Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2009

Undergraduate: BS, Minor
Graduate: MArch
Combined Graduate:: MArch+MUP, MArch+MBA, MArch+MFA

Bachelor of Science in Architecture. The bachelor of science in architecture is a preprofessional baccalaureate degree designed to instill concepts and skills upon which professional architecture studies at the graduate level are based. It allows students to complete all prerequisites for eligibility to enter a two-year accredited professional master of architecture (M.Arch.) degree program. In 1994, the department expanded the undergraduate program into a four-year, preprofessional undergraduate degree. This format provides candidates for the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture with a liberal exposure to the applied arts, humanities, social sciences, technologies, and aesthetic expression. The goal is to convey architecture as a field of study and a way of viewing the world. A minimum of 128 semester credit hours is required for the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture.

The four-year, preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture, without the accredited first professional master of architecture degree, is not accredited by NAAB. The preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture, as recognized by NAAB, NCARB, and the New York State Education Department, is useful for those who desire a foundation in the field of architecture as preparation for either continued education in an accredited professional master of architecture (MArch) degree program or employment options in architecture-related professions. For additional information on the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), visit http://www.naab.org/. For further information on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), visit http://www.ncarb.org/.

Most states require that an individual intending to become an architect hold an accredited professional degree. There are three types of professional degrees that are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB): the bachelor of architecture (B.Arch.), which typically requires five years of undergraduate academic study; the master of architecture (M.Arch.), which requires a minimum of three years of academic study following an unrelated baccalaureate degree --or-- two years following a related preprofessional baccalaureate architecture degree; and, the doctor of architecture (D.Arch.). These professional degrees are structured to educate those who aspire to registration/licensure as architects. The University at Buffalo is the only campus in the State University of New York system to offer the accredited professional master of architecture (M.Arch.) degree.

Minor in Architecture. The minor in architecture, a non-studio based track offered by the Department of Architecture, provides students with a liberal exposure to the humanities, technology, social sciences, and aesthetic expression through the lenses of the built and the natural environments. The study of architecture offers an indispensable background for students in most fields of study in that it develops skills in critical thinking and making as well as furnishing tools for interpreting and understanding the ways in which we inhabit and shape the material world. In addition, the minor in architecture may enhance and provide additional knowledge for students interested in pursuing a 3+ year accredited professional master of architecture (M.Arch.) degree upon completion of their baccalaureate studies. The minor in architecture is typically completed within five to six semesters.

Architectural Licensing and Registration. To become a registered architect, an individual is required to sit for a state-licensing architecture exam. The current licensure policy in the State of New York is based, in combination, on the accumulation of credits earned from:

a. Academic education; and,
b. Professional/intern development experience.

Licensing evaluations are conducted in New York by the State Education Department's Office of the Professions. Licensing information related to architecture is also available on the New York State Education Department's Web site at http://www.op.nysed.gov/arch.htm

All States and the District of Columbia require individuals to be licensed (registered) before they may call themselves architects and contract to provide architectural services. During this time between graduation and becoming licensed, architecture school graduates generally work in the profession as an intern architect under supervision of a licensed architect who takes legal responsibility for all work. Licensing requirements include a professional degree in architecture, a period of practical training or internship, and a passing score on all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE).

All State architectural registration boards require a professional training period before candidates may sit for the state-licensing architecture exam and become licensed. Most States have adopted the training standards established by the Intern Development Program, a branch of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). These standards stipulate broad and diversified training under the supervision of a licensed architect over a three- to five-year period. New graduates usually begin as intern architects in architectural firms, where they assist in preparing architectural documents or drawings. Intern architects may research building codes and materials or write specifications for building materials, installation criteria, the quality of finishes, and other, related details. For information on the professional intern architecture requirements, visit the National Council of Architectural registration Boards Web site at www.ncarb.org/ or the American Institute of Architects Web site at www.aia.org/. After completing the on-the-job training period, intern architects are eligible to sit for the state-licensing architecture exam. The examination tests candidates' knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required in the design and construction of structures. Licensing examinations are offered in New York by the State Education Department's Office of the Professions.

At present, a candidate can sit for the New York State licensing exam with:

1. The accredited first professional degree in architecture (UB's master of architecture) and a minimum of three years of professional intern development experience; or,
2. A preprofessional architecture degree (UB's bachelor of science in architecture) and a minimum of five years of professional intern development experience.

