Architecture (BS)

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Architecture leads to the pre-professional degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The program is designed to provide a broad, but rigorous design studio-based educational experience that is a pre-requisite to graduate studies in architecture and subsequently fundamental to the professional practice of providing architectural services. In this context the students’ creative and innovative design activities are guided by an understanding of the complexity of factors relating to human interaction with the designed and natural environments and an awareness of the fact that architectural design decisions have consequences that impact global habitability, cultural evolution, environmental change, and the sustainability of human societies.

To effectively address challenges of the 21st century architects collaborate with various design professionals on complex design and planning issues related to the built environment where the interconnections of science, art and technology are self-evident. The program’s curriculum reflects this interdisciplinary and inter-professional realm and transcends traditional disciplinary boundaries by drawing from related curricula. Design studio and technology courses systematically incorporate concern for the social, economic, political and physical components of design-research problem-solving processes.

The pre-professional degree of Bachelor of Science in Architecture is desirable for those wishing a foundation in the field of architecture, as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment in architecturally related areas. Graduates are employed in related fields such as digital arts, urban development, real estate, and construction. Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, private firms and service providers also offer employment opportunities. Generally it is an excellent preparation for roles in society that benefit from an understanding of and exposure to architectural design.

Please see the UNLV School of Architecture web page at www.unlv.edu/architecture/bs-arch for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available at www.unlv.edu/degree/bs-architecture.

Learning Objectives

1. Communicate effectively in written, spoken, visual and digital modes.
2. Conduct and apply research in relevant precedents and historic traditions, including global and multicultural societies.
3. Demonstrate understanding of formal ordering systems.
4. Design sites, facilities and systems that respond to site and climate.
5. Design sites, facilities and systems which reflect basic life safety and accessibility issues.
6. Understand the basic principles of structural behavior and system selection and environmental control system design.
7. Understand the relationship between human behavior, the natural environment, and the built environment.
8. Understand the designer’s role in society and the means of carrying out that role through informed, responsible and ethical decision making.