School of Architecture & Community Development

Mission Statement

The School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD), as part of a Catholic university in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide an excellent student-centered, accredited professional architectural education in an urban context. A Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ SACD education seeks to develop architects who are sensitive designers; technically competent; exhibit the highest ethical and professional standards; are socially responsible and culturally aware; and are of service to the community and the profession.

 

Introduction

Building on our heritage of over 55 years and our unique relationship with Detroit as our home, the SACD is internationally recognized for our social, economic and environmental justice-driven and student-centered approach. The School is divided into two departments, architecture and community development and one applied teaching/research center, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center.

The SACD is an intentional community of approximately 230 students (200 architecture + 30 community development), served by 50 accomplished full-time (13) and part-time (37) faculty. Each student becomes an integral part of a diverse student body working alongside faculty, administrators and staff to imagine and create change. We are close-knit community that cherishes  our relatively small size. Because of this rapport, one of our sources of pride is that our students are rarely lost in the back row of theater style classes. They are far from being anonymous students walking through crowded halls. Our classes are rarely more than 25-30 students. Many of our courses are intentionally even smaller, where there really is no back row.

 

SACD Core Values

We are committed to:

…educating students who will adapt to and lead in the changing disciplines of architecture, urban design and community development.

…advancing social and environmental justice in our neighborhoods, cities and planet.

…cultivating equity in education and the profession by providing pipelines of access and support for underrepresented people.

…nurturing engaged global citizens who can think broadly and act locally.

…emphasizing a progressive and rigorous approach to design and community development education.

…fostering a mosaic of students who reflect the diversity of people that make up our communities.

 

SACD Strategic Priorities

SACD works to

…provide Broad Perspectives for our students, faculty and staff.

…be a Community Engaged School because Detroit is our home not our laboratory.

…amplify Social, Economic and Environmentally Just Design for all people.

…deliver a Rigorous and Forward-Thinking Curriculum

…achieve Continued Improvement in Meeting Our Core Values through assessment and accreditation.

 

Program Description

The School makes a strong commitment to a broad-based liberal arts education that prepares architects to understand the spectrum of human endeavors. The School intentionally keeps its enrollment small to maintain an identifiable relationship with individual students. The SACD advocates an open dialogue about architectural issues and philosophies, but searches for deeper architectural meaning than that offered by trend, fad, or style. The curriculum provides a foundation in design excellence, but also addresses contemporary issues, including a focus on urban revitalization, and issues of environmental justice and sustainability. This foundation is provided through both in-class and out-of-class experiences that develop a student's understanding of societal concerns. The School is actively involved in the life of the community. Through its design studios and Master of Community Development, and through the Detroit Collaborative Design Center—an out-reach arm of the School—the SACD serves the community of which it is a part. The ability to gain real world understanding is further enhanced through the mandatory cooperative education program and through the optional international studies programs.

Degrees Offered

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    Master of Architecture Degree, 34-36 credits (Accredited)

    The Master of Architecture degree typically culminates five years of study: four years for the pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture (B.S.Arch) degree (132-134 credits) and one year for the professional Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree (34-36 credits). The B.S.Arch degree serves as a prerequisite for the professional M.Arch degree program, which is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

    "The NAAB is the only agency recognized by registration boards in U. S. jurisdictions to accredit professional degree programs in architecture. Because most registration boards require an applicant for licensure to hold a NAAB-accredited degree, obtaining such a degree is an essential part of gaining access to the licensed practice of architecture...

    ...The NAAB accredits professional degree programs with the following titles: the Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch), the Master of Architecture (M.Arch), and the Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch). The curricular requirements for awarding these degrees must include professional studies, general studies, and optional studies...

     ...The M.Arch degree consists of a minimum of 168 semester credit hours of combined undergraduate coursework and a minimum of 30 semester credits of graduate coursework."     (NAAB Conditions for Accreditation, 2020 Edition)

     

    The University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ School of Architecture & Community Development offers the following NAAB accredited degree program: Master of Architecture, 34-36 graduate credits. The prerequisite Bachelor of Science in Architecture and the Master of Architecture degrees combined are 168 total credits.

