Degrees for 2010 and beyond

Architectural practice and architectural education have changed dramatically since architectural education began at Temple in 1969. In the last decade, the Master of Architecture has surpassed the Bachelor of Architecture as the terminal degree for those aspiring to professional practice in architecture in the US. Increasing globalization of practice, rapid urbanization and decay, the development of new technologies, and the increasing interdisciplinary focus of professional architectural practice, all require a greater breadth and depth of knowledge than was needed previously. The twenty-first century architect must be highly skilled in research and in solving complex design problems, and he/she must have the cultural sophistication to direct diverse professional teams and interact with different client constituencies. Leadership and entrepreneurship in the practice of architecture is essential to individual success and to shaping places of enduring value. The Architecture Department proposes to restructure its degree offerings in response to these changes in architectural education and the world of practice.

In Fall 2010, the Architecture Department will begin to offer three new undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Bachelor of Science in Facility Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Preservation. These three programs share a common two-year foundation studies program. Upon successful completion of this preparatory program, students may enter the B.S. Fac Man or the B.S. Arch Pres or apply for acceptance to the B.S. Arch (pre-professional). The latter is competitive, with only 36 seats.

In Fall 2010, the Architecture Department will also begin to offer a two year Master of Architecture (M. Arch). The M. Arch will replace the B. Arch as Temple University’s professionally accredited architecture program. When earned sequentially, the four year pre-professional B. S Arch and the two year professional M. Arch comprise a National Architecture Accreditation Board (NAAB, http://www.naab.org) accredited professional education. Holders of the M. Arch may be admitted, upon completion of postgraduate internship, to the architectural licensing examination offered in each state, through which they may become registered architects.

Click HERE for the 2010 Degrees website to view this information in greater detail.

Current Degrees

The Architecture Department currently offers two undergraduate degrees - the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.Arch, four years) and the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch, five years, professionally accredited).

These two programs share a common two-year basic studies program. Upon successful completion of this preparatory program, students either may continue in the B.S.Arch curriculum path or may apply for acceptance to the B.Arch professional curriculum path.

The five-year B.Arch prepares students for the practice of architecture in entry-level positions, part of an intern development program which leads to professional registration. This curriculum is designed to enable students to learn theories and methodologies of architectural design as well as to understand the social, economic, political, and technological forces which shape the built environment.

The principal educational component of the curriculum is a coordinated series of studio courses in which creative design talents and management skills are developed. The B.Arch curriculum is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). Holders of this degree may, upon completion of postgraduate apprenticeship, be admitted to the architectural licensing examination offered in each state, through which they may become registered architects.

The four-year B.S.Arch program is designed to develop a strong base in architectural technology and practice upon which students may develop additional areas of special competence based upon individual goals. Minors in other disciplines e.g. Business / Art History / Geography and urban Studies are possible. Graduates are qualified for a variety of positions in architecture and related fields for which a professional degree and registration are not requirements for advancement. Additionally, holders of this degree may qualify for architectural education at the graduate level.

Study in Temple's Rome program and on Temple Japan’s campus are offered to selected students in both the fall and spring of the third or fourth year of both undergraduate programs.

Students apply for study abroad jointly through the Architecture Department and the International Programs office. Only a limited number of students may attend each semester.

Transfer students are sometimes admitted to Temple’s architecture programs with advanced standing. Students who already hold a bachelor's degree and certain other upper level transfer students may be eligible for consideration for participation in various options for acceleration.

Placement in is based upon prior architectural education, not merely the number of credits earned at another institution. All transfer students must consult directly with the Department after admission but well in advance of registration.