Department of Architecture

Architecture (B.F.A.)

The Department of Architecture consists of the Architecture Program and the Interior Design Program. The mission of the Department of Architecture is to prepare graduates to enter the professional practice of architecture and interior design and to serve the Memphis and Mid-South region through research, engaged scholarship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative expression that contributes to sustainable, stable communities and enhances the quality of life for all citizens.

The goals and objectives of the Department are as follows: to provide the highest quality professional education through a well-rounded discovery-based curriculum in both the art and science of design with emphasis on processes, professional standards, and the practical application of design and technology; to provide research opportunities for faculty and students with emphasis on “hands on” multi-disciplinary projects through which students gain valuable professional experience while providing services to the citizens of the region; and to expand opportunities for Architecture and Interior Design students by bringing them together with faculty and students in the City Planning and Real Estate Development programs to address public issues, support stable and sustainable neighborhoods, and develop community visions throughout the region.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Architecture is a pre-professional degree. At the University of Memphis, the professional degree in Architecture is the Master of Architecture degree. See the Graduate Catalog for details.

NOTE: Before enrolling in any Architecture course, all applicants seeking admission to the B.F.A. with a major in Architecture must complete and submit to the Department of Architecture an application form, a writing assignment, and a portfolio of five representative works. These three components comprise the Incoming Evaluation for Architecture and will be reviewed by a faculty committee. Applicants are accepted on the basis of potential in the field of architecture. After review, the department notifies the student of one of the following: (1) acceptance, (2) one semester acceptance on a probationary basis, (3) recommendation to correct the deficiencies and reapply, or (4) denial of admission. Permission to enroll in any Architecture courses for which a permit is required beyond first semester, first year is based upon this review. Contact the Department of Architecture for details and deadline.

Students transferring from another major or another institution who intend to pursue a B.F.A. degree with a major in Architecture must complete the Department of Architecture Incoming Evaluation prior to enrolling in Architecture courses. Transfer students seeking advanced standing in the Architecture major should submit a portfolio of work representing previously completed Architecture studio work. The review committee will determine if the portfolio work is equivalent to comparable courses at the University of Memphis. Placement in the major is dependent upon the review. Even if admitted to advanced standing, the student may be required to remedy previous course deficiencies.

A. University General Education Program (41 hours). See Graduation from the University for the University General Education Program requirements. Note the following are specified by the department for this program: Mathematics: MATH 1830; Social/Behavioral Sciences: ANTH 1200 and SOCI 1111; Natural Science: PHYS 2010/2011 and ESCI 1020; Humanities: ARTH 2101 and 2102; History: HIST 2010 and 2020.

B. The Major (87 hours)

1. Major Foundation Core (32 hours)

ARCH 1111, 1112, 1113, 1120, 1211, 1212, 1411, 2412, 2611, 2711.

2. The Major

Entrance - Completion of Major Core 32 hours)

[Candidacy Review and Portfolio Requirements - A Candidacy Review is required of all students intending to major in Architecture. Admission to the University of Memphis and completion of the major core do not guarantee placement in the program. Admission is selective and is based on a portfolio evaluation reflecting professional standards and expectations of the major. A portfolio that includes but is not limited to works from the major core courses is required as part of the application. Guidelines and application forms for admission to the Architecture major are available in the department office and from faculty advisors. Consultation with a faculty advisor is recommended before or during portfolio preparation. Students may submit portfolios for review no earlier than the semester that Candidacy requirements are being completed.

Transfer students must meet entrance requirements of the major. After review, the department notifies the student of one of the following: (1) acceptance, (2) one semester acceptance on a probationary basis, (3) recommendation to correct the deficiencies and reapply, or (4) denial of admission.] Permission to enroll in any 3000-4000 level Architecture course is based upon this review.

3. Completion of Major (49 hours) - ARCH 2311, 2612, 2712, 3312, 3313, 3421, 3431, 3713, 3714, 4441, 4715, 4716, 4930.

C. Electives (6 hours)

Architecture, Interior Design, or open electives complete the 87 semester hours of course work. See advisor for details.

Typical 4-Year Architecture Sequence

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Total Hours Required for Graduation: 128

*Must satisfy University General Education Program Requirement

D. Architecture Honors
The Department of Architecture Honors Program provides an opportunity for selected Architecture and Interior Design students to enrich their learning experience through honors courses, independent study, a senior thesis, and extracurricular learning experiences. The Honors Program requires a minimum of 15 semester hours of honors work in courses within the Department of Architecture. Students who complete the appropriate degree program with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average will earn a degree that includes the distinction "Honors in Architecture." Moreover, the diploma and record at the University of Memphis will reflect this accomplishment. Please contact the Department of Architecture honors coordinator for more detailed information.