Master of Architecture | Bachelor of Science in Architecture
The architecture program is developed around two degrees – a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and an accredited, direct-entry Master of Architecture degree – which are designed to provide a broad foundation for the development of design skills and insights, social responsibility, environmental awareness, problem-solving abilities, and professional aptitude. The program is accredited by NAAB and is the requisite degree for those wishing to become a licensed architect. Although primarily directed toward the practice of architecture, the program constitutes an excellent, broad-minded education and preparation for work in a range of essential fields in and beyond design, including teaching, research, product representation and development, and public service.
The undergraduate portion of the program specifically prepares students to pursue the Master of Architecture (the accredited, professional degree in architecture) at Lawrence Tech. Additionally, students in the architecture program may elect to participate in the Integrated Path to Licensure Initiative, through which LTU students are able to complete the professional experience and examinations required for licensure while they study. The College also offers five dual degree options, such as the Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration and the Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.
Featured Alumni
Azubike Ononye
M. Arch 2013
Azubike leads the INFORM computational design team responsible for fostering a culture around human computer interaction, digitally transforming the firm’s discipline and project based processes.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. I began with Engineering but switched to Architecture, studying in both Ghana and the US. Interacting with people of various cultures sparked my interest in the experiences people have in the built environment and how those experiences can be nurtured and shaped.
Q: Why did you choose to attend LTU?
A: Frankly, my decision to come to LTU was based on cost and number of students per class. However, my reason for finishing at LTU was the exposure I got to the digital side of architecture: from design inception to fabrication. It changed the course of my architecture career.
Q: For those who might be interested in architecture, do you have any advice?
A: Architecture is beyond pretty pictures and buildings. It’s about the curation of experiences people have both in the physical and the digital world in order to solve a particular need. The skills you pick up learning to meet these needs are essential for thriving now and in the future.
Mark
Farlow
B.ARCH, 1982
M.ARCH, 2009
Mark Farlow is Director of Design at Hamilton Anderson Associates and a proud alumnus of the Lawrence Tech architecture program. He loves teaching at LTU and cherishes the professional connections he has developed with his classmates, the faculty, and his students.
Q: What inspired you to teach alongside your professional architecture practice?
A: I truly believe that teaching is a civic responsibility. My commitment to the next generation of Architects is manifested through teaching architecture and curating opportunities for their absorption into the profession. I also remind my students that they have a responsibility (as an alum of Lawrence Tech) to give back to those of the next generation.
Q: What sort of work do you do within the College of Architecture and Design?
A: I share my relentless energy with my Lawrence Tech students two evenings per week, teaching in both the graduate-level studios and undergraduate studios. I also serve regularly on student reviews and subsidize the AIAS with scholarships. I really try to stress to my students that they have immense individual potential but that they are, in fact, privileged to have this educational opportunity.
Q: What about your professional work?
A: Both my architectural and academic career have manifested my well-documented love of architecture. Simultaneous to my academic commitments, I have an unflinching passion and tested ability for creating well-designed, award-winning buildings of architectural distinction and beauty for our community.
Joy
Sportel,
AIA + NCARB
BS of Arch 2013
M.Arch 2015
Joy Sportel, AIA + NCARB is an Architect and Designer at Intersect Studio in Kalamazoo, MI. In addition to attending Lawrence Tech, she also studied abroad in Albania and Italy. Focusing on design, her passion is creating long lasting relationships and having an impact on the way people live their lives.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: Born and raised a Michigander, I’ve always been an explorer. Whether it’s barefoot in the woods, photographing forgotten places, or getting lost in a foreign city - I’ve always been compelled to deviate from the standard and achieve new experiences.
Q: Why did you choose to attend LTU?
A:A creative at my core, I feel the need to balance art with logic. The intersection of design and problem solving truly epitomizes architecture for me. Lawrence Tech really fulfilled both of those categories, giving me the spring board to kickstart my career as an Architect.
Q: For those who might be interested in architecture, do you have any advice?
