Our Bachelor of Science in Architecture delivers a rigorous, technology-driven curriculum that integrates design methodologies, environmental stewardship, and real-world problem-solving. With a strong emphasis on professional practice and hands-on learning, the program prepares students to address the complexities of contemporary practice in the field of architecture. Graduates emerge with the critical skills and technical expertise required to navigate the evolving demands of the profession and drive innovation in the field.
Students who graduate with a 3.0 GPA or higher are eligible for direct entry into our NAAB-accredited Master of Architecture program, an essential step in becoming a licensed architect. The MArch coursework consists of a minimum 36 credit hours in addition to the BS Arch requirement for a total of 169 credit hours.
Portfolios are only required for transfer students. If you have questions regarding admissions, our programs or the college, please contact Lilian Crum lcrum@ltu.edu.
Are you interested in accelerating your path to licensure? Learn about our IPAL program.
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch) program at Lawrence Tech is the undergraduate component (lower division – 1000 — 4000 level coursework) of the Master of Architecture Direct Entry (Track I) program. Track I is intended for first-time college students, and undergraduate-level transfer students. Students enrolled as undergraduates for the BS Arch degree are considered to be M.Arch Track I students. This format recognizes that most students intend to become licensed architects and will need to earn the accredited, professional M.Arch degree.
Students enrolled in the BS Arch program who maintain a 3.0 grade point average may be admitted to the graduate program (upper division – 5000 — 6000 level coursework). If a student cannot or chooses not to enter the graduate program, that student may elect to receive the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch) after completing the 133 credit hours of coursework and related university requirements. Depending on placement, the Master of Architecture coursework consists of a minimum 36 credit hours in addition to the BS Arch requirement for a total of 169 credit hours.
Applicants to the BS Arch and M.Arch Track I programs have specific requirements for admission, depending on the program they choose. For incoming undergraduates interested in the M.Arch Track I program, portfolios are only required for transfer students.
The information below is based on the M.ARCH Track I Progression Flowchart for the 2025 – 26 academic year (last updated September 15, 2025). View our Course Catalog page for more information about our individual courses.
College Composition develops students’ acquisition of the fundamental principles of academic writing. This course focuses on the development of writing thesis statements and main arguments, topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, supporting paragraphs, use of evidence, essay organization, and research skills. Extensive writing and research practice is required.
COM1103
3
Mathematics 1*
XXX4
4
An introduction to the fundamental issues shared by all design disciplines: design as process, visual literacy, how design communicates, ordering systems, principles of composition, global design cultures, and design ethics. Examples for study and discussion are drawn from a broad range of designed media: architecture, transportation, literature, graphics, games, music, cinema, common consumer objects, cultural artifacts, and dance.
DES1022
2
Introduction to representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will introduce contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize a precursory hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Course work visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.
ARC1213
3
An introduction to formal and process principles that underlie all design disciplines. The course explores both fundamentals of visual interpretation as well as conceptual processes and tactics that are involved in building more complex methodologies. The focus of the course is on visual literacy, formal principles and the identification of relevancies as building blocks in design project significance and meaning.
DES1213
3
Total Credits:
15
Mathematics 2*
XXX4
4
Advanced representational theory and practice within an architectural context. This coursework will deeply examine contemporary tools, application strategies, representational formats, and presentation methods with increasing complexity and consequence regarding design, technology, and practice. Students will utilize an advanced hybrid of digital and physical tools in the analytical representation of existing works of architecture. Coursework visualizes architecture comprehensively as three-dimensional constructs and environments which become organized into two-dimensional visual information.
ARC1223
3
Advanced application of basic principles in dynamic situations that include multiple disciplinary interests and priorities. Students are introduced to working methodologies that are used in design contexts practice to ideate, generate, explore, propose, and finalize works of design. Disciplinary-specific contexts are introduced within larger project-based delivery. (Studio)
DES1223
3
This is the first course in a multi-course sequence that addresses the relationship between building technologies and architectural design. The course introduces fundamental concepts of architectural technology, including structural systems, construction systems, and building service systems. Designed to pursue these topics in an integrated manner, this course will focus on the various forces that define these systems, including those that govern the passage of energy, gravity, light, sound and air. In covering this content, the course assumes an environmentally-focused position, foregrounding how each of the systems covered can lead to the production of sustainable and well-formed environments.
ARC1513
3
Algebra based kinematics and dynamics of particles, work, energy, bodies in equilibrium, rotational motion, thermal energy and thermodynamics.
3 Credit Hours. Lect. 3 hrs.
PHY2213
3
Introductory laboratory covering experiments to complement College Physics 1. 1 Credit Hours. Lab 2 hrs. The following course can be taken concurrently with this course: PHY 2213.
