Architecture
Major: Architecture
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Architecture Degree (BArch)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 227.0
Co-op Options: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 04.0201
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-1011
About the Program
The practice of architecture requires a unique skill set—creative thinking and aesthetic sensitivity balanced with technical knowledge, cultural understanding, and social responsibility. Critical thinking and communication skills are needed. Drexel’s Bachelor of Architecture program encompasses foundation courses in the applied and social sciences, the humanities, and a wide range of professional architecture courses to prepare students for careers in architecture and related fields. At the heart of the curriculum are the design studios where students are challenged to apply their knowledge acquired from the above disciplines to consequential design problems.
Drexel’s work/study program is an experiential-based learning model that complements and provides an alternative to traditional full-time academic architecture programs. The Drexel model provides a practical, high-quality education to those students who seek early exposure to daily architectural practice as well as an affordable alternative to students who could not otherwise be able to enter the profession.
At Drexel there are two paths to an accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree, serving two distinct populations: the 2+4 option and the part-time evening option.
The Architecture Program's advising guidelines include scheduling guidelines, studio advancement requirements, and general studio policies.
Accreditation
In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit US professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted an eight-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture programs may require a pre-professional undergraduate degree in architecture for admission. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
Drexel University, Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Department of Architecture + Interiors offers the following NAAB-accredited degree program(s):
2+4 Option: 6 year program (2 years full-time, 4 years part-time)
Bachelor of Architecture
227.0 undergraduate quarter-term credits
Part-Time Evening Option: 7 year part-time program
Bachelor of Architecture
227.0 undergraduate quarter-term credits
Next accreditation visit for both tracks: 2026
About the 2+4 Option
The 2+4 option is an accelerated route designed for well-prepared students entering the major directly after graduating from high school. In this program, two years of full-time coursework address the basic principles of architectural design and satisfy fundamental University core requirements in the arts and sciences as well as those job-related skills that are needed for entry-level professional positions in architecture or related fields. A comprehensive review of performance will take place after each year to ensure that students are making sufficient progress in all areas. After successfully completing the minimum requirements of the full-time phase, students find full-time employment in the building industry, including architecture firms, while continuing their academic program part-time in the evening for four additional years.
About the Part-time Evening Program
The part-time evening option is one of only two part-time evening architectural programs in the United States, leading to an accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree. Designed for non-traditional and transfer students, this program offers all courses part-time in the evening, enabling students to work full-time. The evening program sequence is seven years, but transfer students with university-level design credits can reduce its length by meeting specific program requirements through transcript and portfolio review.
By combining work and study, all Drexel Architecture students may be able to simultaneously satisfy their required internship for licensure, now called the Architectural Experience Program (AXP) while completing their professional degree, thus qualifying for the registration exam on graduation in most jurisdictions.
Additional Information
For more information, visit the Architecture Program website. For advising and transfer information please review the Architecture Program's curriculum page.
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Program
In August of 2015, Drexel was approved by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for participation in the Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPAL) Program. IPAL provides students the opportunity to achieve licensure upon graduation – an important innovation affording students the chance to jumpstart their careers through a curriculum of education, work experience and licensure examinations. Students follow either of the two options leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree while preparing for and sitting for licensing exams during the summers following the third, fourth and fifth year of study. Drexel is part of a selective group of schools in the country to offer this opportunity, an initiative spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Students seeking access to this track need permission from the Program Director and the IPAL Faculty Advisor.
Note: Architecture vs Architectural Engineering
Because Drexel University offers two programs with "architecture" in their titles, it is useful to point out the significant differences between them:
- Architects design buildings to meet people's spatial, organizational, and aesthetic needs; they also coordinate the building design process. All states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services. Many architecture school graduates work in the field even though they are not licensed or while they are in the process of becoming licensed. But they may not call themselves an architect.
A licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work. Licensure requirements usually include:
- A professional degree in architecture;
- A period of practical training or internship; and
- Passage of all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).