A: Travel. If you have the opportunity to go somewhere else and occupy a different environment and way of life - do it. Our industry is about the experiences we create and the more you explore new and unique spaces, the more you will be able to assess and adapt your design.
Alan
Cobb, FAIA
B.S.ARCH, 1976
Alan Cobb, FAIA is the President and CEO of Albert Kahn Associates, Inc., an industry-leading and award winning architectural and engineering firm.
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Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.
A: I grew up in the very small town of Holly, Michigan, and watched the design (with architect Dale Hicks) and construction process of my family home. While in high school, I worked as a carpenter, learning much about construction industry challenges. My early years of mentorship with a couple of local architects were instrumental in helping find my passion, the pursuit of a career in architecture and design.
Q: What made you decide to attend LTU?
A: I selected Lawrence Tech because the curriculum began (first semester) with classes on architecture. Learning about a career in the field was extremely important. The advantage with the program at LTU is that there are many practicing architects and other professionals guiding the student through their academic process. This helps LTU students hit the ground running after graduation.
Q: Do you have any favorite memories of your time at Lawrence Tech?
A: Harvey Fererro and Robert Powell, AIA were my advising professors (and practicing architects) for my thesis project and design studio for a self-sufficient community (the Village of the Sun). This project won an international design competition sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, which provided a fellowship at the AIA Research Corporation in Washington, DC, as the prize.
Admissions + Curriculum
M.Arch Track I
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (133 cr.) +
Accredited Master of Architecture (36 cr.)
Admissions
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch) program at Lawrence Tech is the undergraduate component (lower division - 1000 -- 4000 level coursework) of the Master of Architecture Direct Entry (Track I) program. Track I is intended for first-time college students, and undergraduate-level transfer students. Students enrolled as undergraduates for the BS Arch degree are considered to be M.Arch Track I students. This format recognizes that most students intend to become licensed architects and will need to earn the accredited, professional M.Arch degree.
Students enrolled in the BS Arch program who maintain a 3.0 grade point average may be admitted to the graduate program (upper division -5000 -- 6000 level coursework). If a student cannot or chooses not to enter the graduate program, that student may elect to receive the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch) after completing the 133 credit hours of coursework and related university requirements. Depending on placement, the Master of Architecture coursework consists of a minimum 36 credit hours in addition to the BS Arch requirement for a total of 169 credit hours.
Applicants to the BS Arch and M.Arch Track I programs have specific requirements for admission, depending on the program they choose. For incoming undergraduates interested in the M.Arch Track I program, portfolios are only required for transfer students. If you have questions regarding admissions, our programs or the college, please contact Lilian Crum at lcrum@ltu.edu or click on the links below.
Curriculum
*Mathematics 1 & 2 Sequence Options Based on Placement Scores. Please see the Flowchart for full details.
First Semester
First Semester
First Semester
First Semester
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5013 |
Research Methods |
3 |
| ARC 5423 |
Ecological Issues |
3 |
| ARC 5643 |
Design Theory |
3 |
| ARC 5913 |
Professional Practice |
3 |
| ARC 5804 |
Critical Practice Studio |
4 |
| ARC 5814 or ARC 6514 |
Adv. Des. Stud. 1 or Thesis 1 |
4 |
| ARC 5824 or ARC 6524 |
Adv. Des. Stud. 2 or Thesis 2 |
4 |
| 5xx2 / 5xx3 / 6xx2 / 6xx3 |
CoAD Graduate Electives |
6 |
| 5XX3 or 6XX3 |
Non-CoAD Elective |
3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 |
M.Arch Track II (minimum 47 cr. | LTU BS Arch. Graduate: minimum 36 cr.)
Admissions
Track II of the M.Arch program is intended for students who have earned at least a pre-professional degree, typically the Bachelor of Science in Architecture, at another institution; or who have earned the professional Bachelor of Architecture degree at another institution. Applicants who hold the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from Lawrence Tech can complete the program in as little as 36 credit hours. We welcome qualified students from other institutions who wish to complete their graduate studies and earn their accredited M.Arch degree at LTU.
