow this program. 2023 marks the Copeland Fund’s 26th year of operation with an expectation to award approximately $90,000 for the academic year! Visit the Academic Advising/Student Funding web page for more information.
Sophomore Research Program
The Sophomore Research Program (SOREP) provides opportunities for students to work as paid research assistants to Wooster faculty members. Through this program students become true partners with faculty in the research process and acquire an understanding of the process involved in conducting research.Visit the Academic Advising/Student Funding web page for more information.
Kendall-Rives Latin American Research Grant
The Kendall-Rives Latin American Research Grant makes available approximately $10,000 each year to Wooster sophomores or juniors to support a research project on some aspect of United States-Latin American Relations. Visit the Academic Advising/Student Funding web page for more information.
The George Olson Prize in Art
$225.00 per student total $450.00
The prize, created by gifts to the College in his honor and by the sale of the department’s collection of student prints, is awarded annually to a senior art major who has excelled in printmaking, painting or drawing. Ask your advisor for more information about this prize.
The Donald R. MacKenzie Prize in Art
$225.00 per student total $450.00
The prize, whose purpose is to promote interest in the field of ceramics, sculpture, or Japanese culture, is awarded each year to a junior or senior art student who has excelled in one or more of these areas. Ask your advisor for more information about this prize.
The Netta Strain Scott Prize in Art
$235.00 per student total $470.00
One prize in each category is awarded to the student who has shown outstanding ability in creative studio work. Ask your advisor for more information about this prize.
Pathways are optional, interdisciplinary programs distinct from majors and minors that bring together academic interests, hands-on experiences, and career exploration. Pathways provide an opportunity to match your passions with your career pursuits. Gain the skills sought after by employers and grad schools through hands-on experiences and career exploration, while earning credit toward graduation. Only first-year and second-year students and first-semester juniors are eligible to declare a pathway.
Specific Pathways may be directly or indirectly aligned with the Art and Art History curriculum. Visit Pathways or contact a Pathways advisor for more information.
• Museum & Archival Studies
• Digital & Visual Storytelling
• Data Exploration & Communication
• Entrepreneurship
Art History & Museum Studies Club
The Art History and Museum Studies Club serves students interested in art history and museums both in and outside of their departments. We also work with the College of Wooster Art Museum and the Museums and Archives Pathway Program to connect students with career resources and introduce them to valuable opportunities for career discernment.
Goals:
• Use our resources to ensure accessibility to all events to interested students
• Encourage meaningful dialogues in our meetings that are reflective of inclusivity in our fields
• Collaborate with other organizations to nurture interdisciplinary connections
In addition to our weekly meetings, we will be offering students a collaborative trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art, along with films and games nights throughout the year.
Contacts:
Professor Kara Morrow, Art History
Professor Beth Derderian, Museum & Archival Studies