The faculty believes that each student deserves personal attention and guidance. The School of Architecture has a small, carefully selected student body. The school seeks applicants with strong academic records and demonstrated artistic creativity. A prospective student applies to one of the three undergraduate departments, but can transfer from one program to another during the first or second year. The undergraduate program in architecture combines a solid humanities foundation with an emphasis on the role of architecture as cultural expression, and provides two to three years of studio experience in the development of architectural ideas and the design of built form.
Most graduates go on to advanced degrees in architecture and related fields.
The undergraduate program in architectural history is the only one in the United States. Opportunity is also provided for an introduction to the issues and practices of historic preservation. Most graduates go on to advanced degrees in architectural history, art history, architecture, landscape architecture or planning. The undergraduate professional program in urban and environmental planning is one of less than a dozen such programs in the nation accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board. The study of planning theory, processes, and methods is integrated with the contextual exploration of political and market forces, resource limitations, environmental concerns, and social needs.