Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree with a Major in Architectural Studies

Program Learning Outcomes for the BA Degree with a Major in Architectural Studies

Upon completing the BA degree with a major in Architectural Studies, students will be able to:

  1. Gain knowledge of the history and theory of architecture in relation to broader social, technological, and cultural practices and transformations.
  2. Understand the design process in architecture through a variety of scales and problems and with an appreciation of design’s importance in the quality of our cities and environment.
  3. Explore and develop specific interests concerning the discipline and/or its relationship to other fields and endeavors.

Requirements for the BA Degree with a Major in Architectural Studies

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing the BA degree with a major in Architectural Studies must complete:

  • A minimum of 12 courses (48 credit hours) to satisfy major requirements.
  • A minimum of 120 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
  • A minimum of 2 courses (6 credit hours) taken at the 300-level or above.

The courses listed below satisfy the requirements for this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of the major’s academic advisor or, where applicable, the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by the major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document the courses to be taken.

Summary

Total Credit Hours Required for the Major in Architectural Studies48
Total Credit Hours Required for the BA Degree with a Major in Architectural Studies120

Degree Requirements

Core Requirements
Design Studios
ARCH 101PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE I - SPACE6
ARCH 102PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE II - SYSTEMS6
ARCH 201PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE III - CONTEXT6
ARCH 202PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE IV - URBANITY6
History and Theory
ARCH 225 / HART 225INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURAL THINKING3
ARCH 345 / HART 345FOUNDATIONS IN THE HISTORY AND THEORY OF ARCHITECTURE I (1450-1850)3
Technology
ARCH 207TECHNOLOGY I3
ARCH 309TECHNOLOGY II3
Elective Requirements
Select 4 elective courses from departmental (ARCH) course offerings12
Total Credit Hours Required for the Major in Architectural Studies48
Additional Credit Hours to Complete Degree Requirements *41
University Graduation Requirements *31
Total Credit Hours120

Footnotes and Additional Information

Policies for the BA Degree with a Major in Architectural Studies

Admission

The BA degree with a major in Architectural Studies provides a foundation in architectural ideas and design while allowing a broader pursuit of other fields as an undergraduate. Enrollment is restricted to students admitted into the architecture program who have completed the first two years of required courses. Approval is based on academic performance and demonstrated aptitude indicating that the student is on track for continued study in the discipline.

Transfer Credit 

For Rice University’s policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. Requests for transfer credit must be approved for Rice equivalency by the designated transfer credit advisor for the appropriate academic department offering the Rice equivalent course (corresponding to the subject code of the course content). The Office of Academic Advising maintains the university’s official list of transfer credit advisors on their website: https://oaa.rice.edu. Students are encouraged to meet with the applicable transfer credit advisor as well as their academic program director when considering transfer credit possibilities. 

Additional Information

For additional information, please see the School of Architecture website: https://arch.rice.edu/.

Opportunities for the BA Degree with a Major in Architectural Studies

Academic Honors

The university recognizes academic excellence achieved over an undergraduate’s academic history at Rice. For information on university honors, please see Latin Honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude) and Distinction in Research and Creative Work. Some departments have department-specific Honors awards or designations.

Additional Information 

For additional information, please see the School of Architecture website: https://arch.rice.edu/.