- Architectural engineers specialize in the design of engineering systems within buildings. Architectural engineers earn Bachelor of Science degrees and become professional engineers with the required experience and state examinations. Students whose interests are focused on the technological and engineering aspects of buildings should review Drexel's major in Architectural Engineering offered by the College of Engineering.
Degree Requirements (2 + 4 Option)
General Education Requirements | ||
CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
or ENGL 111 | English Composition I | |
ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
or ENGL 112 | English Composition II | |
ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
or ENGL 113 | English Composition III | |
MATH 101 | Introduction to Analysis I | 4.0 |
MATH 102 | Introduction to Analysis II | 4.0 |
PHIL 317 | Ethics and Design Professions | 3.0 |
PHYS 182 | Applied Physics I | 3.0 |
PHYS 183 | Applied Physics II | 3.0 |
UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
Arts and Humanties-students elect a minimum of 6 credits | 6.0 | |
Natural Science-students elect a minimum of 3 credits | 3.0 | |
Social Science-students elect a minimum of 9 credits | 9.0 | |
Free electives | 30.0 | |
Studios (must be taken in order) | ||
ARCH 181 | Architecture Studio 1A | 4.0 |
ARCH 182 | Architecture Studio 1B | 4.0 |
ARCH 183 | Architecture Studio 1C | 4.0 |
ARCH 281 | Architecture Studio 2A | 4.0 |
ARCH 282 | Architecture Studio 2B | 4.0 |
ARCH 283 | Architecture Studio 2C | 4.0 |
ARCH 381 | Architecture Studio 3A | 4.0 |
ARCH 382 | Architecture Studio 3B | 4.0 |
ARCH 383 | Architecture Studio 3C | 4.0 |
ARCH 481 | Architecture Studio 4A | 4.0 |
ARCH 482 | Architecture Studio 4B | 4.0 |
ARCH 483 | Architecture Studio 4C | 4.0 |
ARCH 487 | Architecture Studio 5A | 4.0 |
ARCH 488 | Architecture Studio 5B | 4.0 |
ARCH 489 | Architecture Studio 5C | 4.0 |
ARCH 493 | Senior Project I | 4.0 |
ARCH 494 | Senior Project II | 4.0 |
ARCH 495 | Senior Project III | 4.0 |
Required Professional Courses (2 + 4 Option) | ||
ARCH 141 | Architecture and Society I | 3.0 |
ARCH 142 | Architecture and Society II | 3.0 |
ARCH 143 | Architecture and Society III | 3.0 |
ARCH 144 | Architecture and Society IV | 3.0 |
ARCH 211 | Architectural Representation I | 2.0 |
ARCH 212 | Architectural Representation II | 2.0 |
ARCH 213 | Architectural Representation III | 2.0 |
ARCH 221 | Materials & Methods I | 1.5 |
ARCH 222 | Materials & Methods II | 1.5 |
ARCH 223 | Materials & Methods III | 1.5 |
ARCH 224 | Architectural Representation IV | 2.0 |
ARCH 225 | Architectural Representation V | 2.0 |
ARCH 226 | Architectural Representation VI | 2.0 |
ARCH 251 | Structural Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 252 | Structural Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 253 | Structural Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 291 | Building Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 292 | Building Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 293 | Building Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 324 | Materials & Methods IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 325 | Materials & Methods V | 1.5 |
ARCH 326 | Materials & Methods VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 335 | Professional Practice I | 3.0 |
ARCH 336 | Professional Practice II | 3.0 |
ARCH 354 | Structural Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 355 | Structural Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 356 | Structural Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 394 | Building Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 395 | Building Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 396 | Building Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 431 [WI] | Architectural Programming | 3.0 |
History and Theory Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
American Architecture & Urbanism | ||
Theories of Architecture I | ||
Theories of Architecture II | ||
Theories of Architecture III | ||
History of Modern Architecture I | ||
History of Philadelphia Architecture | ||
Intensive Architectural Studies | ||
Studies in Vernacular Architecture | ||
Contemporary Architecture | ||
Environmental Psychology and Design Theory | ||
Urban Design Seminar | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Professional Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
The Development Process | ||
Advanced Drawing | ||
Computer Applications in Architecture I | ||
Computer Applications in Architecture II | ||
Emerging Architectural Technology | ||
Building Enclosure Design | ||
Energy and Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
An approved Construction Management (CMGT) course | ||
Total Credits | 227.0 |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.
