The five-year professional Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) is intended for those who wish to pursue a career as a practicing architect. The program focuses on four main areas: building fundamentals, design, technology, and sustainability. The B.Arch. offers students an in-depth engagement in the fields of architecture and sustainability, augmented by the broader Penn College mission of applied technical innovation and hands-on learning. This major promotes a healthier, more energy efficient way to build, which reduces negative environmental impacts and slows the depletion of natural resources. Students study sustainable approaches to materials, construction, site design, building design, community planning, and the generation and conservation of energy. In addition, students receive training in building science fundamentals and are introduced to historic preservation and the renovation and reuse of existing buildings. Graduates should be equipped with the knowledge to design buildings that make positive contributions to their communities.
Effective Fall 2022
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch.)
- More Information about Bachelor of Architecture
Recommended High School Subjects
Two years of algebra and trigonometry, one year of physics, four years of oral and written communication courses, and one year of computer skills. Students are encouraged to gain exposure to architectural and construction related trade skills in courses such as CAD/drafting, art/drawing, design, carpentry, HVAC, and electrical, but these courses are not required for admission to the program.
Special Equipment Needs
Laptop Computer Required
- 64-bit Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Multi-core Intel Core i7 or i9 CPU running at 2.5 GHZ or higher (recommended).
- 32+ GB RAM (required).
- 1+ TB M.2 NVMe Drive (recommended).
- Dedicated 8+ GB graphics card (required).
- Video Display Resolution 1920 x 1080 (could be higher, but will impact Lumion® performance).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus.
- Additional plug-ins for software may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Multi-year support plan including accidental damage protection (recommended).
- The specifications above are based on requirements for Revit ® 2022 “Performance” system recommendations and Lumion® 12 system requirements. Please review those sites to ensure your laptop meets the requirements.
- *Apple computers and Chromebooks are prohibited.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).
Transfer Procedures
In addition to the transfer standards established by the College, students seeking transfer credit from another institution for architecture program courses may be asked to submit examples of coursework to the architecture department head. Determination by the department head as to whether transfer credit is given will be based on alignment of the transfer course with Penn College course content and established NAAB Program and Student Criteria.
Program Goals
In addition to meeting the goals established for the Architecture associate degree, a graduate of this major should be able to:- demonstrate critical thinking, professional communication, and enhanced research skills in solving architectural problems, including the ability to interpret and develop architectural documents, and to locate, evaluate, and use needed information effectively (Critical Thinking).
- make distinctions between the stages of the architectural design process, the phases of a typical building project, and apply concepts of architectural history, theory, research methodologies, sustainability, and building technology to solve complex design problems (Design).
- master two- and three-dimensional representation techniques to express intentions at the various stages of a project (Representation).
- demonstrate an advanced understanding of various building systems and technologies related to building materials, structures, environmental controls, methods of construction, and sustainability, to solve architectural problems and support a healthy environment (Building Systems).
- make sustainable decisions for buildings and communities based on assessments of energy usage, resource efficiency, and lifestyle choices that address industry sustainability standards and promote occupant health and well-being (Sustainability).
- produce innovative and comprehensive architectural solutions which integrate various aspects of theory, structural design, aesthetics, building materials, building systems, construction practices, and sustainability (Integration).
- demonstrate familiarity with the legal, ethical, financial, and social responsibilities of the various stakeholders who work within architecture and related disciplines (Professional Practice).
Curriculum
| First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| ACH101 | Introduction to Architecture | 1 | 1 | M | REQ | ||
| ACH111 | Architectural Graphics | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| ACH112 | Architectural History | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ACH119 | Building Materials I | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ACH135 | Architectural Computer-Aided Drafting | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| MTH181 | College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
| Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| ACH129 | Building Materials II | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ACH139 | Construction Documents - Residential | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| ACH141 | Building Codes & Accessibility | 2 | 1.50 | 1.50 | M | REQ | |
| ACH181 | Architectural Design Studio I | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| ACH211 | Architectural Graphics II | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
| Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| ACH239 | Construction Documents - Commercial | 3 | 1 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| ACH243 | Structural Principles | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| ACH261 | Architectural Design Studio II | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ACH262 | Sustainability: Building & Living Green | 3 | Writing Enriched Requirement | 2 | 3 | M | REQ |
| ACH264 | Computers & Estimating | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| SPC | Speech Elective | 3 | S | SPC | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 18 | ||||||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| ACH240 | Environmental Systems | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ACH253 | Structural Applications | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| ACH281 | Architectural Design Studio III | 4 | 2 | 6 | M | REQ | |
| ARC | Specified Architecture Elective | 3 | M | ARC | |||
| PHS103 | Physics Survey | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| or | |||||||
| PHS114 | Physics with Technological Applications | 4 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | ||||||
| Fifth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| BSD332 | Architectural Design Studio IV | 5 | 2 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| BSD340 | Detailing & Applications | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| BSD410 | Historic Preservation | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| ENL121 | English Composition II | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| or | |||||||
| ENL201 | Technical & Professional Communication | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 14 | ||||||
| Sixth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| ACH272 | History of Modern Architecture | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| BSD322 | Sustainable Community Planning & Design | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| BSD352 | Architectural Design Studio V | 5 | 2 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| MTH172 | Introduction to Geometry | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| or | |||||||
| MTH183 | College Algebra & Trigonometry II | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| CDP | Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective | 3 | S | CDP | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
| Seventh Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| BSD420 | Renewable Energy Technologies | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| BSD432 | Architectural Design Studio VI | 5 | 2 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| BSD442 | Architectural Theory | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| SSP | Core Social Science Perspective | 3 | S | SSP | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 14 | ||||||
| Eighth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| BSD450 | Sustainable Rating Systems | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| BSD452 | Architectural Design Studio VII | 5 | 2 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| OEA | Open Elective | 3 | S | OEA | |||
| OEE | Exploration Elective | 3 | S | OEE | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 14 | ||||||
| Ninth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| BSD472 | Architectural Thesis Studio I | 6 | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| OEA | Open Elective | 3 | S | OEA | |||
| SCI | Science Elective | 3 | S | SCI | |||
| or | |||||||
| SCL | Science Elective with lab | 4 | S | SCL | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 12 | ||||||
| Tenth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| BSD482 | Professional Practice | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| BSD492 | Architectural Thesis Studio II | 6 | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | |
| OEE | Exploration Elective | 3 | S | OEE | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 12 | ||||||
Students taking PHS 103 during their fourth semester must take a 4-credit science elective with a lab in the ninth semester. Those students who complete PHS 114 during their fourth semester may take a 3- credit science elective during their ninth semester. In order to meet core educational requirements, science elective credits must be a minimum of 7.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Architecture program is pursuing initial candidacy status for accreditation with the National Architectural Accrediting Board .