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    Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure (IPaL concentration), 175 credits (Accredited)

    IPaL is a curricular pathway that students can elect as concentrations for both the Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree programs. It is a six-year track (4 for the B.S.Arch, + 2 for the M.Arch) that provides the possibility for students to complete all three elements required for architecture licensure integrated into one program:

    1) The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) professional degree,

    2) The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ (NCARB) Intern Development Program for professional experience (AXP),

    3) Completion of the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE).

    The requirements for professional experience begin at the end of second year with a summer term-long cooperative educational experience (300 hours, min).  This is followed by a second term-long experience in the third year (300 hours, min).  After completion of their Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree, students will take four additional consecutive cooperative educational experiences (min of 300 hours each) for a total of 16 months of professional experience. Although the University requirements for the cooperative experience credits only total 1,800 work hours, the student is required to fulfill the 3,720 work hours required by NCARB’s AXP program within this time period. To maintain their status as full-time students, they will be charged the standard Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ co-op fee (currently $ 1,122 for reference) for all six co-ops, including each of the four semesters of co-op during the “time-out-year.”

    Students will take the ARE exams in the fifth year, during their extended cooperative educational experience. In the sixth (master's) year, students will complete their thesis requirements. If all three components of licensure are successfully completed at the time of graduation with the Master of Architecture degree, the student will be eligible for licensure in the State of Michigan. 

    Participation in the IPaL concentrations in no way guarantees “licensure upon graduation.”  It is the responsibility of the student to pass all sections of the ARE exams, and complete all requirements of NCARB’s AXP program in order to attain that goal, which is beyond the purview of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ and the School of Architecture and Community Development.  The status of the student’s degree is not affected either way by the completion of those components.

    The Master of Architecture degree with the IPaL concentration is 42 graduate credits. The Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees combined are a minimum of 175 total credits.

    Not all students will be granted permission to participate in the program.  Students are required to apply to participate in the IPaL concentrations by August 15th prior to the start of their second year.  In addition to submitting an application, students are required to achieve a 3.0 minimum overall GPA at the conclusion of first year, and are also required to have maintained a 3.0 minimum overall GPA at the conclusion of fourth year, and must be admitted to the master's program as of January of the fourth year to proceed with the extended cooperative educational experience sequence.

    * Students should also be aware that the licensing process in some states, including Michigan, allows for the integrated sequence of the three licensure components.  However, not all states allow this integrated sequence for candidates for initial licensure, so students who may be considering seeking their initial license in another state should consult that state’s licensure regulations. 

     

    Curriculum Adjustments 

    For a student who applies and is accepted to participate in the IPaL concentrations, the following curriculum adjustments are necessary in comparison to the standard curriculum path.  Please consult with your academic advisor for any additional adjustments that may be necessary in your case.  Refer also to the IPaL Track Curriculum Plan.

    • The primary difference is that IPaL students will take a “time-out-year” between the completion of the undergraduate program and the master's year.  Students will work full time during this 16-month time period in order to complete four additional co-op placements.  During this time period, in order to complete this track, students are required to attempt all sections of the ARE licensure exam.  Failure to pass all the exams during this time period or failure to complete the requirements of the NCARB AXP program will, of course, fall short of the goal of being eligible to graduate as a licensed architect, but will have no impact on earning the M.Arch degree. 
    • The required Professional Experience Prep. class must be taken in the second year instead of the third year in order to allow students to complete their first co-op assignment during the summer following second year.
    • To assist with preparing for the ARE exams, Architecture and Construction Law, and Professions of Architecture must be taken in fourth year.

    Application 

    Students are required to formally announce their desire to participate in the IPaL concentrations by submitting an application essay to the dean of the School of Architecture and Community Development, following the successful completion of the first year, and no later than August 15th prior to the beginning of the second year.

    The essay should be approximately 1,000 words and should address the student’s professional and academic goals that have led to the decision to seek the IPaL track, and should comment on the candidate’s maturity and prior employment experience that may contribute to their successful completion of the program.  

