Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Overview

The Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, (pre-professional program) provides the common ground for studies in architecture. It is intended to cover the basic content for the preparation of an educated practitioner and to lead to professional studies at the graduate level.

The Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree has two concentrations:

  1. Program A: The professional concentration, leads directly to enrollment in the Master of Architecture professional degree.
  2. Program B: The non-professional concentration, provides a basic education in architecture with the opportunity to study a broad range of elective opportunities.

Both tracks consist of 132 credit hours of undergraduate courses.

Purpose and Goals

The School of Architecture is dedicated to preparing students to play a leadership role in shaping the future and rebuilding America’s cities and improving the quality of the built environment. By offering a diverse curriculum led by an accomplished faculty in a computer and studio intensive environment, the School of Architecture will educates significant practitioners and leaders in the professions of architecture, planning and construction.

Students majoring in architecture will be challenged to develop their abilities in problem solving, creative thinking and informed decision making as a focus of their education. They will accomplish this in a well-protected and student centered environment that fosters personal development and professional excellence. The location of the School near the City of Houston offers an opportunity for students to enrich their learning experience through access to the greater architectural and construction community of the region and to many employment opportunities in their fields.

The School of Architecture offers the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree and the Master of Architecture professional degree; the Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and the Master of Community Development. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree is a pre-professional degree with two options: Program A, the professional option, leads directly to the Master of Architecture professional degree. Program B, the non-professional option, provides a basic education in architecture with the opportunity to study a broad range of elective opportunities. Master of Architecture degree are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

As the university prepares to publish a new course catalog during the period of February 1- March 5, 2021 the School of Architecture must review our course descriptions and individual sections. Below is some basic background information followed by the course descriptions from the course catalog.

Note:  TCCNS Course numbering shown in [    ].  See Table No.1 for a listing of all courses.

Architecture Courses

ARCH 1233. Visual Communications. [ARCH 1307] (1-4) Credit 3 semester hours.  Multimedia techniques in graphics emphasizing orthographic projections, perspective, shade and shadow, color theory and freehand drawing. [Proposed addition suggested by Professor Batson and accepted by the SOA Curriculum Committee during 03/22/2021 meeting.] 

ARCH 1253. Architecture Design I. [ARCH 1303 Architecture Design] (1-4) Credit 3 semester hours.  Study of the basic elements of design in both two and three dimensions.

ARCH 1273. Introduction to Multimedia Computing. [ARCH 1327; Multimedia Digital Application]  (2-2) Credit 3 semester hours.  Development of computer literacy with an emphasis on document preparation and basic computer graphics.

ARCH 2223. Computer Aided Design. [ARCH 1315] (2-2) Credit 3 semester hours.  Introduction to the range and potential of computer aided design and electronic media in problemsolving and conceptual design. , and Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs,. [Proposed addition suggested by Dr. Faghihi.]  [Edited by the SOA Curriculum Committee and accepted during 03/22/2021 meeting.] 

ARCH 2233 History of Architecture I: [ARCH 1301]  (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Survey of the development of architecture from Renaissance to modern era. This course will also focus on culturally significant Western and Nonwestern architecture that advances critical thought and intellectual curiosity. Required drawing and reading material will enhance the evolution of historical, social and political concepts and foster the ability to write and express ideas graphically and professionally to engage effectively the regional, national and global community with an emphasis on personal as well as social responsibility.

ARCH 2243. History of Architecture II. [ARCH 1302] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Survey of the development of architecture from the Renaissance period to the present.

FROM ON-LINE COURSE CATALOG (03/22/2021).

NOTE:  The course descriptions are EXACTLY the same for both!

ARCH 2233 History of Architecture I: 3 semester hours.

Survey of the development of architecture from Renaissance to modern era. This course will also focus on culturally significant Western and Nonwestern architecture that advances critical thought and intellectual curiosity. Required drawing and reading material will enhance the evolution of historical, social and political concepts and foster the ability to write and express ideas graphically and professionally to engage effectively the regional, national and global community with an emphasis on personal as well as social responsibility.

ARCH 2243 History of Architecture II: 3 semester hours.

Survey of the development of architecture from Renaissance to modern era. This course will also focus on culturally significant Western and Nonwestern architecture that advances critical thought and intellectual curiosity. Required drawing and reading material will enhance the evolution of historical, social and political concepts and foster the ability to write and express ideas graphically and professionally to engage effectively the regional, national and global community with an emphasis on personal as well as social responsibility.

REVISED LANGUAGE: PROPOSED BY PROFESSOR INFANZON AND PROFESSOR BATSON

ARCH 2233 History of Architecture I: 3 semester hours.

Survey of the development of architecture from pre-history to the 1400’s. This course will also focus on culturally significant Western and Nonwestern architecture that advances critical thought and intellectual curiosity. Required drawing and reading material will enhance the evolution of historical, social and political concepts and foster the ability to write and express ideas graphically and professionally to engage effectively the regional, national and global community with an emphasis on personal as well as social responsibility.