Students may complete all but four of the upper division credits of the Track II of the M.Arch program online (There is one, 4-credit summer course, the Critical Practice Studio, which requires students to work on campus for one week).
Applicants to Track II of the M.Arch program are required to present the following documents for admission:
-
A completed Graduate Application, which can be submitted online at this link
-
Official transcripts of all completed college work.
-
A résumé describing your educational and work experience as well as extracurricular activities and interests.
-
Three letters of recommendation. Although not required, it is recommended that one or two of these letters be from faculty members who were a part of your previous educational experience. Additionally, it is recommended, although not required, that one letter be provided by an immediate supervisor at a current or a recent place of employment.
-
A comprehensive portfolio of work demonstrating a range of visualization and design abilities and experience. The portfolio requirements are linked below.
-
A one-thousand word essay. Essay requirements and topics are included under Admissions Information, below.
-
Syllabi from undergraduate courses that demonstrate exposure to the following:
-
Understanding of building technology, including construction materials and systems, building enclosure, environmental control systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, lighting, acoustics, and fire suppression), and structural systems.
-
Understanding of architectural history, from prehistory to the present.
-
Deadline: Summer Admission: March 1 / Fall Admission: July 1 / Spring Admission: November 1
For more information about these requirements or the program in general, please click the links below or contact Lilian Crum at lcrum@ltu.edu or Lawrence Clark at lclark1@ltu.edu, 248.824.6731.
Curriculum
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5034 |
Arch Foundational Studio 3# |
4 |
| ARC 5126 |
Comprehensive Design Studio# |
6 |
| ARC 5804 |
Critical Practice Studio |
4 |
| ARC 5814 or ARC 6514 |
Adv. Des. Stud. 1 or Thesis 1* |
4 |
*Note: If ARC 6514 is taken, the student must take ARC 6524 – Thesis 2 in lieu of four architecture elective credits.
# - Denotes a course not required for students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Architecture at LTU.
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5543 |
Advanced Structures# |
3 |
# - Denotes a course not required for students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Architecture at LTU.
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| 5xx2 / 5xx3 / 6xx2 / 6xx3 | CoAD Electives | 6 Total |
| Non-CoAD Elective* | 3 |
* This must be a 5000-level or higher course offered in either the College of Arts and Sciences, The College of Engineering, or the College of Business and Information Technology.
M.Arch Track III (89 cr.)
Admissions
Track III of the M.Arch program is intended for students who hold an undergraduate degree in a field other than architecture or environmental design. This option specifically welcomes students who come to LTU with accomplishments and interests in other fields of inquiry with the expectation that such students will bring their interests and skills into the practice of architecture. Students are able to complete almost all courses for the M. Arch Track III program online (There is one, 4-credit summer course, the Critical Practice Studio, which requires students to work on campus for one week).
Applicants to Track III of the M.Arch program are required to present the following documents for admission:
-
A completed Graduate Application, which can be submitted online at this link
-
Official transcripts of all completed college work.
-
Three letters of recommendation. Although not required, it is recommended that one or two of these letters be from faculty members who were a part of your previous educational experience. Additionally, it is recommended, although not required, that one letter be provided by an immediate supervisor at a current or a recent place of employment.
-
A one-thousand word essay. Essay requirements and topics are included under Admissions Information, below.
-
An optional portfolio of work demonstrating a range of visualization and design abilities and experience. The portfolio requirements are linked here.
Deadline: Summer Admission: March 1 / Fall Admission: July 1 / Spring Admission: November 1
For more information about these requirements or the program in general, please click the links below or contact Lilian Crum at lcrum@ltu.edu or Lawrence Clark at lclark1@ltu.edu, 248.824.6731.
Curriculum
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5014 |
Arch Foundational Studio 1 |
4 |
| ARC 5024 |
Arch Foundational Studio 2 |
4 |
| ARC 5034 |
Arch Foundational Studio 3 |
4 |
| ARC 5044 |
Arch Foundational Studio 4 |
4 |
| ARC 5126 |
Comprehensive Design Studio |
6 |
| ARC 5804 |
Critical Practice Studio |
4 |
| ARC 5814 or ARC 6514 |
Adv. Des. Stud. 1 or Thesis 1* |
4 |
* Note: If ARC 6514 is taken, the student must take ARC 6524 – Thesis 2 in lieu of four architecture elective credits.
