All students in the School of Architecture and Planning have access to faculty mentors upon enrollment into the School's design studio. In addition, advisors with School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services are available for assistance.
Students are encouraged to consult regularly with their advisors and faculty mentors in matters pertaining to academic options, course selection, postbaccalaureate studies, and career opportunities. Students meet with
advisors and faculty mentors as often as they choose to explore educational opportunities available within the Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning and the University at Buffalo to plan a course of study that
is consistent with their abilities, achievements, interests, and expectations. The ultimate goal of advisement is to empower students to be active, responsible learners who take full advantage of the many opportunities
the university provides in the areas of academics, research, and community and global engagement. Visit UB Undergraduate Academic Advisement for additional information.
Acceptance Information
Admissions Statement The Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning has an admission policy that actively encourages applicants from protected groups and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Admission is competitive; and applicants are reviewed according to the admission criteria. Acceptance of students in the pre-professional,
professional, and advanced graduate programs is determined on the basis of the applicants' qualifications and experience. However, since the school's size is limited, the programs may exercise discretionary powers of
selection. Courses and programs offered by the School of Architecture and Planning may include an instructional support services fee http://ap.buffalo.edu/admissions/related/admissions-statement.html. Contact School
of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services or visit our website http://ap.buffalo.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees.html for
additional information on admission and advisement.
Bachelor of Science in Architecture Freshmen Admission. For students with no previous post-secondary education experience, University at Buffalo Architecture uses similar requirements for departmental admission at the freshman level as the university
uses; that is, high school average, completed high school courses, rank in high school class, and standardized exam scores (SAT/ACT). Prospective students with no previous post-secondary education interested in University
at Buffalo Architecture must submit an application early in the fall of your senior year of high school. Visit UB Undergraduate Admissions http://admissions.buffalo.edu/apply/index.php for specific freshmen application submission dates.
All freshman applicants are invited to submit a digital student portfolio or complete an architecture design project to demonstrate their creativity and interest in architecture http://ap.buffalo.edu/admissions/undergraduate-programs/Undergraduate_BSArch.html. Please note that the digital student portfolio or architecture design project may be one of many factors considered in the review of an applicant's eligibility for admission into the Bachelor of Science in architecture,
but does not determine final admissibility into the undergraduate academic program or the university. University at Buffalo Architecture is the only program in New York State that accepts either a digital student portfolio
or an architecture design project. First-time freshman applicants are notified of the departmental decision at the same time that they are notified of the university's admission decision, with admission on a space available
basis. Minimum SAT, ACT, and TOEFL scores are required for studio enrollment, and architecture students are placed into mathematics, physics, and English courses based upon the following criteria: SAT/ACT scores; Advanced
Placement scores; or, completed college courses. The pre-professional Bachelor of Science in architecture is a fall-only admission program. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services
or visit or visit http://ap.buffalo.edu/admissions/undergraduate-programs/Undergraduate_BSArch.html for additional admission
and advisement information.
Transfer Admission. Transfer students must first apply to the University at Buffalo and meet its transfer admission requirements. University at Buffalo Architecture transfer admission application forms and
portfolio requirement information (if appropriate) are mailed or downloaded once the undergraduate transfer admission application is received by the University at Buffalo. Transfer students should consult directly with
the School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services to determine architecture application deadlines, academic admission criteria, and recommended preparatory courses. Applications from undergraduate
transfer students received after February 28 will be reviewed on a space available basis until May 31 as guided by the School of Architecture and Planning's admission statement. No additional supplemental transfer application
material will be reviewed after May 31. A minimum GPA of 2.50 in architecture and architecture-related courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.70 is required for admission consideration, with admission on a space available
basis. Architecture and architecture-related courses may include introductory collegiate courses in architecture technology, 2-D and 3-D design, studio art, fine art, art history, interior design, urban environments,
urban studies, and drafting. Minimum TOEFL scores are required for studio enrollment. The pre-professional Bachelor of Science in architecture is a fall-only admission program. Design studio courses completed at other
colleges are accepted as by the University at Buffalo Architecture as transfer elective credit.
Applicants with an earned baccalaureate degree should contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services prior to applying for transfer admission to the pre-professional Bachelor of Science
in architecture (BS Arch) for alternative academic advisement and information on the accredited professional 3+ year master of architecture (MArch) degree.
Architecture Minor Students choosing an architecture minor must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and must have completed two of the lower-division (100/200-level) courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Students are required to discuss development of their architecture minor through advisement at least once a semester. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services for additional admission
and advisement information.
