The architecture program is the central degree program in the School of Architecture. Two degrees are offered; a four year Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree, and a five year Masters of Architecture degree, which is a professional degree fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)*. The Masters program is a continuation of the undergraduate program, so the curriculum is essentially the same in both programs for the first four years. Fourth year students are required to submit an application to be accepted into the Master's program. The School also admits transfer students at various levels of the program when space is available. Transfer students' records are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and custom curriculum plans are developed for each individual transfer student.

The pre-professional degree, Bachelor of Science in Architecture, is not accredited by the NAAB.  This degree is useful for those individuals wishing to obtain a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment options in architecturally related areas. We offer the non-accredited Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree to students who have successfully completed the first four years of study, including one Co-op, but do not wish to pursue the Master of Architecture degree or were not accepted into the Master of Architecture degree program.

CURRICULM

The architecture program curriculum focuses on the following areas:

• Design
• Visual Communications
• Structures and Technology
• History & Theory
• Professional Practice
• Cooperative Education
• University Core Curriculum

Design is at the center of the curriculum spanning all five years of study. The Design Studios are organized into three parts: Foundation Studios (first year and second year), Upper Level Studios (third year and fourth year) and the Master's Studios (fifth year). The studios are project based and the development of the student's personal and individual philosophy of design is one of the School's primary aims. Upper Level Studios are comprised of a mix of students from both third and fourth years together engaged in investigations of complex architectural themes. The Master's Studio is a based on a two semester Thesis project that is developed and directed by each individual student under the guidance of a faculty advisor.

Visual Communications, Structures and Technology, History & Theory, and Professional Practice courses provide the knowledge, skill, and understanding that are necessary to provide background for the complex integrated problem solving that occurs in the studio, and in professional practice.

The School also provides a strong connection between academics and professional practice through our exemplary Cooperative Education curriculum, which is one of the unique aspects of the UDM architecture program. The Co-op program gives students direct experience of architecture in the real world through required work experiences at architectural offices of the student's choosing. Students seeking the Bachelor of Science in Architecture are required to complete one Co-op. Two Co-op internships are required for those seeking the Master's of Architecture degree. Please see the Cooperative Education description in the above menu for more information.

The University Core Curriculum ensures that all students at the University receive a well rounded education that includes studies outside of their chosen discipline. The core provides courses in the sciences and the humanities that are necessary components of any high quality education. In particular, for future architects, the built environment is the backdrop for most human activity, so a broad understanding of ethics, history, philosophy, natural science, literature, etc. is essential in order to fulfill our social and ethical responsibilities to the communities we serve as design professionals.

Study abroad options are also available for third and fourth year students. These programs are fully integrated into the curriculum so students may participate in study abroad without falling behind in the sequence of courses required for graduation. Please see the International Programs description in the above menu for more information.

Please refer also to the Curriculum tab above for a more in-depth discussion of the curriculum structure.

*In the United States, most registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6 year, 3 year, or 2 year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards. Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree" (NAAB)

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture offers the following NAAB accredited degree program:

Masters of Architecture, 173 total credits

Next accreditation visit 2014 (full 6 year term granted in 2008)