Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) Degree
The program leading to the BArch degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), https://naab.org.
Program Learning Outcomes for the BArch Degree
Upon completing the BArch degree, students will be able to:
- Innovate the knowledge and practice of architecture through advanced critical thinking, experimentation, and research.
- Explore the practice of architecture though the Preceptorship Program, a year-long supervised internship in an architectural firm that subsequently informs advanced research and design.
- Project innovative architectural practices and ideas through experimental research and design, synthesizing heterogeneous cultural and technical considerations into a coherent project.
- Integrate experience in architectural practice with experimental design projects through advanced building technologies, including material, structural, environmental, and mechanical systems.
Requirements for the BArch Degree
Students pursuing the BArch degree must complete:
- A minimum of 8 courses (62 credit hours) to satisfy major requirements.
- A minimum of 62 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
- A minimum grade of C (2.00 grade points) in each course.
- A Preceptorship. Students must complete a 9-12 month internship and enroll in ARCH 500.2,3
The courses listed below satisfy the requirements for this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of the major’s academic advisor, or where applicable, the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by the major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document the courses to be taken.
Summary
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Total Credit Hours Required for the BArch Degree | 62 | |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | ||
| Practice 2 | ||
| ARCH 500 | PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM (1st semester) 3 | 15 |
| ARCH 500 | PRECEPTORSHIP PROGRAM (2nd semester) 3 | 15 |
| Select 1 course from the following: | 3 | |
| PROFESSIONALISM AND MANAGEMENT IN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE | ||
1 course from departmental (ARCH) course offerings at the 300-level or above. 4 | ||
| Design 5 | ||
| ARCH 601 | ADVANCED OPTION STUDIO - RESEARCH PLATFORMS | 10 |
| ARCH 602 | ADVANCED OPTION STUDIO - RESEARCH PLATFORMS | 10 |
| Elective Requirements | ||
| Select 9 credit hours from departmental (ARCH) course offerings at the 300-level or above | 9 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 62 | |
Footnotes and Additional Information
| 1 | All courses above must be taken in the sequence and semester prescribed by the School of Architecture and completed with a grade of C (2.00 grade points) or higher. |
| 2 | By accepting a place in the BArch degree program and Preceptorship, each student agrees to all the terms specified by Rice and/or the assigned Preceptorship office, including: registration fees, start and end dates, work responsibilities, performance expectations, and agreement to return to Rice the subsequent year. Failure to meet these expectations will result in an unsatisfactory grade evaluation and may prevent further progress in the program. Students' concerns while on Preceptorship should be brought to the attention of the Director of External Programs as soon as possible. While on Preceptorship, a student remains a Rice student and is governed by applicable student codes of conduct, rights, and responsibilities. |
| 3 | ARCH 500 is taken for a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade and must be completed with a Satisfactory grade. As a S/U course, it does not apply to the requirement of a minimum grade of C (2.00 grade points) in each required course. |
| 4 | Students will substitute a departmental (ARCH) course at the 300-level or above if the student completed ARCH 423/ARCH 623 during the student's first four years of study. |
| 5 | If students are attending the Rice School of Architecture in Paris, students must enroll in one semester of ARCH 620 Architectural Problems as their studio courses, in place of ARCH 601 or ARCH 602. |
Policies for the BArch Degree
The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree program is open to students who have completed the undergraduate preprofessional architecture program at Rice. The BArch degree requires the successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in Architecture, completion of the two-semester Preceptorship, and completion of two advanced option studios and approved lecture or seminar courses. Admission into the program requires completion of all university and major requirements for the BA degree, a portfolio of work and formal application. Admittance is dependent upon satisfactory academic performance, demonstrated aptitude, and preparation for the Preceptorship and the advanced coursework of the final year. Grades are not the exclusive criterion for admission; however the school expects a minimum of a B (3.00) GPA within the required courses for the major and, typically, no grades in the C (2.00) GPA range during the last two years of studio courses. Preliminary admittance is offered early in the spring semester of senior year contingent upon satisfactory completion of remaining coursework.
The academic year immediately following preceptorship, students must return for their final year of study to the School of Architecture, taking advanced level studios and courses. In this year, students may apply to Rice Architecture in Paris to complete a semester abroad. The fall studios feature the research platform studio, in which the student’s experience from preceptorship is integrated into academic research through a comprehensive design project. At the end of this final two-year stage, students graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture (professional) degree.
The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and qualifies graduates to take the state professional licensing exams after completing the required internship in an architectural office.
Transfer Credit
For Rice University’s policy regarding transfer credit, see Transfer Credit. Some departments and programs have additional restrictions on transfer credit. The Office of Academic Advising maintains the university’s official list of transfer credit advisors on their website: https://oaa.rice.edu. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic program’s transfer credit advisor when considering transfer credit possibilities.
Departmental Transfer Credit Guidelines
Students pursuing the BArch degree should be aware of the following departmental transfer credit guidelines:
- Requests for transfer credit will be considered by the program director (and/or the program’s official transfer credit advisor) on an individual case-by-case basis.
Additional Information
For additional information, please see the School of Architecture website: https://arch.rice.edu/.
Opportunities for the BArch Degree
Rice Architecture - Paris
BArch students entering their fifth year may apply to the Paris program to complete one semester in Paris.
Recent Preceptor Offices
- Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (San Francisco)
- Diller Scoficio + Renfro (New York)
- Ennead Architects (New York)
- Henning Larsen (New York)
- Johnston Marklee (Los Angeles)
- Kieran Timberlake (Philadelphia)
- Olson Kundig (Seattle)
- Payette (Boston)
- Pei, Cobb, Freed & Partners (New York)
- Pelli Clarke Pelli (New Haven)
- Rogers Partners (New York)
- SHoP (New York)
- SOM (San Francisco)
- Thomas Phifer & Associates (New York)
- Weiss/Manfredi (New York)
- WXY (New York)
- ZGF (Los Angeles)
Additional Information
For additional information, please see the School of Architecture website: https://arch.rice.edu/.