Sample Plan of Study (2 + 4) Option
Freshman | ||
---|---|---|
Term 1 | Credits | |
ARCH 141 | Architecture and Society I | 3.0 |
ARCH 181 | Architecture Studio 1A | 4.0 |
ARCH 211 | Architectural Representation I | 2.0 |
ENGL 101 or 111 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research English Composition I | 3.0 |
MATH 101 | Introduction to Analysis I | 4.0 |
UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
Term Credits | 17.0 | |
Term 2 | ||
ARCH 142 | Architecture and Society II | 3.0 |
ARCH 182 | Architecture Studio 1B | 4.0 |
ARCH 212 | Architectural Representation II | 2.0 |
ENGL 102 or 112 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing English Composition II | 3.0 |
MATH 102 | Introduction to Analysis II | 4.0 |
UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
Term Credits | 17.0 | |
Term 3 | ||
ARCH 143 | Architecture and Society III | 3.0 |
ARCH 183 | Architecture Studio 1C | 4.0 |
ARCH 213 | Architectural Representation III | 2.0 |
CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
ENGL 103 or 113 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres English Composition III | 3.0 |
PHYS 182 | Applied Physics I | 3.0 |
Term Credits | 16.0 | |
Sophomore | ||
Term 4 | ||
ARCH 221 | Materials & Methods I | 1.5 |
ARCH 224 | Architectural Representation IV | 2.0 |
ARCH 251 | Structural Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 281 | Architecture Studio 2A | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Arts & Humanities Elective | 3.0 | |
Social Science Elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 18.0 | |
Term 5 | ||
ARCH 144 | Architecture and Society IV | 3.0 |
ARCH 222 | Materials & Methods II | 1.5 |
ARCH 225 | Architectural Representation V | 2.0 |
ARCH 252 | Structural Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 282 | Architecture Studio 2B | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 18.0 | |
Term 6 | ||
ARCH 223 | Materials & Methods III | 1.5 |
ARCH 226 | Architectural Representation VI | 2.0 |
ARCH 253 | Structural Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 283 | Architecture Studio 2C | 4.0 |
PHYS 183 | Applied Physics II | 3.0 |
Natural Science Elective | 3.0 | |
Free Elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 18.0 | |
Third Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 7 | ||
ARCH 291 | Building Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 354 | Structural Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 381 | Architecture Studio 3A | 4.0 |
History/Theory elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 8 | ||
ARCH 292 | Building Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 355 | Structural Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 382 | Architecture Studio 3B | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 9 | ||
ARCH 293 | Building Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 356 | Structural Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 383 | Architecture Studio 3C | 4.0 |
Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 10 | ||
Summer Quarter | ||
Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
Free electives | 6.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Fourth Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 11 | ||
ARCH 324 | Materials & Methods IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 394 | Building Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 481 | Architecture Studio 4A | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 12 | ||
ARCH 325 | Materials & Methods V | 1.5 |
ARCH 395 | Building Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 482 | Architecture Studio 4B | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 13 | ||
ARCH 326 | Materials & Methods VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 396 | Building Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 483 | Architecture Studio 4C | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 14 | ||
Summer Quarter | ||
ARCH 431 [WI] | Architectural Programming | 3.0 |
History/Theory elective | 3.0 | |
Professional elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Fifth Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 15 | ||
ARCH 335 | Professional Practice I | 3.0 |
ARCH 487 | Architecture Studio 5A | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 16 | ||
ARCH 336 | Professional Practice II | 3.0 |
ARCH 488 | Architecture Studio 5B | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 17 | ||
ARCH 489 | Architecture Studio 5C | 4.0 |
PHIL 317 | Ethics and Design Professions | 3.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 18 | ||
Summer Quarter | ||
Professional elective | 3.0 | |
Free Elective | 3.0 | |
History/Theory elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Sixth Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 19 | ||
