College of Architecture and Environmental Design
www.kent.edu/caed

About This Program

Design your future with Kent State's Architecture B.S. program. Our program provides you with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of architecture and prepares you for a one-year path in Kent State’s professionally accredited Master of Architecture program. With experienced faculty, advanced coursework, design studios, study abroad opportunities and hands-on experience, you will be prepared to design and build innovative structures that meet the needs of society. Enroll now and take the first step towards architecture licensure and a rewarding career in the profession. Read more...

Contact Information

• Program Director: Diane Davis-Sikora | dmdavis@kent.edu | 330-672-2917 | caed_info@kent.edu
• Speak with an Advisor
• Chat with an Admissions Counselor

Program Delivery

• Delivery:
  • In person
• Location:
  • Kent Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*

^{* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.}

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

First Year Students: Admission to the Architecture major is highly selective. Of the students who apply each year, approximately 100 are enrolled in the program. Of the remaining applicants, approximately 50 are selected as alternates. Should additional space become available prior to the beginning of fall semester, spaces will be filled from the roster of alternates.

To be considered for admission, students need a minimum 3.000 high school grade point average (on a 4.000 scale) and a minimum ACT 25 composite score (minimum ACT 25 subscores in both English and mathematics) or a minimum SAT 1200 total with minimum 600 sub-scores of in both mathematics and evidence-based reading and writing. 

The application deadline is Jan. 31. All applications must include the application fee, official ACT/SAT scores and an official high school transcript that shows class rank and coursework in 9th, 10th and 11th grades, as well as the courses that are being taken or will be taken in the senior year. Transcripts that do not show class rank and senior courses cannot be considered. All completed applications received by the deadline will be reviewed.

Applicants will be notified of their admission status by March 1. Those offered admission to the architecture program must notify the college of their decision by April 1. Admission not confirmed by this date will be offered to alternates.

Applicants with a non-professional bachelor’s degree or a pre-professional degree from another institution will have their prior education evaluated to determine if they meet student performance criteria as stipulated by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). If deficient criteria or courses are recognized, the student may be required to complete additional courses to earn the degree. Determinations will be made by the program director and graduate coordinator at the time the student is admitted to the program

Admission to Non-Degree General major: Students not admitted to the Architecture major may qualify for admission to the college's non-degree General major. Students in the General major are assigned to freshman orientation classes with students in all College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors. These classes aid in understanding the broad range of career options within the environmental design professions. Students should take regular coursework in preparation to attempt entry into one of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design majors or may consider alternative degree program options. Students should meet with their advisor to aid in making a decision regarding their degree program and major. In order to move forward with a minimum loss of credit hours, it is strongly recommended that students in the General, who were not accepted into a degree program, choose an alternate degree program within or outside the college prior to completing 45 credit hours.

Students in the General major may apply for admission to the architecture Spring/Summer studio programs. To be eligible for consideration, they must complete their first semester (or first-year) with a minimum 2.750 GPA (3.000 GPA or higher are the most competitive), complete first-year non-studio requirements and apply for the summer studio program. Students who are accepted will complete ARCH 10101 and ARCH 10102 during the Spring/Summer between their first and second years. A personal interview with the program director is recommended during the first week of the spring semester of their first year.

Transfer, Transitioning and Former Students: For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

¹

A minimum C grade must be earned to fulfill the writing-intensive requirement.

²

This course is equivalent to ARCH 30112.

³

Students who successfully complete PHY 13002 will have met the requirement for PHY 13012.

⁴

ECON 22060 is a recommended Kent Core Social Sciences course.

Progression Requirements

Requirements for advancement to third year—professional level:

Advancement review for the B.S. degree in Architecture occurs upon completion of second-year architecture course work. To advance, students must accomplish the following:

• Comply with all specific course prerequisites
• Earn a minimum 2.250 GPA in architecture courses
• Earn a minimum 2.500 overall GPA
• ​Complete the following courses: ARCH 10101, ARCH 10102, ARCH 10011, ARCH 10012, ARCH 20101, ARCH 20102, ARCH 20301, ARCH 20601, ARCH 20602, ARCH 30031, MATH 12002 (or MATH 12011 and MATH 12012), PHY 13001, PHY 13012, PHY 13021, UC 10001 and Kent Core Composition.

Graduation Requirements

• Architecture majors may not use the following course to satisfy the architectural major requirements: ARCH 10001.
• No more than 4 credit hours of Physical Activity, Wellness and Sport (PWS) courses may apply to required credit hours for graduation.
• No more than the first 16 credit hours of ROTC courses—Aerospace Studies (ASTU) and Military Studies (MSCI)—may apply to required credit hours for graduation. Veterans who have completed a minimum one year of active duty may receive PWS credit for military basic training according to branch of service, as follows:
  • Army and Marine Corps: 3 credit hours
  • Navy and Coast Guard: 2 credit hours
  • Air Force: 1 credit hour

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

University Requirements

All students in a bachelor's degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.

NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements. Please see Program Requirements for details.

Kent Core Requirements

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles of two and three-dimensional form and space making.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive design studio experiences through which graduates apply an understanding of the integration of building design, site design, assemblies, structure, environmental systems and building code requirements.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of building systems and their integration for human comfort, including lighting, heating ventilation and acoustics.

Full Description

The Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture enables students to learn, develop and apply knowledge that contributes to the betterment of the built environment. The balanced curriculum of technology, visualization, history, theory and design studio coursework offers a platform for research, constructive discourse and debate.

Northeast Ohio's rich history and dynamic urban landscape serve as a setting for academic learning. By placing equal emphasis on the art and science of architectural design, the curriculum inspires experimentation, collaboration, discovery, critical thinking and innovation in a studio context of project-based learning. The program fosters academic excellence and prepares students to become leaders in the architecture field.

The college offers full-semester programs abroad for qualified third-year students. The study abroad program is housed in the heart of historic Florence, Italy. The program is open to all students who have made satisfactory progress toward completion of their undergraduate program.