    Other factors including the student’s academic record will be considered in evaluating their application.  Candidates will receive an admission decision by August 25th or the last Friday of August preceding the beginning of the Fall term.

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    Master of Architecture plus Master of Civil Engineering w/ Construction Focus, 46-48 credits (Accredited)

    The College of Engineering & Science (E&S) offers a Master of Civil Engineering with a focus in Construction for students of the School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) who are concurrently pursuing the combined Bachelor of Science in Architecture (4-year) and Master of Architecture (1-year) degrees. As a part of a special arrangement between E&S and SACD, students who are pursuing the Master of Architecture can attain their Master of Civil Engineering degree with a focus in Construction by taking 12 additional graduate level construction-related courses.  SACD students must declare the Construction concentration by the end of their freshman year, which will add the following undergraduate prerequisite Engineering courses to their B.S.Arch curriculum plan:

    • ENGR 1234: Introduction to Engineering Math (Fall only)
    • ENGR 1000: Engineering Ethics (Fall only)
    • CIVE 3410: Engineering Survey laboratory (Fall only)
    • PHY 1300 or PHY 1600 (Winter only)
    • ENGR 3240: Engineering Economics (Winter only)
    • CIVE 3400: Engineering Survey (Winter only)
    • CIVE 3450: Constructional Materials (Winter only)

     

    In order to fit these Engineering prerequisite courses in to the standard four-year B.S.Arch curriculum, up to six required core curriculum courses may need to be taken in Summer terms.  The exact number depends on whether a student has received AP, IB, high school dual enrollment or transfer credits for any of the core curriculum.

    In order to complete both the Master of Civil Engineering with a focus in Construction along with the Master of Architecture, the student must (a) declare the Construction concentration by the end of their freshman year in order to take the above mentioned prerequisite civil engineering courses; (b) satisfy all the admission criteria of the School of Architecture & Community Development; (c) maintain a 3.0 GPA, in order to take graduate level courses while still an undergraduate; and (d) apply for and be granted admission to the M.Arch program in the student’s fourth year.

     The total credit hour count for both the B.S.Arch w/ Construction concentration plus the M.Arch / M.CIV w/ Construction focus is 198 credit hours.

    Admission Into the Program

    Qualifications for the Master of Civil Engineering with a focus in Construction for current Master of Architecture program students :

      • Minimum GPA of 3.0.  Advising discussions should begin in the freshman year.
      • Students must be on track to complete their Bachelor of Science in Architecture with additional Engineering prerequisites and Master of Architecture degrees.  Calculus and some ENGR courses should be taken early in the program.  (Some exceptions may apply.)

    To remain in the program, undergraduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA at Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ and be progressing steadily toward graduation.

     

    Advantages

      • Reduction in the total number of courses required to get both the Master of Civil Engineering with Construction concentration and Master of Architecture degrees
      • Ability to practice as a construction engineer as well as gain licensure as a professional architect.

    Some of these courses may be satisfied by courses in your program.  Please review your Degree Evaluation or consult your academic advisor for more information.

    Program Contact Information

    Noah S. Resnick, AIA
    Associate Dean, School of Architecture and Community Development
    Email: resnicns@udmercy.edu

    Telephone: 313-993-1531

    Utpal Dutta, Ph.D. 
    Chair of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering 
    Email: duttau@udmercy.edu
    Office: Engineering 262
    Telephone: 313-993-1040

     

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    Master of Community Development

    See full degree description here
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    Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 132-134 credits (non-accredited)

    Students receive a non-accredited, pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree when they have successfully completed their first four years of study. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree is 132-134 credits, and is a prerequisite for the one-year accredited Master of Architecture degree (34-36 credits). During the fourth year, a student may apply for the fifth year of study which leads to a Master of Architecture degree; or they may leave the program with a pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree.

    This degree is useful for those individuals wishing to obtain a foundation in the field of architecture as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment options in architecturally related areas. We offer the non-accredited Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree to students who have successfully completed the first four years of study, including cooperative education.