ARCH 493 | Senior Project I | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 20 | ||
ARCH 494 | Senior Project II | 4.0 |
Professional elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 21 | ||
ARCH 495 | Senior Project III | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Total Credit: 227.0 |
Degree Requirements (Part-time Evening Option)
General Education Requirements | ||
ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
or ENGL 111 | English Composition I | |
ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
or ENGL 112 | English Composition II | |
ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
or ENGL 113 | English Composition III | |
MATH 171 | Introduction to Analysis A | 3.0 |
MATH 172 | Introduction to Analysis B | 3.0 |
MATH 173 | Introduction to Analysis C | 3.0 |
PHIL 317 | Ethics and Design Professions | 3.0 |
PHYS 182 | Applied Physics I | 3.0 |
PHYS 183 | Applied Physics II | 3.0 |
UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 2.0 |
Arts and Humanities-students elect a minimum of 6 credits | 6.0 | |
Social Science-students elect a minimum of 6 credits | 9.0 | |
Natural Science-students elect a minimum of 3 credits | 3.0 | |
Free electives | 24.0 | |
Studios (Must be taken in order) | ||
ARCH 107 | Foundation Design I | 2.0 |
ARCH 108 | Foundation Design II | 2.0 |
ARCH 109 | Foundation Design III | 2.0 |
ARCH 181 | Architecture Studio 1A | 4.0 |
ARCH 182 | Architecture Studio 1B | 4.0 |
ARCH 183 | Architecture Studio 1C | 4.0 |
ARCH 281 | Architecture Studio 2A | 4.0 |
ARCH 282 | Architecture Studio 2B | 4.0 |
ARCH 283 | Architecture Studio 2C | 4.0 |
ARCH 381 | Architecture Studio 3A | 4.0 |
ARCH 382 | Architecture Studio 3B | 4.0 |
ARCH 383 | Architecture Studio 3C | 4.0 |
ARCH 481 | Architecture Studio 4A | 4.0 |
ARCH 482 | Architecture Studio 4B | 4.0 |
ARCH 483 | Architecture Studio 4C | 4.0 |
ARCH 487 | Architecture Studio 5A | 4.0 |
ARCH 488 | Architecture Studio 5B | 4.0 |
ARCH 489 | Architecture Studio 5C | 4.0 |
ARCH 493 | Senior Project I | 4.0 |
ARCH 494 | Senior Project II | 4.0 |
ARCH 495 | Senior Project III | 4.0 |
Required Professional Courses (Part-time Evening Option) | ||
ARCH 141 | Architecture and Society I | 3.0 |
ARCH 142 | Architecture and Society II | 3.0 |
ARCH 143 | Architecture and Society III | 3.0 |
ARCH 144 | Architecture and Society IV | 3.0 |
ARCH 211 | Architectural Representation I | 2.0 |
ARCH 212 | Architectural Representation II | 2.0 |
ARCH 213 | Architectural Representation III | 2.0 |
ARCH 221 | Materials & Methods I | 1.5 |
ARCH 222 | Materials & Methods II | 1.5 |
ARCH 223 | Materials & Methods III | 1.5 |
ARCH 224 | Architectural Representation IV | 2.0 |
ARCH 225 | Architectural Representation V | 2.0 |
ARCH 226 | Architectural Representation VI | 2.0 |
ARCH 251 | Structural Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 252 | Structural Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 253 | Structural Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 291 | Building Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 292 | Building Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 293 | Building Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 324 | Materials & Methods IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 325 | Materials & Methods V | 1.5 |
ARCH 326 | Materials & Methods VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 335 | Professional Practice I | 3.0 |
ARCH 336 | Professional Practice II | 3.0 |
ARCH 354 | Structural Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 355 | Structural Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 356 | Structural Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 394 | Building Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 395 | Building Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 396 | Building Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 431 [WI] | Architectural Programming | 3.0 |
History and Theory Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
American Architecture & Urbanism | ||
Theories of Architecture I | ||
Theories of Architecture II | ||
Theories of Architecture III | ||
History of Philadelphia Architecture | ||
Intensive Architectural Studies | ||
Studies in Vernacular Architecture | ||
Contemporary Architecture | ||
Environmental Psychology and Design Theory | ||
Urban Design Seminar | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Professional Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
The Development Process | ||
Advanced Drawing | ||
Computer Applications in Architecture I | ||
Computer Applications in Architecture II | ||
Emerging Architectural Technology | ||
Building Enclosure Design | ||
Energy and Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Special Topics in Architecture | ||
Total Credits | 227.0 |
Writing-Intensive Course Requirements
In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.
