Architecture (BArch)

You're considering studying architecture? You've found the right place! The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) program prepares students to be well rounded, creative, and socially responsible architects who shape our world through the design of meaningful and inspirational spaces. The BArch is a fully accredited professional program, which endeavors to prepare students for licensure shortly after graduation, reducing the need for further graduate education or an advanced degree.

Opportunities

Opportunities for enhanced field study and extracurricular experience in the Department of Architecture + Design are many.

Study Abroad — In addition to study abroad programs offered with partner schools within SUNY, the department maintains a relationship with the Sant'Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy which is home to our signature 12-week study abroad program, offered each spring.  More information and an up-to-date list of offerings and admissions criteria is available from the campus study abroad office.

AIAS — The department maintains a chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students. Leadership opportunities through this national network are provided to all students in the Department of Architecture + Design.

Field Study — Each student in every studio course offered in the department will participate in a field study trip, which gives the student an opportunity to explore architecture and the built environment in the natural. Typical trips venture to regional locations such as: New York, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, New Haven, Ithaca, Buffalo, and Mill Run, the home of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater.

CARS — The Center for Architecture & Remote Sensing provides students with access to cutting edge technology and equipment to further explore the built environment. 

STAR Center — The Southern Tier Architectural Resource (STAR) Center provides opportunities for students to build leadership and collaboration skills while working on real-world projects with actual clients.

Minors

Students enrolled in the BArch program have the opportunity to select a “cognate area” of specialized study which gives them flexibility in defining their program of study. This allows students to pursue interdisciplinary study and gain knowledge in areas related to architectural practice such as building technology, business, construction management, global studies, graphic design, interior design, surveying, sustainability, and urban design.  Detailed information on each option is available in the department office or from an academic advisor.

Portfolio Requirements

All first-year applicants, external transfer students, and internal 2nd and 3rd year students (Alfred State students currently enrolled in the curriculums 322 or 640) who apply to the BArch program are required to submit a portfolio of creative work that demonstrates their interest in design and the built environment.

Through the portfolio, the department hopes to get a sense of the applicant as a creative individual. We understand that the portfolio will not demonstrate mastery of architecture, but instead present a student’s potential through explorations and representation of the built environment, which may be presented as art work such as drawings, sketches, models, sculpture, or photographs. The portfolio should focus mainly on the representation of space, but may also include a small representation of creative work such as woodworking, crafts, graphic design, and/or other creative endeavors (e.g., high school, college course) or from personal pursuits (e.g., employment, hobbies). Each portfolio should be a balanced representation of both two- and three-dimensional works. Portfolio requirement details

Welcome

Prospective students are welcome to visit Alfred State at any time. To arrange a formal campus tour, or informal studio visit day, please contact your admissions counselor at admissions@alfredstate.edu.