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5513 |
*Basic Structures |
3 |
| ARC 5523 |
*Intermediate Structures |
3 |
| ARC 5543 |
*Advanced Structures |
3 |
| ARC 5313 |
Construction Systems 1 |
3 |
| ARC 5323 |
Construction Systems 2 |
3 |
| ARC 5543 |
*Acoustics, Elec & Illum |
3 |
| ARC 5413 |
*HVAC and Water Systems |
3 |
*Course requires content of College Physics and Pre-Calculus
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| 5xx2 / 5xx3 / 6xx2 / 6xx3 | CoAD Electives | 9 Total |
M.Arch Track IV (minimum 79 cr. | LTU BSID Graduate: minimum 60 cr. )
Admissions
The Track IV of the MArch program is intended for students who hold an undergraduate degree in one of the non-architectural environmental design fields (interior design, landscape architecture, etc.). Track IV has two options: a 79-graduate-credit curriculum intended for students whose undergraduate environmental design degrees are from schools other than LTU, and a 60-credit curriculum intended to serve students with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree from LTU. Students are able to complete almost all courses for the M. Arch Track IV online (There is one, 4-credit summer course, the Critical Practice Studio, which requires students to work on campus for one week).
Applicants to the M.Arch Track IV program are required to present the following documents for admission:
-
A completed Graduate Application, which can be submitted online at this link
-
Official transcripts of all completed college work.
-
Three letters of recommendatio
n. Although not required, it is recommended that one or two of these letters be from faculty members who were a part of your previous educational e xperience. Additionally, it is recommended, although not required, that one letter be provided by an immediate supervisor at a c urrent or a recent place of employment. -
A one-thousand word essay. Essay requirements and topics are included under Admissions Information, below.
-
An optional portfolio of work demonstrating a range of visualization and design abilities and experience. The portfolio requirements are linked here.
Deadline: Summer Admission: March 1 / Fall Admission: July 1 / Spring Admission: November 1
For more information about these requirements or the program in general, please click the links below or contact Lilian Crum at lcrum@ltu.edu or Lawrence Clark at lclark1@ltu.edu, 248.824.6731.
Curriculum
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5014 |
Arch Foundational Studio 1 |
4 |
| ARC 5024 |
Arch Foundational Studio 2 |
4 |
| ARC 5034 |
Arch Foundational Studio 3# |
4 |
| ARC 5126 |
Comprehensive Design Studio |
6 |
| ARC 5804 |
Critical Practice Studio# |
4 |
| ARC 5814 or ARC 6514 |
Adv. Des. Stud. 1 or Thesis 1* |
4 |
*Note: If ARC 6514 is taken, the student must take ARC 6524 – Thesis 2 in lieu of four architecture elective credits.
# - Denotes a course not required for students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at LTU.
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5513 |
*Basic Structures |
3 |
| ARC 5523 |
*Intermediate Structures |
3 |
| ARC 5543 |
*Advanced Structures |
3 |
| ARC5313 |
Construction Systems 1 |
3 |
| ARC5323 |
Construction Systems 2 |
3 |
| ARC 5543 |
*Acoustics, Elec & Illum |
3 |
| ARC 5413 |
*HVAC and Water Systems |
3 |
*Course requires content of College Physics and Pre-Calculus
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| ARC 5613 |
History of the Designed Environ 1# |
3 |
| ARC 5623 |
History of the Designed Environ 2# |
3 |
| ARC 5643 |
Design Theory# |
3 |
| ARC 5423 |
Ecological Issues |
3 |
| ARC 5063 |
20th Century Architecture |
3 |
# - Denotes a course not required for students who have completed the Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at LTU.
| Course # | Subject | Cr Hrs |
|---|---|---|
| 5xx2 / 5xx3 / 6xx2 / 6xx3 | CoAD Electives | 6 Total |