A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.
Sample Plan of Study (Part-time Evening Option)
This curriculum format is adjustable to each student's academic situation. Transfer credit evaluation, prior architectural experience, and other considerations may restructure the student's yearly program schedule.
First Year (Part-Time) | ||
---|---|---|
Term 1 | Credits | |
ARCH 107 | Foundation Design I | 2.0 |
ARCH 141 | Architecture and Society I | 3.0 |
ENGL 101 or 111 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research English Composition I | 3.0 |
UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 2 | ||
ARCH 108 | Foundation Design II | 2.0 |
ARCH 142 | Architecture and Society II | 3.0 |
MATH 171 | Introduction to Analysis A | 3.0 |
UNIV A101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 3 | ||
ARCH 109 | Foundation Design III | 2.0 |
ARCH 143 | Architecture and Society III | 3.0 |
MATH 172 | Introduction to Analysis B | 3.0 |
Term Credits | 8.0 | |
Term 4 | ||
ENGL 102 or 112 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing English Composition II | 3.0 |
MATH 173 | Introduction to Analysis C | 3.0 |
Natural Science elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Second Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 5 | ||
ARCH 181 | Architecture Studio 1A | 4.0 |
ARCH 211 | Architectural Representation I | 2.0 |
Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 6 | ||
ARCH 144 | Architecture and Society IV | 3.0 |
ARCH 182 | Architecture Studio 1B | 4.0 |
ARCH 212 | Architectural Representation II | 2.0 |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 7 | ||
ARCH 183 | Architecture Studio 1C | 4.0 |
ARCH 213 | Architectural Representation III | 2.0 |
PHYS 182 | Applied Physics I | 3.0 |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 8 | ||
ENGL 103 or 113 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres English Composition III | 3.0 |
Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Third Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 9 | ||
ARCH 221 | Materials & Methods I | 1.5 |
ARCH 224 | Architectural Representation IV | 2.0 |
ARCH 251 | Structural Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 281 | Architecture Studio 2A | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 10 | ||
ARCH 222 | Materials & Methods II | 1.5 |
ARCH 225 | Architectural Representation V | 2.0 |
ARCH 252 | Structural Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 282 | Architecture Studio 2B | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Term 11 | ||
ARCH 223 | Materials & Methods III | 1.5 |
ARCH 253 | Structural Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 283 | Architecture Studio 2C | 4.0 |
PHYS 183 | Applied Physics II | 3.0 |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 12 | ||
ARCH 226 | Architectural Representation VI | 2.0 |
Free electives | 3.0 | |
Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 8.0 | |
Fourth Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 13 | ||
ARCH 291 | Building Systems I | 1.5 |
ARCH 381 | Architecture Studio 3A | 4.0 |
ARCH 354 | Structural Systems IV | 1.5 |
History/Theory elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 14 | ||
ARCH 292 | Building Systems II | 1.5 |
ARCH 355 | Structural Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 382 | Architecture Studio 3B | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 15 | ||
ARCH 293 | Building Systems III | 1.5 |
ARCH 356 | Structural Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 383 | Architecture Studio 3C | 4.0 |
Social Science elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 10.0 | |
Term 16 | ||
Free electives | 6.0 | |
Social science elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Fifth Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 17 | ||
ARCH 324 | Materials & Methods IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 394 | Building Systems IV | 1.5 |
ARCH 481 | Architecture Studio 4A | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 18 | ||
ARCH 325 | Materials & Methods V | 1.5 |
ARCH 395 | Building Systems V | 1.5 |
ARCH 482 | Architecture Studio 4B | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 19 | ||
ARCH 326 | Materials & Methods VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 396 | Building Systems VI | 1.5 |
ARCH 483 | Architecture Studio 4C | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 20 | ||
History/Theory elective | 3.0 | |