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    Bachelor of Science in Architecture Joint Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and the Built Environment (VABE)

    University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ and the University of Windsor have a collaboration agreement that allows students to dual enroll at the University of Windsor and University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ. Students earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts and the Built Environment at the University of Windsor. Students with an acceptable portfolio and grade point average are permitted to complete their Bachelor of Science in Architecture at University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ. This degree is 132-134 credits, a portion of which is taken at the University of Windsor. Qualified students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree may apply for admission to the Master of Architecture program at University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ.

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    Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Second Degree

    Students who have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Architecture program. The University Of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ Core Curriculum will be automatically waived.  If a student has met the prerequisite math requirements for Architecture in their previous degree, they can complete the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in three academic years, including two summers of Architecture studios, in accordance to a custom curriculum plan which will be generated for each candidate. Qualified students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree may apply for admission to the Master of Architecture program at University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ.

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    Bachelor of Architectural Engineering

    The University also offers a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering program, which is administered through the College of Engineering & Science. Some of the coursework is shared with the Architecture program, but students interested in this program should refer to the College of Engineering & Science area of the catalog for additional information.

Admissions Requirements

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    M.Arch Admissions Criteria, for SACD B.S.Arch students

    Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ SACD B.S.Arch Students apply to the Master of Architecture program in Term I of their fourth year. To be considered for admission, a minimum overall GPA and Design Studio GPA of 3.0 is expected along with submission of a substantive design portfolio, as well as an admissions essay. The overall GPA, Design GPA and portfolio are considered equally in the decision-making process for admission. The portfolio must demonstrate the student's ability and potential for success in all aspects of graduate design work and other studies. A minimum grade of B- is also expected in the applicant's fourth year Integrative and Public Interest Design Studios. If the student is not accepted into the Master of Architecture program or chooses not to apply to the Master of Architecture program, he/she can earn a non-accredited, pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree upon successful completion of the four-year requirements.

    Once accepted into the M.Arch program, all students are automatically enrolled in the required ARCH 4919: Thesis Prep course in Term II of their fourth year.

    As part of the requirements for M.Arch degree, all students must complete a paid co-op / internship within the field of architecture and design. This typically happens during the summer preceding or following their Thesis year. 

    GRE scores are not required for the admissions process.

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    M.Arch 2+ Year Track, for applicants with a non-SACD degree in architecture

    Prospective students with a previous degree in Architecture (B.S.Arch or B.Arch), have the possibility of direct admission into the 2+ year track M.Arch degree program. However, we must ensure that candidates have met all of the academic requirements to earn our accredited M.Arch degree.  For most students this means a minimum of one year where they are technically classified as a “post-degree undergraduate transfer” student, and would receive a custom curriculum plan to make sure they have completed all the necessary classes for our accredited degree. They would join our M.Arch thesis students in their final year.  An admitted 2+ year M.Arch student would not be required to re-submit a formal application to continue into the Thesis studio, but are required to be in good academic standing with a B average to move into the master's year.

    As part of the requirements for M.Arch degree, all students must complete a paid co-op / internship within the field of architecture and design. This typically happens during the summer preceding or following their Thesis year. 

    We do not require GRE scores for the admissions process, however applicants to the 2+ year track are required to submit a design portfolio. 

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    M.Arch 3+ Year Track, for non-architecture Bachelors degree holders

    For transfer students with a degree in something other than Architecture, there is the possibility of admission into the 3+ year track M.Arch program.  For most students this means at least two years where they are technically classified as a “post-degree undergraduate transfer” student, and would receive a custom curriculum plan to make sure they have completed all the necessary classes for our accredited degree.  Depending on the applicant's previous coursework, it is possible that some of the requirements will have already been satisfied, thus reducing the number of courses they would need to fulfill.  This custom curriculum plan will be based on the applicant's transcripts and portfolio.  An admitted 3+ year M.Arch student would not be required to re-submit a formal application to continue into the Thesis studio, but are required to be in good academic standing with a B average to move into the master's year.

    As part of the requirements for M.Arch degree, all students must complete a paid co-op / internship within the field of architecture and design. This typically happens during the summer preceding or following their Thesis year. 