Academic Requirements
Architecture students are placed into mathematics, physics, and English courses based upon the following criteria: SAT/ACT scores; Advanced Placement scores; or, completed college courses.
Students are reviewed on their progress in the undergraduate preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture by the University at Buffalo Architecture on a semesterly basis. This review determines the student's
eligibility to continue onto the next level in the undergraduate preprofessional architecture program. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all required architecture curricular courses and minimum cumulative UB GPA of
2.0 is compulsory for satisfactory academic program requirements. In addition to all minimum GPA levels, all undergraduate students are expected to make satisfactory progress in design studios and architecture media
courses. All students must earn no less than a C- in design studio and media course, and any student who receives a grade lower than C- must repeat the studio and media course before taking the next studio and media
sequence. Grades lower than C- in any design studio and media course will not count toward the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture degree requirements, and a grade of F in any design studio and media
course may result in dismissal from University at Buffalo Architecture.
Statement on Continuous Studio Enrollment. Students admitted to the preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture (BS Arch) must complete the appropriate design studio (ARC 101-
ARC 102, ARC 201-ARC 202, ARC 301-
ARC 302,
ARC 403-ARC 404, ARC 406) each semester to maintain continuous enrollment
in the academic program, unless a student is approved for a studio leave of absence by School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services. Studio leaves of absence are often approved for students with
medical, legal, military, or other extenuating circumstances as reviewed by School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services. Students must be in good academic standing with the Department of Architecture
and the University at Buffalo to be eligible for a studio leave of absence. Design studios are open to admitted architecture majors only.
A student who resigns design studio with an "R" (resign) grade without prior approval for a studio leave of absence will be disqualified from the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture. Disqualification
shall mean that the student is prohibited from taking additional design studios offered by University at Buffalo Architecture. Disqualification will not occur if a student is on an approved studio leave of absence for
medical, legal, military, or other extenuating circumstances.
A student who has been disqualified may apply for re-entry through the Undergraduate Transfer and Re-Entry Application Form, available from School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services.
The student ought to supply evidence of experience and academic coursework during the break in studio enrollment that will better prepare the student for additional design studio studies. Contact School of Architecture
and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services for additional admission and advisement information.
School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services also reviews undergraduate student requests for exceptions to registration: late registration, administrative registration, adding or withdrawing
from courses after the University at Buffalo's prescribed deadlines [available online here], and exceeding the University at Buffalo's 19-credit hour limit.
Student Passport Requirement. All domestic U.S. students entering the ARC 201-202 studio sequence must have a passport, passport card, or other approved
documents (including a valid NEXUS card, government-issued photo ID {e.g. Driver's License} and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport) for required
studio excursions into Canada. Domestic U.S. students may visit the Department of State website for further information and guidelines on Canadian
entry and re-entering the United States. International students should contact International Student Services, 210 Talbert Hall, North Campus, for information on guidelines for traveling to Canada and re-entering the
United States. For additional information, contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services.
Studio Culture Policy Statement. The Department of Architecture in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo acts in accordance with the NAAB studio policy requirement. Therefore,
all studio faculty and/or departmental administrators agree to:
Provide students with a syllabus that complies with the University at Buffalo syllabus guidelines, and includes a studio description, objectives, evaluation methods, and grading policies.
Encourage students to lead balanced lives. This includes regular sleep and exercise, healthy eating habits, and breaks for non-architecture related endeavors.
Assist students in developing effective time management strategies.
Integrate knowledge and information acquired in other architecture courses in studio, when possible.
Integrate knowledge and information acquired in other disciplines in studio, when possible.
Encourage collaboration both within the studio, and, when appropriate, outside of the studio.
Provide guidance to new instructors on studio curriculum development.
In addition to existing guidance and grievance procedures, the department will establish an ombudsman group, comprised of University at Buffalo architecture alumni, to act on behalf of students who are having difficulty
with studio culture. All concerns expressed to this group will be kept in confidence unless otherwise expressed by the student.
Foster a constructive atmosphere in design reviews that promotes critical dialogue between students and reviewers.
Promote theories, research, and experiences that increase students' awareness of multi-cultural issues.
Approved by the voting faculty of the University at Buffalo Department of Architecture: 4/2005.
