Architecture and Environmental Design

Architects and environmental designers use artistic and scientific innovation to design our cities, parks, and homes. These professionals combine technical knowledge with leadership and creativity to find solutions for the world around us.

You can prepare for these exciting careers in the University of Minnesota's distinguished programs in architecture and environmental design (in Department of Landscape Architecture). You will find great academics and great opportunities, all in one of the nation's most vibrant and exciting metropolitan areas!

GREAT ACADEMICS

The University of Minnesota offers several different paths to students interested in architecture careers.

Choose from:

College of Design

• Bachelor of Design in Architecture (B.D.A.) - This is a flexible degree in design thinking through architecture. It includes many architectural courses and priority access to design workshops. The B.D.A. is the best option for those interested in exploring the breadth of the architectural discipline.
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.) - This is a pre-professional degree in architecture that includes rigorous architecture design studios and a technology sequence. The B.S. Arch. Program is the best option for students interested in pursuing a more traditional approach to architecture.
• Bachelor of Environmental Design (B.E.D.) (in Department of Landscape Architecture) - This degree focuses on enhancing our society through the small- and large-scale design of our natural environments. Environmental design is a multidisciplinary field, and students gain the technical, analytical, and communication skills required for future practice as an environmental designer. Two tracks are available within this major: landscape design and landscape planning.

College of Liberal Arts

• Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (B.A.) - This is a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in architecture. It includes some architectural courses, access to design workshops, and requires proficiency in a second language. The B.A. is the best option for students who want to complement their architecture major with a minor or a second major.

If you want to become a licensed architect or landscape architect, you also need to complete a graduate degree in CDes - the Master of Architecture or the Master of Landscape Architecture. The University of Minnesota offers a competitive "accelerated status" option that allows qualified undergraduates to complete the bachelor's and master's programs in six years rather than seven.

HOW TO APPLY AS AN INCOMING FRESHMAN

Students interested architecture or environmental design should apply directly to CDes as incoming freshmen.

Making a Difference In spring 2007, 16 College of Design students designed and constructed a "Clean Hub" that can be used to provide sanitation services following natural disasters. Built from an empty shipping container, the structure stores and filters 4,400 gallons of water when running water isn't available and uses solar panels to generate electricity. The first prototype was sent to a community park in New Orleans, La., to help those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Since the Clean Hub is built almost entirely from recycled or everyday materials, students are hopeful that such structures could easily be mass produced and constructed as needed at disaster sites in the future.

You might also want to consider these related programs, also available at the University of Minnesota:

• Civil Engineering (Institute of Technology)
• Construction Management (College of Continuing Education)
• Environmental Horticulture (College of Food, Agricultural and Natural
• Resource Sciences)
• Housing Studies (College of Design)
• Interior Design (College of Design)

Career and Internship Opportunities

U of M graduates have more than prestigious degrees--they also have hands-on experiences to help jumpstart their careers in architecture and landscape architecture. The CDes Student Services Office, the faculty in the college, and on-campus career centers also help students secure internships or jobs. Common careers for graduates include:

• Architectural Designer
• CAD Drafter
• Industrial Designer
• Landscape Designer
• Specifications Writer

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES

Study Abroad

To prepare you for life in a global society, the U of M actively encourages studying abroad. Learning or working in a foreign country will build your skills, confidence, and cultural awareness as you enter the working world. Contact the Learning Abroad Center to explore gothic architecture in Paris, or to participate in any of the nearly 300 programs in over 60 countries.

• Explore architecture in cities around the world. Spend four weeks studying port cities or Italian landscapes and hydrological issues through CDes's Venice Program.
• Choose CDes's Oaxaca, Mexico Program and you'll learn to apply what you know about Mexican culture to designing in a studio setting.

Mentor Program

Get a head-start on your career by participating in a U of M mentorship program. Build connections with architecture and landscape architecture professionals working in the Twin Cities area. Get an inside perspective on careers in architecture while learning to balance your life with work.

Research Opportunities

Imagine participating in a research program with world-class experts and getting paid to do so! As a student in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) you'll conduct paid research or pursue special projects beyond your regular courses, all under the supervision of a distinguished CDes or CLA faculty member.

Campus Involvement

Students at the U of M belong to a vibrant, close-knit community. With over 600 student organizations on campus, it's easy to get involved with students who share your interests! Consider joining these architecture-related groups:

• Discover architecture or landscape architecture on the national and international scale through service learning and make connections with students and professionals by joining the American Institute of Architecture Students of Minnesota (AIASM) or the MN Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture Students (MASLAS)
• Keep up-to-date on current issues, participate in activities, and meet other students and alumni through the College of Design Student and Alumni Board.
• Present, explore, discuss, and apply theories of new urbanism, such as walkable neighborhoods and good public transportation. Join the Students for New Urbanism to build relationships with students and learn to maintain and design urban environments.

Other groups related to architecture and landscape architecture include:

• Greenlight
• Assembly of Architects (for students and alumni of color in architecture, housing studies, interior design, or landscape architecture)

GREAT LOCATION

Did You Know? The College of Design's School of Architecture tied for fourth nationally among public programs in the 2007 DesignIntelligence Dean's Survey of America's Best Architecture and Design Schools.

The four degrees listed above are not professional degrees. Students must earn a professional graduate degree in order to be prepared to be a licensed architecture or landscape architecture. Fortunately, the University of Minnesota offers the only professionally accredited architecture and landscape architecture graduate degrees in Minnesota, right in the midst of a culturally rich metropolitan scene. The U of M is located in the heart of a thriving design community, home to architecture and landscape architecture firms, art museums, theaters, cathedrals, parks and more.

On campus, students learn in beautiful, state-of-the-art buildings such as Ralph Rapson Hall. The U of M offers some of the best architectural facilities in the country, designed by internationally known architects such as Frank Gehry, Steven Holl, Ralph Rapson, and Rebecca Krinke. Inside, the Visual Resources Collection houses over 100,000 slides, and the Architecture and Landscape Architecture Library is home to more than 34,000 volumes.

Meet us in person!

Like what you see so far? Come meet us in person! There's no better way to learn about the University of Minnesota. As you tour our breathtaking Twin Cities campus and meet our friendly staff and students, you'll see for yourself why the U of M is the perfect place to launch your career in architecture or environmental design. We'd be happy to customize your visit to your interests. Contact us to schedule your visit today!