Bachelor of Architecture
IIT's architecture program is structured to develop professional architects who are well prepared in specialties of their choice. Architecture, "the liberal arts of the 21st century," effectively blends technology and the humanities and equips you to adapt to change. IIT maximizes the benefits of an architecture education with a uniquely concentrated yet flexible curriculum:
NAAB Accredited. IIT offers one of the few accredited five-year Bachelor of Architecture programs in the Midwest. Our carefully sequenced curriculum meets all the licensing standards for the practice of architecture, but saves you the additional cost and time required for the usual six-year (four-plus-two) programs.
Flexible. After completing your core courses and foundation studios in your third year, you'll select the advanced studio that allows you to pursue your specific interests. You can choose studios emphasizing low-rise housing, high-rise structures, public buildings, transportation buildings, or cultural institutions, among others.
Specialized. IIT lets you extend your credentials through professional specialization. You can choose to complete minors in related fields such as structural engineering or construction management, or pursue a specialization within architecture. Architecture specializations include digital design, landscape architecture, history/theory, design/build and planning.
At IIT, we view all of our students as prospective leaders and structure our academic program to prepare them for this responsibility. Employers recognize the impact of these efforts and offer rewarding employment to IIT graduates. Throughout the world, many of today's most successful architecture firms are led by IIT alumni.
Curriculum Details
Charting Your Course IIT offers a progressive approach to architecture education. During the first three years, a highly structured curriculum provides solid foundations for architectural practice, including studio work; requirements in math, physics, structural and mechanical engineering; art and architectural history; housing and ecological planning; and electives from the humanities and social sciences.
While most universities spread out this material over five or six years, IIT concentrates this core knowledge up front. The benefit to you: during your last two years, you'll be able to "learn the way you'll work" in an environment that parallels professional practice. You'll enter the architectural studio of your choice to pursue independent, comprehensive, applied-design projects in collaboration with senior faculty and practicing architects. As your career directions become better defined, you'll also be free to explore a wide range of architectural electives, so you can pursue a minor or a professional specialization or simply delve into topics that interest you. Your forward-loaded education prepares you to achieve a portfolio of more advanced projects during the fourth and fifth years that will demonstrate your professional competence and strengthen your employment opportunities.
Architecture Electives
Electives courses will provide some of the most valuable and memorable learning experiences. Taken during the fourth and fifth year of studies, seven architecture electives allow students to diversify or concentrate their areas of knowledge. Students may select courses in digital imaging, history and theory, landscape architecture, advanced drawing, architectural photography, visual training, design/build, and specialized independent studies. Advanced courses in architectural materials, construction technology, energy conscious design and structures emphasize the interrelationship of engineering and architecture, while CAD-enriched electives will maximize your readiness to use tomorrow's most sophisticated design tools. And courses in ethics, programming, construction management and other subjects will prepare IIT students for the day-to-day practice of architecture.
Curriculum
| Year 1 (Fall ) | Hrs. | Year 1 (Spring) | Hrs. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH 100-Introduction to Architecture | 3 | ARCH 114-Architecture Studio II | 6 |
| ARCH 113- Architecture Studio I | 6 | ARCH 110-Freehand Drawing | 2 |
| ARCH 109-Freehand Drawing (2) | 2 | MATH 122-Introduction to Mathematics II | 3 |
| MATH 119-Geometry for Architects (3) | 3 | Arch 125-Intro to Architectural Computing (3) | 3 |
| Humanities 100-level Elective (3) | 3 | Humanities / Social Science Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 17 | Total Hours | 17 |
| 2nd Year (Fall ) | Hrs. | 2nd Year (Spring) | Hrs. |
| ARCH 201-Architecture Studio III | 5 | ARCH 202-Architecture Studio IV | 6 |
| PHYS 200-Basic Physics for Architects | 4 | AAH 120 History of Architecture II | 3 |
| AAH 119-History of Architecture I | 3 | ARCH 230 Architecture and Structure | 3 |
| ARCH 226-CAD in Practice | 3 | CRP 201-The Dwelling | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | Total Hours | 18 |
| 3rd Year (Fall ) | Hrs. | 3rd Year (Spring) | Hrs. |
| ARCH 305-Architecture Studio V | 6 | ARCH 306-Architecture Studio VI | 6 |
| ARCH 403-Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems I | 3 | Arch 335-Reinforced Concrete and Continuous Structure | 3 |
| Arch 334-Frame Structural System and Steel | 3 | CRP 465-Ecological Basis of Planning | 3 |
| ARCH 423-Architectural Programming | 3 | ARCH 404-Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems II | 3 |
| Arch 321-History of Modern Thought | 3 | Architecture Elective | 3 |
| Total Hours | 18 | Total Hours | 18 |
| 4th Year (Fall ) | Hrs. | 4th Year (Spring) | Hrs. |
| ARCH 417-Architecture Studio VII | 6 | ARCH 418-Architecture Studio VIII | 6 |
| Architectural History Elective | 3 | Architecture Elective | 3 |
| Architecture Elective | 3 | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Architecture Elective | 3 | IPRO Elective | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | Total Hours | 15 |
| 5th Year (Fall ) | Hrs. | 5th Year (Spring) | Hrs. |
| ARCH 419-Architecture Studio IX | 6 | ARCH 420-Architecture Studio X | 6 |
| IPRO Elective | 3 | Humanities Elective | 3 |
| Social Science Elective | 3 | Arch 413-Architectural Practice | 3 |
| Architecture Elective | 3 | Architecture Elective | 3 |
| Architecture Elective | 3 | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | Total Hours | 15 |
| TOTAL 169 Credits |