Transfer Policy
Courses completed at other colleges and universities are not automatically accepted by University at Buffalo Architecture as fulfilling departmental requirements. While select architecture courses taken elsewhere may be accepted, determination is made
by an evaluation of the student's transcripts, course content, contact hours, and grades earned. A minimum passing grade is required in each course for possible articulation to courses offered by the Buffalo School
of Architecture and Planning in accordance with State University of New York policy - http://system.suny.edu/academic-affairs/student-mobility/seamless-transfer-policy-faqs/. Student transcript evaluations are conducted by School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services. Design studio placement in the undergraduate preprofessional architecture program is made by the department
following this formal evaluation, in tandem with portfolio review, when applicable. Design studio courses completed at other colleges are accepted as by University at Buffalo Architecture as transfer elective credit
only.
A minimum GPA of 2.50 in architecture and architecture-related courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.70 is required for transfer admission consideration, with admission on a space available basis. Architecture
and architecture-related courses may include introductory collegiate courses in architecture technology; 2-D and 3-D design; studio art; fine art; art history; interior design; urban environments; urban studies; and
drafting. Design studio courses completed at other colleges are accepted as by University at Buffalo Architecture as transfer elective credit only. Applicants with an earned baccalaureate degree should contact School
of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services prior to applying to the preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture (BS Arch) for alternative academic advisement and information on the accredited
professional 3+ year master of architecture (MArch) degree. The preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture is a fall-only admission program.
Architecture - B.S.
Acceptance Criteria
Minimum GPA of 2.70 overall. Minimum GPA of 2.50 in architecture and architecture-related courses. Admission on a space available basis. The preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture
is a fall-only admission program.
Advising Notes
Transfer students must first apply to the University at Buffalo and meet its transfer admission requirements. Transfer students must then complete a departmental application (available by contacting University at Buffalo Architecture or School of Architecture
and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services) upon submission of the university's transfer admission application. Transfer admission applications received after February 28 will be reviewed on a space available
basis until May 31, as guided by the School of Architecture and Planning's admission statement. No additional supplemental transfer application material will be reviewed after May 31. Students with a baccalaureate
degree should contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services prior to applying. The preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture is a fall-only admission program.
All students entering the ARC 201-ARC 202 studio sequence must have a passport or other approved documents
for required studio excursions into Canada (see the Academic Requirements section for more information).
Students are reviewed on their progress within the preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture by the Department of Architecture on an annual basis. This review determines the student's eligibility
to continue onto the next level in the undergraduate preprofessional program. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in major courses is required for satisfactory academic progress and progression through the undergraduate program.
A minimum of 42 ARC-prefixed credit hours must be completed at the University at Buffalo to satisfy University at Buffalo Architecture's Bachelor of Science in architecture academic residency requirement.
A minimum of 128 semester credit hours and minimum GPA of 2.5 in major courses is required to graduate with the preprofessional Bachelor of Science in architecture. Grades of lower than C- in any design studio and
architecture media course will not count toward degree requirements.
Declared pre-architecture and admitted architecture majors and minors should go directly to School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services for advisement.
Required Courses
ARC 101 Design Studio 1 ARC 102 Design Studio 2 ARC 111 Architecture Media 1 ARC 112 Architecture Media 2 ARC 121 Introduction to Architecture AED 199 UB Seminar ARC 201 Design Studio 3 ARC 202 Design Studio 4 ARC 211 American Diversity and Design ARC 231 Architecture History : Ancient - 1450 ARC 234 Architecture History : 1450 - Present ARC 241 Introduction to Building Technology ARC 301 Design Studio 5 ARC 302 Design Studio 6 ARC 311 Architecture Media 3 ARC 312 Architecture Media 4 ARC 352 Structures 1 ARC 362 Architectural Theory AED 399 UB Capstone ARC 403 Design Studio 7 ARC 404 Design Practicum/Proseminar ARC 411 Architecture Media 5 ARC 412 Architecture Media 6 ARC 442 Construction Technology ARC 453 Structures 2 ARC 473 Environmental Controls: Thermal Systems ARC *** Architecture Elective (3.0 credits) MTH 121 Survey of Calculus and Its Applications 1 or MTH 131 Calculus Analysis for Management PHY 101 or AED 101 College Physics I* Minimum of 18 credits of non-ARC liberal arts electives
Undergraduate Credit Requirements Chart
Credits Required for Major
107
Additional Credits Required for UB Curriculum
21
Additional Credits Required for Electives
0
Total Credits Required for Degree
128
Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.
Architecture students are placed into mathematics, physics, and English courses based upon the following criteria: SAT/ACT scores; Advanced Placement scores; or, completed college courses.
Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:
Engaging in issues and methods of architectural design, representation and construction
Becoming culturally aware, technically competent, and environmentally responsible
Becoming cognizant to human needs and wants, and capable of translating these into design proposals
The freshman studio sequence and how it provides students with basic literacy in design principles and fundamentals using two- and three- dimensional media, and to familiarize students with the tools, materials,
techniques and values that enable and underscore an architectural design proposition
The sophomore studio sequence and how it provides students with the basic knowledge of historical precedents, site planning and analyzing context. It also expands the range of design methods and issues to include
movement and temporality as design components, drawing and making as conceptual rather than exclusively representational tools, and problem-formulation as a creative act
The junior studio sequence and how it provides students with the knowledge of designing complex architectural programs and integrating building. It presents an approach to design that examines how natural, social
and material forces are mediated through building systems. Students are introduced to a variety of performative criteria that govern the workings of buildings in order to understand how dynamic forces like
light, air, circulation and information contribute to the constructional, functional, and spatial formation of architecture
The senior fall semester studio and how it is dedicated to multi-dwelling housing that requires students to synthesize through their design the social needs of collective domesticity with the real world constraints
of site, climate, and program
ARC 318 Design Methods ARC 422 Introduction To Building Reuse ARC 427 Building Types ARC 354 Experimental Structures ARC 457 Fabric Structures ARC 419 Contemporary Theory ARC 435 American Architecture and Urbanism ARC 440 Computer Application ARC 448 Building Projects ARC 449 Architectural Materials ARC 455 Structures 3 ARC 467 Research Practice ARC 470 Climate and Architecture ARC 472 Energy and Shelter ARC 475 Environmental Controls: Acoustics and Lighting ARC 476 Landscape Design ARC 479 Sustainable Design ARC 481 Cost Control and Analysis ARC 482 Professional Practice ARC 488 Special Topics: Seminar in Design Theory ARC 496 Community Design Service ARC 499 Independent Study
Minimum GPA of 2.0 overall. Minimum GPA of 2.5 in prerequisite courses.
Advising Notes
Upon admission to the minor in architecture, it is strongly recommended that students complete the Architecture Shop Safety Workshop. For more information on the Safety Workshop, contact the Architecture Materials Shop, 2 Parker Hall, South Campus.
All students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours and three courses in the lower division and a minimum of 12 credit hours and four courses in the upper division. Students devise a plan of study in consultation
with their faculty mentors.
No more than 3 credits of ARC 467 (Research Practice), 3 credits of ARC 496 (Community Design Service), and
3 credits of ARC 499 (Independent Study) may be applied toward minor requirements. In addition, no more than six credits of architecture transfer coursework may be
applied toward minor requirements. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services for more information.
Other relevant courses (such as Special Topics courses) in the undergraduate curriculum from University at Buffalo Architecture may be approved for the minor, with qualified special permission, from the course
instructor and School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services.
University at Buffalo Architecture guarantees that some of these courses will be offered within a six semester period so students can complete their minor in a timely manner. Select courses approved for the
minor in architecture may only be offered on an intermittent basis.
For additional information, or for an admission application to the architecture minor, contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Academic Services.
Prerequisite Courses
Two 100/200-level architecture courses.
Required Courses
Required Courses LOWER-DIVISION COURSES (select at least three courses) ARC 121 Introduction to Architecture ARC 211 American Diversity and Design ARC 231 Architecture History : Ancient - 1450 ARC 234 Architecture History : 1450 - Present ARC 241 Introduction to Building Technology (Suggested)
UPPER-DIVISION COURSES (select at least four courses) ARC 422 Introduction to Building Reuse ARC 425 History of Design ARC 343 Building Systems Technology I ARC 344 Building Systems Technology II ARC 352 Structures 1 ARC 354 Experimental Structures ARC 457 Fabric Structures ARC 435 American Architecture and Urbanism ARC 448 Building Projects ARC 453 Structures 2 ARC 455 Structures 3 ARC 464 Behavior and Space ARC 467 Research Practice ARC 473 Environmental Controls: Thermal Systems ARC 475 Environmental Controls: Acoustics and Lighting ARC 481 Cost Control and Analysis ARC 482 Professional Practice ARC 488 Seminar in Design Theory ARC 496 Community Design Service ARC 499 Independent Study END 312 Design of Cities
Minor Credit Requirements Chart
Total Credits Required for Minor/Certificate
21
Minors and certificates must be completed in conjunction with a major and all university degree requirements must be met.
Students should consult with an academic advisor to determine how any transfer or exam credit might be utilized in meeting general education, prerequisite, or major requirements.