They can tailor the program to their own goals by taking appropriate electives, and choose what direction their own careers can take, says Chair Paul Hajian. Students are expected to become sensitive to sociological and ecological issues of the environment.
Classes involve critiques of student work.
Several times a year, outside practitioners also participate. Critiques address general issues of structural safety, appropriateness of material, relationship of form to intended uses, and specific issues such as the potential for using solar heat, how to improve the neighborhood context, and how parking and delivery work for the site. Students are expected read widely and write about their work. The faculty consists of practicing professionals. Previous classes have designed a medieval exhibit in a local museum and designed and built a student art gallery on campus.