ARCH 2243 History of Architecture II: 3 semester hours.

Survey of the development of architecture from the 1400’s to the modern era. This course will also focus on culturally significant Western and Nonwestern architecture that advances critical thought and intellectual curiosity. Required drawing and reading material will enhance the evolution of historical, social and political concepts and foster the ability to write and express ideas graphically and professionally to engage effectively the regional, national and global community with an emphasis on personal as well as social responsibility.

ARCH 2273. Materials and Methods I. [ARCH 2312] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Introduction to the properties and uses of natural and manufactured building materials and the effect of the nature of materials upon design. [Reviewed by Dr. Bockhorn.] 

ARCH 3283. Materials and Methods II. [ARCH 3328]  (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Emphasis on systems of building structures and on the interrelationships among the components of the systems, the assembly processes and project control. Prerequisite: ARCH 2273.

[Proposed addition by Dr. Bockhorn.] [Accepted by the SOA Curriculum Committee during 03/22/2021 meeting.] 

ARCH 3294. Structural Systems I. [ARCH 3329] (4-0) Credit 4 semester hours.  A study of the theory of various structural concepts.  Emphasis is placed on statics and strength of materials.  Prerequisite: General Physics (6 semester hours). [Proposed revision by Dr. Faghihi.] [Accepted by the SOA Curriculum Committee during 03/22/2021 meeting.] 

ARCH 3453. Environmental Systems I. [ARCH 3345] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Fundamentals of environmental systems for buildings with an emphasis on heating, cooling, and distribution systems.  [Proposed revision by Dr. Faghihi] [Accepted by the SOA Curriculum Committee during 03/22/2021 meeting.] 

ARCH 3463. Sustainable Buildings. [ARCH 3346] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Issues facing the design and construction industries in creating and maintaining highperformance green buildings.  Sustainable building projects will be analyzed, green building rating systems of USGBC’s LEED system and the DOE’s Energy Star program will be studied, and research and presentation of benchmark sustainable case study project will be accomplished 

ARCH 3473 Ecology and Man: [ARCH 4344] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  Theoretical frameworks for understanding how the physical and cultural constructs of mankind are integral to the natural world, for the purpose of developing the systems thinking skills that will be required to sustain life

ARCH 4333 International Education and Travel Initiative: [ARCH 4333]

ARCH 4433. Structural Systems II. [ARCH 4343] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  A study of theory, behavior and design of structural systems in steel and timber.  Prerequisite: ARCH 3294.

ARCH 4443. CAD Construction Documents and Codes. [ARCH 4344] (2-2) Credit 3 semester hours.  The organization, development, and preparation of a  representative set of working drawings using computer aided design.  Prerequisite: ARCH 2223. [Proposed revision submitted by Dr. Bockhorn.] [Accepted by the SOA Curriculum Committee during 03/22/2021 meeting.] 

ARCH 4433 Structural Systems II: [ARCH 4343] (3-0) Credit 3 semester hours.  A study of theory, behavior and design of structural systems in steel and timber.  Prerequisites: ARCH 3293 and MATH 1123.

ARCH 4456 Architecture Design VII: [ARCH 4645] 6 semester hours.

Exploration of urban design and the human and environmental impact of individual designs in the built environment.  Prerequisites: ARCH 3266.

ARCH 4476 Architecture Design VIII: [ARCH 4647] 6 semester hours.

Advanced problems in architecture and planning. Prerequisites: ARCH 4456.

ARCH 4593 Professional Practice: [ARCH 4359] 3 semester hours.

Overview of the ethical, legal and administrative responsibilities of the architect. The study of relationships between the architect, the client, and the contractor involved in comprehensive architectural services and emerging techniques of practice.

ARCH 4613 Landscape Architecture: [ARCH 4361] 3 semester hours.

Principles of site development as related to climate, topography, and intended use.

ARCH 4633 Net Zero Energy Design I: [ARCH 4363] 3 semester hours.

Passive House Certification principles and methodologies including design strategies, energy modeling and construction details and processes.

ARCH 4643 Net Zero Energy Design II: [ARCH 4344]3 semester hours.

Passive and active design strategies for reducing energy use in buildings followed by on-site renewable energy applications to achieve net zero energy use.

ARCH 4663 Regenerative Design: [ARCH 4366]3 semester hours.

Integrated frameworks for developing regenerative capabilities in the products of design, the process of design, and the individuals who engage in design.

ARCH 4673 Introduction to Interior Design: [ARCH 4367]3 semester hours.

Introduction to the profession and practice of interior design.

ARCH 4683 Interior Design II: [ARCH 4368]3 semester hours.

Interior Design II will provide an advanced understanding in designing and detailing interior architecture, exploring the production of interior mechanical, millwork drawings, and Construction Documents.

