The major in architectural design educates future design leaders. It is an intensive studio-based program focused on rigorous design processes. Architectural design is approached holistically– emphasizing investigations into the nature of materials and objects, space, history and theory, programmatic invention, functional poetics, and collaboration across disciplines. The curriculum instills purpose, craft, technical competencies, and versatile thinking. We are an inclusive program that develops skilled and empathetic architectural designers.
The Architectural Design Program is a pre-professional major that prepares students for graduate studies as well as entry-level positions in a variety of design fields including architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. Students should be aware that educational requirements for architectural licensing vary from state to state.
The program is enhanced by frequent field trips as well as guest critics and speakers. Vibrant student organizations including a chapter of the National Organization for Minority Architecture students and the American Institute of Architecture Students provide leadership opportunities for students and connections to the profession.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the architectural design major is selective and competitive for a limited number of reserved seats in upper-division (300-400 level) architectural design courses. Declaration of architectural design as a major and completion of lower-division (100-200) prerequisite art courses does not guarantee admission into the program. Admission to upper-division ARCD courses is based on completion of all prerequisite art courses and merit as determined by faculty review of portfolios submitted in satisfaction of the course ARCD 208. Portfolio Review .
ARCD 208 is a 0 credit, pass/fail course that functions as a prerequisite to enrollment in 300-400 level architectural design courses. ARCD 208 portfolios are reviewed in the sophomore year prior to pre-registration. Students should contact the area coordinator of architectural design to determine the exact time and location for the ARCD 208 portfolio review.
ARCD 200 and ARCD 202 are restricted to Architectural Design students who have passed ART 102 , ART 104 and ART 106 only. Students are restricted from taking any 300-400 level architectural design studio courses until ARCD 208 has been taken and passed. Accepted students who receive a passing grade for ARCD 208 will be able to register for ARCD upper-division courses for the following semester.
Accepted students who receive a passing grade for ARCD 208 are required to furnish a computer that meets or exceeds the recommendations of the program found here: http://www.jmu.edu/computing/purchase/dept.shtml.
Students not accepted will have one opportunity to reapply or may choose to continue in another major within the SADAH .