PHY2221
1
Total Credits:
17
*Math 1 & 2 sequence options based on placement scores:
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to critically engage texts of the ancient global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1213
3
History and philosophy of architecture in a context of related arts, crafts, and designed setting, studied in significant periods of the western world of antiquity, the Middle Ages (including Byzantine and Islamic extensions), and the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
ARC3613
3
Introduction to the theory and practice of digital information modeling and simulation within an architectural context. This coursework will introduce types of information and structuring-methods that are employed in the generative and performative modeling, simulation and analysis used in current multidisciplinary practice. Students will utilize contemporary digital software tools and other targeted applications to develop foundational skills in basic building information modeling and manipulation, parametric modeling, scripting, simulation and analysis methods, as necessary for support of subsequent courses in design and technical systems. Coursework visualizes spatialized information as interactive, structured and manipulable in relation to current practice and society.
ARC2813
3
This course provides lecture, lab, and studio components focused on the integrated relationship between architecture and the landscape. The course views the landscape as a primary source of information for the making of architectural decisions about space, access, natural and built forms, and environmental soundness. The course teaches fundamental design principles, ordering systems, site analysis, graphic research methods, architectural and landscape precedents, and graphic documentation skills. The course builds on the skills addressed in the freshman studio courses, and prepares students to understand concepts of interior space and materials to be considered in ID2 and ID3. The studio component emphasizes integrated architectural composition; the lab emphasizes exploration and experimentation with design media and other specific design inquiries in support of the studio.
ARC2116
6
This course is the first in a sequence of two that address building construction systems. The course introduces principles of construction materials and assemblies based on their properties, performance, and environmental impact. Course content will engage criteria for defining appropriate building structure and enclosure systems in response to qualities of durability, aesthetics, thermal performance, and energy resources. The course will also introduce building systems and life safety systems guided by standards of practice and building code regulations. Students develop construction drawings, models, and outline specifications to demonstrate ability and understanding of the course content and objectives.
ARC 2313
3
Total Credits:
18
Students study current environmental issues in the context of their scientific (biological, chemical, geological) underpinnings, while also considering the political, social and cultural dimensions of these issues. Also, the course addresses the role of scientific knowledge in understanding and resolving environmental problems, such as climate change, population growth, deforestation, extinction, air and water pollution, food production, and environmental health.
PSC1143
3
History and philosophy of architecture and related design studied in significant periods in Asian, Pre-Columbian cultures and in the modern world from the 18th century. Lect. 3 hrs. Prerequisites: ARC 3613 (min. grade D-).
ARC3623
3
Introduction to the theory and practice of prototyping and fabrication. The course advances the production of physical outcomes focusing on the relationship between information and morphology. Multiple levels of design development and implementation are addressed using current industry standards and state-of-the-art fabrication processes.
ARC3823
3
This course provides lecture, lab and studio components focused on the integrated relationship between architecture and interior space. The course conceives interior space as the study of light, color, texture and volume as it relates to human scale. The course objectives and outcomes are organized into four phases; gathering, finding, transforming and synthesis – and includes studies on building program, daylight and the haptic study of material. The course builds on the concepts of landscape and site from the ID1 course and prepares students to embrace concepts of tectonics to be considered in ID3. The studio component emphasizes integrated architectural composition; the lab emphasizes exploration and experimentation with design media and other specific design inquiries in support of the studio.
ARC2126
6
This course is the second in a sequence of two that address building construction systems. The course focuses on principles of sustainable construction assemblies based on performance and environmental impact. Course content will engage criteria for defining appropriate building structure and enclosure systems in response to variables of geography, climate, thermal performance, and energy resources. Course content also includes building service systems and application of life safety systems through egress, accessibility, and code compliance. Students develop construction drawings, models, and outline specifications to demonstrate ability and understanding of the course content and objectives.
ARC 2323
3
Total Credits:
18
A historical survey that develops students’ abilities to engage texts of the modern global world, placing an emphasis on the way these texts reflect their context and human experience. Readings may draw from philosophy, history, literature, visual art, photography, film, digital media, and more. Class activities include reading of primary sources, seminar discussion, and writing in various genres. May be taken concurrently with COM 1103.
HUM1223
3
LLT Elective
LLT2XX3
3
This course provides lecture, lab and studio components focusing on the integrated relationship between architecture and tectonics. The course presents tectonics as the order of constructional parts necessary to create architectural space. The course objectives and outcomes are organized into four phases: elements, assemblies, applications, and synthesis. Areas of focus include construction joints, sequencing, weathering, primary vs. secondary systems, and relationships of constituent parts to whole buildings. The course builds on the concepts of landscape and site from the ID1 course, and interior and daylight from the ID2 course, and prepares students to embrace concepts of urban systems to be considered in ID4. The studio component emphasizes integrated architectural composition; the lab emphasizes exploration and experimentation with design media and other specific design inquiries in support of the studio.