ARCH 4733 Advanced Computer Aided Design: [ARCH 4373] 3 semester hours.

Comprehensive architectural design and presentation using 2- and 3 – modeling software. Emphasis on the role electronic media in the visualization of design projects.
Prerequisites: ARCH 2223.

ARCH 4743 Building Information Modeling: [ARCH 4374] 3 semester hours.

Introduction to the fundamentals of Building Information Modeling and how they apply to the design and construction industry and a technology enabled workforce. Introduction to the methods of creation, evaluation and exchange of Building Information Models. Leveraging BIM and 4D modeling for construction optimization and sustainable building initiatives.
Prerequisites: ARCH 2223.

ARCH 4753 Introduction to Geographical Information Systems: [ARCH 4375] 3 semester hours.

Concepts and techniques of utilizing geographic information systems to study and model environmental issues including methods of creating, analyzing and displaying GIS data utilizing industry standard software. Global positioning systems (GPS) will be introduced as a means of creating GIS data.

ARCH 4763 Energy Modeling: [ARCH     ] 3 semester hours.

Utilize energy, solar, and hygrothermal modeling software to determine how to cost effectively achieve high performing buildings.

ARCH 4973 Special Topics: [ARCH 4397] 3 semester hours.

The study of various specialized fields of architecture as they relate to contemporary social issues. Topics vary by semester. Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary.

ARCH 4986 Special Projects: [ARCH 4698]6 semester hours.

Unique design studio projects tailored to learning objectives. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: ARCH 2266.

ARCH 4993 Independent Study: [ARCH 4399]1-3 semester hour.

Readings, research, and/or field work on selected topics.

ARCH 4996 Independent Study: [ARCH 4699]1-6 semester hour.

Readings, research, and/or field work on selected topics.

 

Table No. 1: TCCNS Conversion Cross-Walk
 AR ARC Architecture ARCH 1233 VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS ARCH 1307
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 1253 ARCHITECTURE DESIGN ARCH 1303
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 1266 ARCH DESIGN II ARCH 1626
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 1273 MULTIMEDIA DIGITAL APPLICATION ARCH 1327
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 2223 COMPUTER AIDED DSGN ARCH 1315
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 2233 HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE I ARCH 1301
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 2243 HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE II ARCH 1302
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 2256 ARCH DESIGN III ARCH 2603
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 2266 ARCH DESIGN IV ARCH 2604
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 2273 MATERIALS & METH I ARCH 2312
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3256 ARCH DESIGN V ARCH 3625
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3266 ARCH DESIGN VI ARCH 3626
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3283 MATERIALS & METH II ARCH 3328
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3293 STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS I ARCH 3329
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3453 ENVIRONMENTAL SY ARCH 3345
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3463 SUSTAINABLE BLDG ARCH 3346
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 3473 ECOLOGY AND MAN ARCH 3347
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4333 INTL EDUCATION AND TRAVEL INIT ARCH 4333
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4406 ARCHITECTURE INTERNSHIP ARCH 4640
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4433 STRUCTURAL SYST II ARCH 4343
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4443 CAD CONST DOCS ARCH 4344
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4456 ARCH DESIGN VII ARCH 4645
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4476 ARCH DESIGN VIII ARCH 4647
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4593 PROF PRACTICE ARCH 4359
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4613 LANDSCAPE ARCH ARCH 4361
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4633 NET ZERO ENERGY DESIGN I ARCH 4363
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4643 NET ZERO ENERGY DESIGN II ARCH 4364
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4663 REGENERATIVE DESIGN ARCH 4366
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4673 INTRO INTERIOR DES ARCH 4367
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4683 INTERIOR DESIGN II ARCH 4368
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4733 ADVANCED CAD ARCH 4373
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4743 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING ARCH 4374
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4753 INTRODUCTION TO GIS ARCH 4375
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4973 SPEC TOPICS IN ARCH ARCH 4397
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4986 SPECIAL PROJECTS ARCH 4698
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4993 INDEPENDENT STUDY ARCH 4399
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 4996 INDEPENDENT STUDY ARCH 4699
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5483 STRUCTURAL SYSTE ARCH 5348
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5506 INTERNSHIP ARCH 5650
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5513 RESEARCH SEMINAR ARCH 5351
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5566 ARCH DESIGN IX ARCH 5656
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5579 COMPREHENSIVE DES ARCH 5957
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5591 PROF EMPLOYMNT DEV-SOFT SKILLS ARCH 5159
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5743 BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING ARCH 5374
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5973 SPECIAL TOPICS ARCH 5397
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5986 SPECIAL PROJECTS ARCH 5698
AR ARC Architecture ARCH 5996 INDEPENDENT STUDY ARCH 5699

 

Readings, research, and/or field work on selected topics.

Suggested Degree Program Schedule

For the official requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Architecture,

see the PVAMU Recommended Degree Sequence Catalog Year 2021-2022.