Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Studies:
George J. Martin
tel: 202-319-5449
email

CUA offers a four-year preprofessional undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science in Architecture) and a Master of Architecture professional degree. The undergraduate program is offered for those desiring a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for continued education in a professional degree program, or for employment options in fields related to architecture. The undergraduate program in architecture consists of 137 semester credit hours of study.

The undergraduate curriculum introduces the student to the world of architecture in increasingly intensive stages. The first two years of study include introductory courses in design, history, theory, graphics and computer applications, as well as a grounding in the liberal arts. The third and fourth years consist mainly of design, technology and history offerings.

Interdisciplinary Studies
A dual degree program leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Bachelor of Civil Engineering is available to students who want to combine the practice of architecture and engineering. Interested students should contact the School of Architecture and Planning for specific information.

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, which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, grants a five-year, three-year, or two-year term of accreditation, depending on its degree of conformance with established educational standards.

Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree, which, when earned sequentially, comprise an accredited professional education. However, the preprofessional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Transfer Students
The School of Architecture and Planning accepts transfer students at all levels, depending on the availability of studio space. Transfer students can be accepted for both the first and second semesters. Transfer students who have experience in architectural design will receive studio assignments based on a review of their portfolios. Portfolios are required as part of the application process for these students. Undergraduate transfer applicants should have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.70. Students interested in transferring to The Catholic University of America should contact the university’s Office of Admissions for an application and other pertinent information. Graduate transfer applicants should contact the School of Architecture and Planning directly.

Transfer Students holding an Associate Degree in Architecture
Students who hold an associate degree in architectural science or an equivalent degree from a two-year community college may be eligible for the special program leading to the degree Bachelor of Science in Architecture described below. Students are admitted to this program in the first semester of each year only. A minimum grade point average of 2.70 is required for admission. Students who are accepted for the program will be admitted with junior status. Students in this program who do not have courses in the history of architecture as part of their background will be required to take these as program electives. Students may be able to place out of ARCH 201 and/or 202 by portfolio review. Students who place out of any course in the program must take elective courses to fulfill the credit requirements for these courses. Interested students should contact the university’s Office of Admissions for further information.

Transfer students accepted from a community college with which the Catholic University has an articulation agreement must complete their Associates (A.A.) degree in architecture or construction technology and submit an official transcript showing its completion within one (1) semester (not including summer) of entering the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S. Arch.) 2.5-year track. If the A.A. degree remains incomplete after one semester, the student will be moved into the standard 4-year B.S. Arch. degree track and be responsible for all courses required therein.

Special Program for the Hearing Impaired
In concert with Gallaudet University, located in Washington, D.C., the School of Architecture and Planning offers a program in architecture for hearing mpaired students. Under this program students complete their mathematics and liberal arts and humanities courses at Gallaudet University, then transfer to The Catholic University of America to complete their architectural studies. Interested students should contact the Admissions Office of Gallaudet University.

GRADING AND PROGRESSION POLICIES

1. A student in the School of Architecture and Planning must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in order to be in good academic standing.
2. A minimum grade of C- is required in all architecture courses.
3. A minimum grade of C- is required to advance in all sequenced courses.

Sequenced courses include:

1. Freshman Experience: ARCH100 -› ARCH104
2. Studio: ARCH104 -› 201 -› 202 -› 301 -› 302 -› 401 -› 402
3. History: ARCH135 -› 136 -› 235
4. Construction: ARCH315 -› 316
5. Structures: ARCH321 -› 322 -› 421
6. Environmental Systems: ARCH358 -› 457

NOTES: Students may proceed through courses out of sequence, but must receive a minimum grade of C- in their first sequenced course in order to enroll in the second course.

POLICIES CONCERNING PROBATION AND DISMISSAL

1. Students whose semester grade point average (GPA) or whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.00 will be placed on academic probation.
2. A student on academic probation cannot enroll in any studio course (ARCH104, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402).
3. Students who remain on academic probation for two consecutive semesters or have ben on academic probation for any three semesters are subject to academic dismissal.
4. A student who has discontinued following the architecture curriculum after two semesters is also subject to dismissal if he or she does not transfer to another school within the university.
5. Other conditions for dismissal are described in the university's Undergraduate Announcements.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENT FOR GRADUATION

The undergraduate program consists of 137 semester credit hours. A student must have at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and their average for second-year design studio must be above 2.0 in order to advance to the third-year design studio. Students with a C average or below in design must retake the last studio and must raise their design studio average above 2.0 before they may advance to the next studio level. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all courses is required for graduation.

OTHER INFORMATION

Advising
Once admitted to the School of Architecture and Planning, each student is assigned an academic adviser. Normally, the students remain with their assigned adviser for the duration of their program. Given sufficient reason, the student may be reassigned to another adviser at the discretion of the assistant dean. All students are required to see their advisers at least once a semester for pre-registration for the next semester's classes. Students are responsible for knowing the requirements of their specific programs and for keeping track of the progress in working toward their degrees. However, students may see their adviser at any time during the academic year regarding their academic program and status.