    We do not require GRE scores for the admissions process, however applicants to the 3+ year track are required to submit a design portfolio. 

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    B.S.Arch Admission Criteria

    The SACD limits its freshman enrollment based on competitive standards, which should be confirmed with the University Admissions office. In general, a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 is expected, however, additional criteria such as evidence of creativity, self-motivating characteristics, problem-solving abilities, and abilities for visual expression are also considered and may allow the minimums to be waived if the student has a positive interview with the dean or associate dean.

    The admission requirements for transfer students, including students who already possess a degree, is a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Transfer students from an architectural program should also have at least a 3.0 GPA in all design studio courses. To receive transfer credit for design classes, a portfolio of student work from the previous institution is required. Professional work may also be included in the portfolio. Transfer students and students with degrees must meet all requirements for our four-year Bachelor of Science in Architecture program, including cooperative education, prior to applying for admission into the fifth-year Master of Architecture program. Students who hold a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from another institution will likely be required to take some undergraduate coursework before being eligible to apply for the master's program.

    SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission, but are useful in determining the placement for the required math and English courses.  

Advising

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    Advising

    Students are assigned a specific faculty member who will remain their advisor until the Winter Term of their fourth year. Transfer students are advised by the associate dean until the Winter Term of their final year in the undergraduate program. Beginning in the Winter Term of the fourth year, through the completion of their degree, all students who have been accepted in the Master of Architecture program are advised by the program director. The student and advisor each have access to the student's academic file, which outlines the curriculum and all background information regarding the student. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that his or her record is up to date, that all agreements are noted, and signed by both parties involved, and that there is conformance with the requirements of the School and University. Each student should see his or her advisor minimally for registration and at mid-term. The advisor is also available at other times during the term at the request of the student. Additionally, students should meet with the associate dean at the beginning of the first term of their fourth year and upon their acceptance into the Master of Architecture program (or one year prior to their anticipated date of graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree) to review a degree audit to verify that all degree requirements will be met. It is the student's responsibility to initiate a meeting with the associate dean for a graduation audit.

Program Requirements

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    The five-year curriculum in architecture is centered around the following areas:

    • Design
    • Visual Communications
    • Building Technology
    • History & Theory
    • Professional Practice
    • University Core Curriculum
    • Cooperative Education
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    Design

    Design is at the center of the curriculum spanning all five years of study. The Design Studios are organized into three parts: Foundation Studios (first-year and second-year), Upper Level Studios (third-year and fourth-year), and the Master's Thesis Studios (fifth-year).

    Foundation Studios meet three afternoons a week for a total of 12 hours per week and concentrate on developing basic technical, analytic, representational, and critical thinking skills necessary to deal with the complex social, psychological, and poetic issues of the built environment. The studios are "project" based and the development of the student's personal and individual philosophy of design is one of the School's primary aims.

    Upper Level Studios in the students' third and fourth years meet three times a week for a total of 14 hours per week in investigations of complex architectural themes in more concentrated depth. Third-year studios offer a choice of Design Thinking or Travel studios, while the fourth-year studios consist of the mandatory Public Interest Design (PID) and Integrative Design studios.

    The PID Studio ensures that students develop the ability to make design decisions within architectural projects while demonstrating synthesis of user requirements, regulatory requirements, site conditions, and accessible design, and consideration of the measurable environmental impacts of their design decisions.

    The Integrative Design Studio ensures that students develop the ability to make design decisions within architectural projects while demonstrating integration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems, life safety systems, and the measurable outcomes of building performance.

    The center-piece of the graduate year is a two-semester Thesis Studio that allows students to establish their own objectives and project parameters for their final year of research-based design investigations.

    The program instills in students the role of the design process in shaping the built environment and conveys the methods by which design processes integrate multiple factors, in different settings and scales of development, from buildings to cities.

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    Visual Communications

    Visual Communications includes courses in multi-media drawing, computer graphics, computer aided design, three-dimensional design, digital fabrication and electives that explore various media. The ability to represent and model architectural ideas is fundamental to the design process.