ARC3116
2
This course is an introduction to the behavior, analysis, and design of structural members and systems. It provides an understanding of force flow
and load path in structural systems and how they react to resist gravity and lateral loads. This course introduces the theory of statics with analytical
and graphical solutions. Topics include determination of loads, resolution of force systems, equilibrium analysis, and structural principles related to
shape (centroids and moment of inertia). The properties of materials (stress/strain, stiffness, modulus of elasticity), shear and bending moments,
deflection, and indeterminate structures will also be studied. The course also includes methods of analysis for lateral stability due to wind and
earthquakes loads, the development of one and two-way span systems, the structural behavior and force flow in long span, high rise, and lateral
force structural systems. Instructional methods include lectures, advanced digital media, videos, in-class problem solving, demonstration models,
and the investigation of historical precedents. The course provides knowledge of structural theory, which is the basis for the code-based design
procedures in subsequent courses.
ARC2713
3
Total Credits:
15
Training in a systematic method for producing effective technical communication, written reports, letters, and memos as well as oral presentations. Lecture 3 hours. 3 hours credit
COM2103
3
SSC Elective
SSC2XX3
3
A historical and theoretical study of the transformation of European and American architecture in the 20th century. Study topics may include the effects of urbanism and suburbia, architecture of commerce and everyday life, and everyday and political expression through building. Lect. 3 hrs Prerequisites: ARC 3623 (min. grade D-).
ARC4183
3
This course provides lecture, lab and studio components focused on the integrated relationship between architecture and urban design. The course conceives the city as a system of organized complexity and explores architectural and urban responses to complex multidimensional systems. Students examine critical forces and historical patterns using documentation and analysis, responding at multiple scales of building, site, neighborhood, city, and region through experimentation and synthesis. The course builds on the concepts of landscape and site from ID1, interior and daylight from ID2, and tectonics and materials from ID3, and prepares students to embrace concepts of public and community to be considered in ID5. The studio component emphasizes integrated architectural composition; the lab emphasizes exploration and experimentation with design media and other specific design inquiries in support of the studio.
ARC3126
6
Structural Systems 2 expands on the general principles and methods of analysis presented in Structural Systems 1. It prepares students for both
quantitative and qualitative approaches to structural principles and analysis. Coursework includes design of steel, concrete, and timber structural
systems, the evaluation of structural members in linear frame systems, and addresses building codes and industry standards (IBC, ACI, NDS, AISC).
The course considers force and load transfer in systems and helps students develop an intuitive understanding of how systems react to and resist
loads. Students will evaluate a series of small project-based structural systems and design basic structural elements using steel, concrete, and wood
based on current structural codes. Instructional methods include lectures, advanced digital media, videos, in-class problem solving, demonstration
models, and the investigation of historical precedents.
ARC3723
3
Total Credits:
18
Jr./Sr. Elective
LLT/SSC/PSY
3/4XX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
This course focuses on leadership skills specific to the allied disciplines of design within the College of Architecture and Design. Students will engage models of leadership relevant to a dynamic and evolving professional context. Course content will include typologies of leadership organization, principles of successful teamwork and collaboration, viable economic frameworks, ethics and design entrepreneurship.
DES4112
2
This course is the fifth in a sequence of five basic architectural design courses. This course consists of coordinated lecture, lab and studio components and focuses on the relationship between architecture and the public sphere: the varied, changing, and complex ways in which architecture influences and is influenced by people and public life. Students explore this relationship through the forces, patterns, and hierarchies that naturally define it, including matters of aesthetics, psychology, sociology, ecology, politics, and tectonics, with the aim of making sound and sustainable public design decisions. The course builds on the concepts of landscape and site from ID1, interior and daylight from ID2, tectonics and materials from ID3, urban responses from ID4, and prepares students to embrace concepts considered in Advanced Design Studios. The studio component emphasizes integrated architectural composition; the lab emphasizes exploration and experimentation with design media and other specific design inquiries in support of the studio.
ARC4116
6
The course address issues of human comfort; principles of heat transfer emphasizing calculation of heat loss and heat gain; heating, ventilating and cooling equipment, system selection and sizing; spatial requirements; moisture migration; air pressurization; psychrometric analysis; and sustainable design including acceptable indoor environmental quality (IEQ), low embodied energy material selection and energy conservation. The course includes an overview of water supply and waste water systems, domestic hot water, plumbing layouts/fixtures; and the basics of fire protection, including smoke control and automatic extinguishing water-based systems. Group class project work includes analysis of heat loss/heat gain and domestic hot water (DHW) equipment and HVAC system investigation for an existing structure.
