Professional education in architecture at Ball State University now consists of two degree programs: a four-year bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) with a major in architecture, followed by the professional master of architecture graduate degree (Master of Architecture). Students seeking an accredited program of studies to pursue a career as a licensed architect must complete both the preprofessional undergraduate degree (or its equivalent from another accredited program) and the professional M.Arch.  degree.  Learn more about architecture accreditation.

There are separate admission requirements for the undergraduate major and the M.Arch. I program. Admission and completion of the undergraduate degree does not guarantee admission to the graduate program.

The B.S./B.A. in architecture program is not open to undergraduate students majoring in environmental design.

First-Year Program
All undergraduate students in the College of Architecture and Planning share a common first year of study. Students planning to major in architecture, landscape architecture, or urban planning are introduced to all three disciplines and share design and design communications studios. The first year also provides the opportunity to take courses that meet Ball State's University Core Curriculum requirements. In the second year, students begin to concentrate on their chosen major. Learn more about your freshman year at CAP.

Degree Curriculum
The core of the undergraduate architecture curriculum is a sequence of courses in design, design communications, architectural history, structures, environmental systems, and building technology. Related electives in architecture and a variety of other disciplines are available. The program culminates with an architectural design capstone project. View a course-by-course sample curriculum for this major.

Students may pursue this degree as either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts. The B.A. degree requires two years (or the equivalent) of study in a foreign language.

Studio Courses
Studio courses challenge architecture students to develop skills and a knowledge base for solving problems in creative and environmentally sound ways. Studio problems may focus on housing, educational, recreational, retail, or multiuse facilities; urban design and high-rise complexes; or design of new communities. Real problems in real communities, competitions, and interdisciplinary teams working on sustainability issues are common. Design/build studios often occur with opportunities for actual construction experience, converting design-by-consensus to reality. Learn more about CAP's design studios.

Internship
A six-month internship is required during the fourth year of this degree. Supervised by a faculty member, an internship provides valuable firsthand experience in a professional architectural firm. This experience can count as part of the profession's three-year post-degree internship requirement. Our students have successfully interned throughout the country and in many major cities around the world. Learn more about our internships.

Special Activities
Noted professionals in the field share their expertise with students as guest lecturers, visiting scholars, and studio critics on campus and through interactive teleconferences and gallery exhibits. See what's coming up in our calendar of events.

Architecture students also take trips to significant sites, attend conferences, and participate in field study programs across the country and abroad, developing a multicultural perspective. Find out more about our field study opportunities.

Related Programs
Students can enhance their studies with the many electives and undergraduate minors available within CAP and in other disciplines across campus. Ball State's Honors College program also offers exciting educational challenges for exceptional undergraduate students.

Required Laptop
Students in the undergraduate architecture major must purchase a laptop computer that meets designated performance specifications.  View architecture computer specifications.

For More Information
Rod Underwood, Undergraduate Program Director
Department of Architecture
(765) 285-1927
rodunderwood@bsu.edu 

For complete information on program requirements, please consult the Ball State University Undergraduate Catalog.