BA in Pre Architecture at College of Wooster
An undergraduate B.A. degree from a liberal arts college such as Wooster can provide an excellent foundation for graduate training as a professional architect. Since the built environment both shapes and is shaped by society, an architect needs not only the technical training in design and engineering that would be provided by an advanced degree in architecture but also the broader understanding of history and culture that is best attained within the context of a liberal arts education. Moreover, an architect must think and write critically and be able to articulate his or her vision — another reason why a liberal arts B.A. is good career preparation. Two options are available to students interested in graduate study in architecture.
Pre-Architecture Program
Students considering a career in architecture can major in any discipline while completing a four-year B.A. at The College of Wooster. While fulfilling their major and general education requirements, they should plan to take the following recommended courses as preparation for graduate study:
one semester of calculus
one or two semesters of physics
introduction to psychology
two semesters of History of Western Civilization
four semesters of studio art (drawing, design, photography, painting, sculpture, and ceramics particularly recommended—either four introductory classes in different studio areas should be taken, or three introductory studio classes and one upper-level class)
one or both of the architectural history courses (Art and Art History 223 and Art and Art History 224) are highly recommended
While this pre-architecture curriculum can be undertaken in conjunction with the requirements of any major, many students interested in architecture tend to major in studio art, given the emphasis on that area in this recommended program.
Cooperative Program in Architecture (also referred to as 3+4 Cooperative Program)
Under agreement with Washington University’s School of Architecture in St. Louis, students may complete three years at The College of Wooster before applying to transfer to Washington University for a senior year of accelerated architectural study, leading to a B.A. from Wooster. Upon acceptance into the graduate program at Washington University, three additional years of study then lead to a Master of Architecture degree.
Washington University recommends that students include the coursework ¬outlined above in the program of their first three undergraduate years, although it does not include introduction to psychology and art history courses in its suggested preparation.