Pre-Architecture Program

A Liberal Arts Education with a Focus on Spatial Reasoning and Conceptual Development

The pre-architecture track at Gustavus prepares students to pursue professional graduate degrees in architecture and design including Masters of Architecture (M. Arch), Masters in Urban Planning (M.UP), Masters in Landscape Design (MLA) Interior Architecture (MS) and Interior Design (MS) graduate programs. 

Our majors benefit from a liberal arts approach that develops and integrates skills in critical and visual problem solving, written and oral communication, material and conceptual exploration and connections to the broader social and environmental contexts we both live and work in.

At Gustavus, we are committed to engaging our students in the exploration of how the built environment can influence our social, geographical, historical, biophysical and emotional interactions.

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Students interested in pursuing architecture and design are encouraged to meet with the Pre-Architecture contact Betsy Byers (bbyers@gustavus.edu) in their first year to help plan future coursework. We recommend a major in Studio Art in collaboration with interdisciplinary coursework in MCS (Math Computer Science) Physics and Theater/Dance. Additional classes in Environmental Studies, Geography, Classics, Psychology, Communication Studies, History and/or Economics can be beneficial depending on specific graduate school interest. We encourage our students to incorporate study away experiences to their coursework, as well as participate in co-curricular opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity.

Our Pre-Architecture Students

  • Engage in critical problem solving in both two and three dimensions
  • Experience how iterative ideation requires risk taking and leads to innovation
  • Practice clear communication of their visual concepts through spoken and written word
  • Discuss how visual interactions connect us to our landscapes and cityscapes and integrate this understanding to their own practice
  • Understand how material choices can change a sculptural expression
  • Learn how draw an idea and then build it

Recommended Major: Studio Art

Consider the Possibilities of a Double Major: 

  • Studio Art + Environmental Studies (Sustainable Design and Architecture)
  • Studio Art + Geography (Urban Planning, Landscape Design)
  • Studio Art + Psychology (Urban Planning, Interior Design)
  • Studio Art + Physics (Engineering and Design, Industrial Design)
  • Studio Art + MCS (Engineering and Design, Industrial Design)
  • Studio Art + Art History (Conservation, Public History)
  • Studio Art + Classics (Conservation, Public History)
  • Studio Art + History (Conservation, Public History)

Gustavus alumni have received their M. Arch, MLA and/or MS in Interior Design Degrees at these Graduate Schools:

  • Columbia University
  • Rhode Island School of Design
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
  • University of Minnesota, Mankato
  • University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
  • University of Wisconsin, Stout
  • University of Kansas
  • The University of British Columbia
  • Hochschule Anhalt (Germany)

Suggested Coursework (10 courses + 2 labs)

Foundations (2)

  • ART 110 
  • ART 115 or T/D103

Digital/Design Thinking/Interface (choose 1 of 3)

  • ART 220 Graphic Design
  • T/D 223 Computer Aided Drafting + Design
  • Art 256 Digital Photography

Calculations (Take 3 of 3)

  • Physics 122 General Physics I (+.25 Lab)
  • Physics 172 General Physics II (+ Lab
  • MCS 121 Calculus I

Context (Choose 1 of 4)

  • CLA 211 Ancient Greece
  • CLA 212 Ancient Rome
  • ART 224 Visualizing Information
  • ART 252 Race and Visual Culture

Spatial Exploration (choose 2 courses at the 200 level)

  • Art 234 Bronze Sculpture
  • Art 235 Metal Sculpture
  • Art 242 Wheel Thrown Ceramics
  • Art 243 Handbuilt Ceramics
  • Art 270 Open Drawing II

Senior Seminar (1)

  • Art 399 Senior Seminar

We encourage students to add-on curricular and co-curricular skill-building opportunities available to Gusties:

  • Study Away (programs in Copenhagen)
  • Work study in scenic building with Theater/Dance
  • Habitat for Humanity Build trips
  • GIS lab based courses in Geography