ARC3423
3
Total Credits:
17
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Students complete a comprehensive site and building design project through demonstration of investigative and design skills engaged with site conditions, historical traditions and global culture. Each project integrates environmental, structural and spatial ordering systems and addresses issues of sustainability, accessibility, and life safety in the design. The course focuses on skills in required technical documentation and producing a set of architectural drawings delineating the project. This course meets the NAAB accreditation standards for a comprehensive architectural design studio and is supported by professional consultants who provide expertise, through lectures, demonstrations, reviews and other activities, in the content areas required for the course. The studio component of the course emphasizes the fully-integrated architectural proposition. The consulting/lab component conducts technical research, computation, and documentation in support of the studio.
ARC4126
6
The course reviews the theories of sound perception, analysis of architectural acoustics, room acoustics, sound isolation, sound absorption, electronic sound reinforcement, and the study of acoustic properties of materials and room shapes to provide speech privacy, enhance speech clarity, enrich music spaces and control noise. The course also addresses basic electrical theory, utility connection options, emergency backup, distribution, and safety considerations as they relate to building construction. Electrical lighting is studied as part of an assimilated section covering the fundamentals of illumination, integrating natural daylighting and electrical lighting design for energy conservation. Class projects include investigations into course subjects to further enhance understanding of real work applications.
ARC4443
3
Total Credits:
15
A leading design practitioner and collaborating faculty define a specific topic and process for an advanced design investigation exploring current issues in critical practice. Students research, generate and represent design ideas in a collaborative team format and working process, reflective of studio practice in the design professions.
ARC5804
4
This is the on-campus component of ARC 5804 Design-Build Studio. This is when students will take what they’ve worked on during the semester and build it in real life
ARC5800
0
Intensive study and application of research methodologies used for academic, theoretical, and design practice. The course will include historical and current methods of research in behavioral sciences, building sciences, and environmental design. The course utilizes computer applications and engages case studies in design research. Sources of research include those utilized in educational, governmental, professional, and legal environments.
ARC5013
3
Total Credits:
7
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
5/6XXX3
3
A comprehensive survey course of the theoretical positions of design through history culminating in the 20th century. The studies will track the origins, attitudes, and development of aesthetics in Western society. The class will follow developments in classical Greece, the Enlightenment and birth of modernity in Europe, the academic French architecture, the industrial age of England and the political upheavals of the early twentieth century Europe. Examples will include architecture, interior design, urban planning, engineering and industrial design, Lecture format with required papers.
ARC5643
3
Students complete an advanced-level design project that includes guided research, a design process, and a design proposition. The projects will respond to a specific studio topic determined by the instructor so that students can develop an understanding of the theories and principles of design, practice, and sustainability with a demonstrated ability to synthesize and integrate these understandings.
ARC5814
4
-OR-
Advanced architectural research and critical investigation on a pre-selected and approved topic. The research topic is broadly based within architectural discourse with a clear theoretical position. Students expand and develop a year-long personalized program of architectural investigation in consultation with a supervisory committee. The topic of investigation should be not only of personal interest but also further the theoretical boundaries of the discipline of architecture.
ARC6514
Total Credits:
10
Graduate CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
5/6/7XX3
3
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
5/6XX3
3
An overview of the professional architectural practice from a regulatory, procedural and ethical perspective. The course addresses the NAAB standards for a professional degree program, the NCARB standards including the Intern Development Program, and the state laws governing requirements for licensure and professional practice. Topics include the history of the profession, professional services, contract documents, legal relationships, professional ethics and codes of conduct, governmental regulations, regulatory codes, and professional firm organization.
ARC5913
3
Students complete an advanced-level design project that includes guided research, a design process, and a design proposition. The projects will respond to a specific studio topic determined by the instructor so that students can develop an understanding of the theories and principles of design, practice, and sustainability with a demonstrated ability to synthesize and integrate these understandings.
ARC5824
4
-OR-
Continuation of research and architectural investigation from Thesis 1. Final outcome of the project is determined by the student in consultation with the thesis committee and will have relevance to the discourse of architecture. Final grading is determined by the thesis chair in review with the final jury. The final jury includes members of the thesis committee.
ARC6524
Total Credits:
13
CoAD Elective
ARC, ARI, ART, DES, GAM, GRA, IDD, or INX
XXX3
3
Investigation of ecology and ecological systems in specific relation to design and the built environment. The course will explore both historical and current issues that illuminate global and societal concerns regarding ecology. Issues will be examined from a social, political, biological and practical perspective and address the current and future development of architecture. The professional role and ethical responsibility of the architect will be examined to foster ecological awareness and understanding of responsible practice. Case studies, readings, reports, and projects generate discussion around ecology and faculty lectures define relevant topics for debate and review.
ARC5423
3
Total Credits:
6
