School of Architecture

OFFICE	136 Atkinson Hall
TELEPHONE	225-578-6885
FAX	225-578-2168

For information regarding the GRADUATE PROGRAM, click here.

The School of Architecture, a member of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, offers professional degree programs at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. Preparation for the profession of architecture requires both formal education and practical experience followed by a professional examination and registration.

In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U. S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, the Master of Architecture, and the Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.

Master’s degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Admission to the beginning design course in the NAAB accredited Bachelor of Architecture program (ARCH 1001 ) is selective and is based on high school academic GPA and ACT or SAT scores. Individuals who believe there are additional factors that should be considered in evaluating their applications are encouraged to contact the School of Architecture in writing and/or schedule an on-campus interview. High school students are strongly encouraged to apply prior to February 15 for admission into the following fall semester.

Students who have been approved for admission will be notified in writing. Students not admitted to the beginning design course will not be allowed to register for architecture courses other than those listed as general education courses.

Transfer students will be considered for admission to the architecture program and the beginning design course on a space-available basis. Admission is competitive. Transfer students are expected to have earned a minimum 2.75 GPA (on a 4-point scale, based on 30 hours or more). The review of transfer students will include a select number of students already enrolled at LSU who have applied to transfer into the architecture program. Transfer students are strongly encouraged to apply prior to February 15 for admission into the following fall semester.

Transfer credit for architecture courses as substitutions for required courses in the school’s curriculum will be considered only if these courses have been taken as part of an architecture program accredited by the NAAB. Transfer students desiring credit for design studio courses will also be required to submit a portfolio for faculty evaluation.

Admission Requirements to the Third Year

There will be, prior to admission to the third year of study (upper division), a scholastic and portfolio review. No more than 36 students will be approved for advancement to the upper division each year. The School of Architecture reserves the right to deny admission to the third year of study based on this review.

Admission Requirements for the Fifth Year

Entrance to the fifth year will be granted only to those students who have successfully completed all required course work in years one through four. Admission to the fifth year will be in the fall semester only.

Graduate Program

Information on the Master of Architecture program, including admissions requirements, is available by contacting the school directly.

Personal Computer Requirement

Students are required to have their own personal computer upon entering the second year studio course. Contact the School of Architecture for information regarding type, specifications, and software.

Programs

Major

Architecture, B.Arch.

Minor