The New York State architect license, in combination with the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture, will not transfer to most other states. Without the accredited first professional master of architecture degree, an individual may not be permitted to sit for the licensure exam or practice in other states. In addition, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) requires an accredited professional master of architecture degree for membership certification and license reciprocity. A growing number of architects voluntarily seek certification by NCARB, which can facilitate an individual's licensing to practice in additional states. According to 2007 US Department of Labor data, approximately one-third of all licensed architects had NCARB certification. Architects find it increasingly necessary for NCARB certification to gain license reciprocity in order to compete for the best jobs and projects in other States. Certification is awarded after independent verification of the candidate's educational transcripts, employment record, and professional references. NCARB certification is the primary requirement for reciprocity of licensing among State Boards that are NCARB members. Nationally, the preferred method for licensure is to complete an accredited professional master of architecture degree program. For licensing information related to architecture, visit the New York State Education Department Web site at www.op.nysed.gov/arch.htm. For information on the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), visit www.ncarb.org/. For membership information on the American Institute of Architects (AIA), visit www.aia.org/.

After becoming licensed and gaining experience, architects take on increasingly responsible duties, eventually managing entire projects. In large firms, architects may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Some architects become partners in established firms, while others set up their own practices. Graduates with degrees in architecture also enter related fields such as graphic, interior, or industrial design; urban planning and design; real estate development; engineering technology; and construction management.

All students in the UB School of Architecture and Planning are assigned faculty advisors and mentors upon admission to the School. In addition, UB's School of Architecture and Planning Advisement is available for assistance. Students are encouraged to consult regularly with their advisors and mentors in matters pertaining to academic options, course selection, postbaccalaureate studies, and career opportunities. Students meet with advisors and mentors as often as they choose to explore educational opportunities available within the School of Architecture and Planning and the University at Buffalo, and 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 use the tools and resources available to become active and responsible learners. Visit http://wings.buffalo.edu/ap/ for additional information on undergraduate advisement.

Admissions Statement
The 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 preprofessional, professional, and postprofessional 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 technology fee. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Advisement or visit http://wings.buffalo.edu/ap/ for additional information on undergraduate admission and advisement.

Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Freshmen Admission. For students with no previous postsecondary education experience, the Department of Architecture uses the same 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). Portfolios are not required for initial freshmen application; however, portfolios and academic letters of recommendation may be requested at a later time as part of the undergraduate admissions review process. 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 competitive admission on a space available basis. Minimum SAT, ACT, and TOEFL scores are required for studio enrollment. The preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture is a fall-only admission program. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Advisement for additional admission and advisement information.

Transfer Admission. Transfer students must first apply to the University at Buffalo by February 15 and meet its transfer admission requirements. Department of 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 Department of Architecture 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-only available basis until May 31 as guided by the School of Architecture and Planning's admission statement. No additional transfer application material will be reviewed after May 31. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in architecture and architecture-related courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required for admission consideration, with competitive admission on a space available basis. Minimum TOEFL scores are required for studio enrollment. The preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture is a fall-only admission program. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Advisement for additional admission and advisement information.

Intended and declared Architecture majors are granted provisional admission as School of Architecture and Planning general studies majors.


Minor in Architecture.
Students choosing a minor in architecture 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. Upon admission to the minor in architecture, students are assigned faculty mentors based upon their interests. These faculty mentors help students develop specific plans of study. Students are required to discuss development of their minor through conferences with their faculty mentors at least once per semester. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Advisement for additional admission and advisement information.

Students are reviewed on their progress in the undergraduate 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 architecture program. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in required architecture curricular courses is compulsory for academic degree requirements. In addition to all minimum GPA levels, all undergraduate students are expected to make satisfactory progress in design studios. All students must earn no less than a C- in design studio, and any student who receives a grade lower than C- must repeat the studio before taking the next studio. Grades lower than C- in any design studio will not count toward the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture degree requirements. Supplemental department academic policies can be located online at http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/architecture/admissions/general.asp.

Statement on Continuous Studio Enrollment. Students admitted to the preprofessional bachelor of science in architecture (B.S. 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 the Department of Architecture and by School of Architecture and Planning Advisement. Studio leaves of absence are often approved for students with medical, legal, military, or other extenuating circumstances as reviewed by UB's School of Architecture and Planning Advisement. 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 architechture. Disqualification shall mean that the student is prohibited from taking additional design studios offered by the Department of 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 online at http://wings.buffalo.edu/ap/. 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 Advisement for additional admission and advisement information.

School of Architecture and Planning Advisement 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 at http://src.buffalo.edu/calendars/], and exceeding the University at Buffalo's 19-credit hour limit.

Courses completed at other colleges and universities are not automatically accepted by the Department of 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 course grade of B- (2.67 on a 4.0 scale) is required for articulation to courses offered by the School of Architecture and Planning. Student transcript evaluations are conducted by the School of Architecture and Planning's Office of Undergraduate Advisement. Placement in the undergraduate preprofessional architecture program is made by the department following this evaluation, in tandem with portfolio review, when applicable. Visit http://wings.buffalo.edu/ap/transferpolicy.html for additional information on transfer policies and procedures. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in architecture and architecture-related courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 is required for admission consideration, with competitive admission on a space available basis.