Portland State's program allows students to study architecture in the context of a broad liberal arts education. This context encourages a view of architecture as a diverse discipline with many diffferent paths. The program includes both undergraduate and a graduate degree programs for an integrated 4 + 2 professional degree.
Undergraduate Degree Program
At the undergraduate level, students pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Architecture. This is a pre-professional architecture degree and students seeking professional licensure must later pursue an accredited, professional Master of Architecture degree. Admission to the third year of the program is selective and contingent upon passing a portfolio review of design work and evaluation of skills.
PSU offers a 2-Year Master of Architecture professional degree program complementing its existing pre-professional undergraduate degree. The Master's program extends the Department's established focus on urban, issue-led design research through creative hands-on material fabrication, conceptual speculation and critical inquiry in a context of sustainable practices. Graduate studies culminate in original student-generated Design Thesis propositions fully focused on Portland's unique urban environment. The program has achieved Candidacy status for accredition from the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
Individual Course Descriptions
National Architectural Accrediting Board Conditions for Accreditation
Undergraduate Architectural Curriculum
180 Total Credits for B.A. or B.S. with a Major in Architecture
Year 1
Arch 100 Introduction to Architecture (4)
Arch 101 Introduction to Environmental Design (4)
Arch 120, 121 Visual Communication 1, 2 (4,4)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements (14)
General Education/Freshman Inquiry (15)
Year 2
Arch 230, 231, 232 Architecture & Cultural History 1, 2, 3 (4,4,4)
Arch 280, 281 Design Fundamentals Studio 1, 2 (6,6)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements (8)
General Education/Sophomore Inquiry (12)
Portfolio Review for entry to Professional Track
Year 3
Arch 360, 361, 362 Building Tectonics 1, 2, 3 (4,4,4)
Arch 380 Architectural Design Studio 1 (6)
Arch 381 or 382 or (384+385) Architectural Design Studio 2, 3 (6,6)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements (4)
General Education/Junior Clusters (12)
Year 4
Arch 46x Building Tectonics elective (4)
Arch 480, 481 Architectural Design Studio 4, 5 (6,6)
Arch 3xx/4xx Architectural upper division electives (8)
B.A. or B.S. Requirements (15)
General Education/Senior Capstone (6)