Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies degree offers an introduction to architecture while affording students the flexibility to customize their studies based on their interest in the realm of design and the built environment. The program encompasses foundation courses in the applied and social sciences, the humanities, and a range of architecture courses to give students an understanding of the discipline. At the heart of the curriculum are the introductory-level design studios where students are challenged to apply their knowledge acquired from the above disciplines to consequential design problems.

As an art, a technical craft, and an ethical practice, architecture is the culturally responsible design and production of buildings that are functional, sustainable, inspiring, and responsive to their physical and social contexts. Students have the opportunity to reinforce their skills in the field by opting to participate in Drexel's signature co-op program, giving students the opportunity to work full-time in an architecture or design firm or related fields either locally, nationally, or internationally. The BS in Architectural Studies program prepares students for entry-level employment in architecture and in fields related to architecture; however, this program is not NAAB accredited and does not directly prepare for architectural licensure and registration. This degree is offered as a co-op and a non-co-op option. The degree modality is face-to-face; however, a small number of classes may be offered partially or fully in a virtual format, which allows us to attract talented experts from outside the greater Philadelphia area and provides more flexibility for students on coop or out working in the profession.  

The pre-professional BS in Architectural Studies degree creates the foundation in the field of architecture as preparation for continued education in a professional NAAB-accredited graduate degree program. It is also the ideal foundation for specialization in other related disciplines such as Design Research, Urban Strategies, Interior Architecture & Design, Construction Management, Real Estate Development, and Digital Media & Animation, as well as pursuing an individualized path with coursework in other design disciplines within Westphal College.

Note: Bachelor of Architecture vs Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Architecture vs Architectural Engineering  

Because Drexel University offers three programs with "architecture" in their titles, it is useful to point out the significant differences between them:

• Architects design buildings to meet people's spatial, organizational, and aesthetic needs; they also coordinate the building design process. All states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects or contract to provide architectural services. Many architecture school graduates work in the field even though they are not licensed or while they are in the process of becoming licensed, but they may not call themselves an architect.
  
  A licensed architect is required to take legal responsibility for all work. Licensure requirements usually include:
  • A professional degree in architecture (B.Arch. or M.Arch. degrees)
  • A period of practical training or internship (AXP)
  • Passage of all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE)

• Architectural Engineers specialize in the design of engineering systems within buildings. Architectural engineers earn Bachelor of Science degrees and become professional engineers with the required experience and state examinations. Students whose interests are focused on the technological and engineering aspects of buildings should review Drexel's major in Architectural Engineering offered by the College of Engineering.

The difference between the NAAB-accredited Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree and the non-accredited Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BS in Arch. Studies) degree:

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degrees are designed to help you develop a comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of architecture, as well as foundational professional knowledge and a basic understanding of related fields. The NAAB-accredited B.Arch. degree at Drexel University is suitable for students who seek to earn a professional undergraduate degree that leads to professional licensure and affords them early exposure to architectural practice. While our B.Arch. degree does NOT participate in Drexel's signature co-op program, our students' opportunity to gain professional work experience and complete most or all of their AXP requirements prior to graduation far exceeds the practice exposure of co-op. A conventional B.Arch. degree is typically five years long. The 2+4 Option and the PT Evening Option take longer to complete due to the part-time model but allows an accelerated path to professional licensure due to parallel AXP completion and the option to participate in IPAL. 

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BS in Arch. Studies) degree is a four-year, pre-professional degree that is NOT accredited by NAAB. You will develop a comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of architecture, hone your design skills, and expand your architectural understanding. If you're unsure about becoming a licensed architect, this degree provides flexible avenues to combine your studies with related fields. Our BS in Architectural Studies degree can be a precursor to a dual BS/MS degree at Drexel University or a professional NAAB-accredited M.Arch. degree.