The four-year curriculum in architectural studies offers the beginning level of education for those who intend to pursue a career in the profession or a related field.

A structured sequencing of courses is included which provides for a gradual interactive development of required knowledge and skills.  This pre-professional preparation is combined with the core curriculum courses to provide a comprehensive scholarly foundation for advancement.  Graduates are prepared to immediately become productive employees or to pursue graduate degrees.

The Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS) is a four-year pre-professional program that prepares graduates for careers in architecture and related fields or to enter masters-level programs.

Graduates with a BSAS degree are prepared for entry-level positions in architecture and related fields at a limited level. Ultimately, most graduates will continue their education in a professional-level Master of Architecture program in order to satisfy education requirements for licensure.

All faculty have appropriate education and professional experience backgrounds to teach in their assigned areas.

All courses are taught by professors.  Graduate assistants are used only in support roles.  Studio courses at the first-year level may have as many as 25 to 30 students in each section, while studio courses at the third- and fourth-year levels will generally have a range of 10 to 15 students in each section.

When you successfully complete the program, you will be qualified to enter the mainstream of architecture or an allied field.

You will find that the education you receive provides the base for a wide range of career opportunities.  A recent study identified over 100 career options for architecture graduates.

The program facilities include dedicated studios, resource library/exhibition area, model and furniture shop, computer graphics lab and a jury room.

Dedicated studios located in Quigley Hall are provided for all sophomores, juniors and seniors in the program.  Students are issued 24-hour building passes and a studio key.  The large open space studios encourage student interaction and provide informal jury presentation space.  Quigley Hall is equipped with wireless internet access.

The program’s resource library/exhibition area is located in Quigley Hall.  The resource library supplements Morris Library, the main campus library.  It contains a collection of reference books, manufacturers’ catalogs, magazines, and material samples.  It also contains computer stations that provide access to the internet, inter-library searches and design-related data warehouses.  The exhibition area displays current student work.

The program’s computer graphics lab is a modern well-equipped facility.  It provides access to an array of peripheral equipment that includes printers, scanners, and plotters.  Our software subscription provides access to the latest releases of a full range of profession-related software applications.

The program’s model and furniture shop is located in the Blue Barracks, which is a short distance from Quigley Hall.  This facility is equipped with a wide variety of power and hand tools.

While attending SIUC, students also have the opportunity to be members of profession-related student organizations.

Currently the student organizations include the American Institute of Architecture Students, Illuminating Engineers Society, Precast Concrete Institute, and the Construction Specifications Institute.  These organizations provide students the opportunity to pursue leadership roles, develop contacts with the profession and take advantage of various activities which include field trips, guest speakers and workshops.

Students will have additional expenses and are required to have a laptop computer.

In addition to tuition and fees, expenses include books, expendable supplies and individual equipment.  Some field trips will be required and some will be optional.  A reasonable estimate of additional expenses is $500 to $1,000 per semester.

Each student will be required to have a laptop computer that meets program specifications by the start of the 200-level courses in the major.  The university currently has an agreement with Dell computers for educational discounts.  This agreement is managed locally by 710 Bookstore.  For several reasons, students are encouraged to wait until they have completed the 100-level courses in the major before incurring this expense.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of additional support services and activities which enhance the overall quality of education.

Additional support services include career services, disability support services, tutoring services for first-year students and mentoring programs.  Additional activities include the University Honors Program, travel study programs, workshops, guest lectures, co-op and extern opportunities.