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2024-2025 University Catalog
Architecture, B.S./M. Arch.
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 Return to: Programs of Study
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture/Master of Architecture 4+1.5-2 degree program is an NAAB-accredited Architecture professional degree sequence. Students can expect to complete the degree program sequence through a program of five and one half or six years of study, though students may accelerate through summer study.
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Program Requirements
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Architecture/ Master of Architecture professional degree program must successfully complete the following required courses and electives, in addition the University Core Curriculum requirements. Students complete a minimum of 10 500-600 level courses and 38 credits at the graduate level. Course Offerings Towards the B.S./M. Arch
Mathematics Requirement
MATH 136 - Precalculus or MATH 213 - Calculus I and Lab are required for all Architecture majors, and are a prerequisite for required courses in the structures sequence. Successful completion of one of these courses also fulfills the University’s Core requirement in mathematics. Students are encouraged to complete the highest level of mathematics that they place into, in recognition of the fact that some Roger Williams University minors and graduate study options at other universities may require calculus. Students seeking to complete a Minor in Structural Engineering must complete MATH 213 - Calculus I and Lab . Science Requirement
Architecture majors are required to complete Design
The design studio sequence consists of core studios, advanced undergraduate studios, comprehensive design studio, graduate studios, and a final graduate thesis design studio. The Core consists of five sequential semesters addressing fundamental architectural design issues, and graphic skills. This is followed by one semester of advanced architectural design studio and one advanced topical studio in urban issues. At the graduate level, students undertake comprehensive design studio, and two additional graduate topical studios, before exploring a thesis topic of their own choosing for the final semester of the professional degree program. History/Theory
The History/Theory sequence is a three-part structure of required introductory and intermediate courses, and advanced elective options. Students complete a two-course introductory survey of Art and Architectural History, followed by a History of Modern Architecture and Theory of Architecture requirements, one intermediate course in the History of Architecture chosen from a broad menu of options, and one advanced elective option: One of the Following Intermediate Level Course Options
One of the Following Advanced Seminars:
Environment and Human Behavior
Environment and Human Behavior coursework develops student’s skills and understanding relative to environment, social aspects and research methodology. Technical Systems
The Technical Systems sequence gives students an essential understanding of the practical and theoretical interrelationships between the structural, environmental and enclosure systems of a building, and introduces them to various building materials, assemblies and services. Students complete seven required courses, including a three course structures sequence and two courses each in Construction Materials and Assemblies and in Environmental Systems. Practice and Professional Development
Practice and Professional Development coursework develops students’ communication skills and understanding of the role of architects within society and in relation to the various participants in the building process. This sequence culminates with the Graduate Thesis Seminar, where students are asked to formulate an independent architectural investigation that engages a set of issues that further their understanding of Architecture as a cultural medium and as a profession. Architecture Electives
In addition to the elective options outlined above in History/ Theory, the completion of four Architecture Electives is required for graduation, with a minimum of three at the Graduate Level. Undergraduate Architecture Electives
Graduate Architecture Electives:
Graduate electives are grouped in the areas of Sustainable Design, Urban Design, Digital Media, Historic Preservation, and Urban and Regional Planning. Urban and Regional Planning:
Graduate Architecture Electives:
Undergraduate Architecture Electives
Electives
Completion of two electives outside of the major is required for graduation. Students are advised to apply one of these electives to expand the University Core Concentration into a minor. Students are free to choose from the University’s course offerings to satisfy this requirement. *NAAB Statement on Accreditation
In the United States, most state 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 U.S. professional degree programs in Architecture offered by institutions with U.S. regional accreditation,
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 degree programs may require a preprofessional undergraduate degree in Architecture for admission. However, the preprofessional
degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
Roger Williams University, School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation, offers the following NAAB-accredited degree programs:
• Master of Architecture (pre-professional degree + 23 UG Architecture credits + 38 GR credits)
• Master of Architecture (non-pre-professional degree +101 credits)
The program received its last accreditation in 2018. The next accreditation visit is in 2026
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