ARCH 431 [WI] | Architectural Programming | 3.0 |
Professional elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Sixth Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 21 | ||
ARCH 335 | Professional Practice I | 3.0 |
ARCH 487 | Architecture Studio 5A | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 22 | ||
ARCH 336 | Professional Practice II | 3.0 |
ARCH 488 | Architecture Studio 5B | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 23 | ||
PHIL 317 | Ethics and Design Professions | 3.0 |
ARCH 489 | Architecture Studio 5C | 4.0 |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 24 | ||
History/Theory elective | 3.0 | |
Free Elective | 3.0 | |
Professional elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 9.0 | |
Seventh Year (Part-Time) | ||
Term 25 | ||
ARCH 493 | Senior Project I | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 26 | ||
ARCH 494 | Senior Project II | 4.0 |
Professional elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Term 27 | ||
ARCH 495 | Senior Project III | 4.0 |
Free elective | 3.0 | |
Term Credits | 7.0 | |
Total Credit: 227.0 |
* | Prior to taking this course student must meet program's minimum studio advancement requirements. See the program's Advising Guidelines for more details. |
** | See degree requirements. |
Opportunities
Drexel’s work/study program is an experiential-based learning model that complements and provides an alternative to traditional full-time academic architecture programs. The Drexel model provides a practical, high-quality education to those students who seek early exposure to daily architectural practice as well as an affordable alternative to students who could not otherwise be able to enter the profession.
Ordinarily, Drexel's architecture graduates continue working for the firms that employed them during the work-study phase of their studies. In time, some architects reach positions of associate or partner in these offices, while others choose to launch their own firms. Urban design, historic preservation, interior design, and facilities management are some of the related careers that architectural graduates also pursue with similar patterns of success.
The Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure Initiative (IPAL) provides students the opportunity to achieve licensure upon graduation – an important innovation affording students the chance to jumpstart their careers through a curriculum of education, work experience and licensure examinations. Students follow either of Drexel's two options leading to the Bachelor of Architecture degree while preparing for and sitting for licensing exams during the summers following the third, fourth and fifth year of study. Our Architecture Program is part of a selective group of schools in the country to offer this opportunity, an initiative spearheaded by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).
Drexel is located in University City, a Philadelphia neighborhood that includes several centers of education and research. Philadelphia itself offers an unparalleled collection of landmark architecture and urban planning that spans 300 years of development. The region has always been home to architectural firms of national and international prominence. A rich and varied environment combined with an accomplished and supportive professional community make Philadelphia an ideal laboratory for the study of architecture. All of the faculty in the program are active in the Philadelphia architecture community, many in leadership positions at firms.
Students seeking support for resume and portfolio development may schedule an appointment with the Associate Director for Student Placement by contacting the Architecture Program. Job listings exclusively for Drexel Architecture students can be found on the Architecture Opportunities site. Firms seeking Drexel interns may contact students directly by finding student links to resume, worksample and web portfolios at this site.
Facilities
The Department's offices, studios and teaching facilities are located on floors 3, 3A, 4 and 4A of the URBN Center at 3501 Market Street. The Hybrid Making Lab on the first floor is open to all Westphal students and has state-of-the-art fabricating equipment, accessible to students after required training. The Westphal Print Center is a full-service, low-cost facility is located on the ground floor and is accessible to students from on and off campus. A full wood working shop is located in the Visual Studies Arts Annex at 3220 Cherry Street.