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    Building Technology

    Building Technology provides the technological background necessary to address the increasingly complex architectural themes of the studios. Included in this sequence are math, structures, construction, and environmental technology (heating, ventilating, air conditioning, lighting, electrical systems, and acoustics) courses.

    The program ensures that students understand the established and emerging systems, technologies, and assemblies of building construction, and the methods and criteria architects use to assess those technologies against the design, economics, and performance objectives of projects.

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    History and Theory of Architecture

    History and Theory introduces the student to architectural tradition and precedent. It provides an understanding of the social, political, economic, ecological, technological, and philosophical forces that shape architecture. Through this foundation, students recognize their place in the architectural world and build their own work upon an understanding of the work of others.

    The program ensures that students understand the histories and theories of architecture and urbanism, framed by diverse social, cultural, economic, and political forces, nationally and globally.

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    Professional Practice

    Professional Practice introduces upper level students to the fundamentals of managing an architectural office, project delivery systems, construction contracts, construction documents, and legal and ethical issues concerning the profession. These courses, in concert with the cooperative education program, prepare students to enter the professional world.

    The program ensures that students understand professional ethics, the regulatory requirements, the fundamental business processes relevant to architecture practice in the United States, and the forces influencing change in these subjects.

    The program also ensures that students understand the fundamental principles of life safety, land use, and current laws and regulations that apply to buildings and sites in the United States, and the evaluative process architects use to comply with those laws and regulations as part of a project.

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    University Core Curriculum

    The core curriculum provides courses in the sciences and the humanities that are necessary prerequisites for an educated person. The architect, faced continually with broad social issues, must have an awareness of the manifest activities of people to fulfill social and ethical responsibilities as a design professional.

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    Graduate Electives

    Candidates for the Master of Architecture degree select four graduate level courses from the colleges of the University as electives to complement their thesis design project. The purpose of these electives is to provide the opportunity for developing specialized knowledge in the student's interest area. Electives may also build upon the strengths of the University by establishing strong cross-disciplinary ties with other academic units. Some examples of areas of elective study are: urban history/theory, graphic design, media/fabrication technologies, building technology and tectonics, community development and service learning. In some cases, graduate level courses taken in the Master of Architecture program may in part satisfy requirements leading to a second master's degree in Community Development.

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    Cooperative Education

    The required Cooperative Education (co-op) sequence is one of the unique aspects of the Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ architecture program.

    It gives students direct experience in the real world of architecture through required work experiences in a professional setting of the student's choosing. Co-op students are paid competitive wages according to their skills and experience. They may pursue co-op anywhere in the world in a variety of professional environments related to the fields of architecture, urban design, construction, real-estate, planning, graphic design or design education.

    The co-op experience begins with the course ARCH 3000: Professional Experience Preparation. The program in architecture integrates two required terms of on-the-job educational experience, which typically occur during the Summer Semester of the third year (ARCH 3010: Professional Experience I) and the Summer Semester of the fourth year (ARCH 5020: Professional Experience II). Four additional co-ops are required for participation in the I-PAL Program.  

    A full, two-credit co-op consists of a minimum of 300 hours worked in the course of one semester.  It is possible to split co-ops in to 1/2 co-ops of one credit each (minimum of 150 hours worked during the semester), to better accommodate a student's schedule, particularly when participating in the Warsaw Study Abroad program or taking a summer studio.  

    This sequence provides students with the opportunity to alternate their intellectual development in professional offices with academic studies. Co-op is valuable in developing practical skills prior to graduation and in being exposed to the profession of architecture and design and the realities of design practice. Each co-op term, students are required to keep a journal and write a report on their work experience, and submit representative samples of the work they produced. Co-op students may also be required to participate in community service during this time. A series of questions are also given to the students to stimulate reflection on the profession and their position within it. Students are evaluated by both the employer and the cooperative education coordinator.

    Master of Architecture students are required to take the following: ARCH 3000: Professional Experience Preparation (1 cr), ARCH 3010: Professional Experience I (2cr), and ARCH 5020: Professional Experience II (2cr). Only ARCH 3000 and ARCH 3010 are required for those students receiving the non-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree.

    Refer to the I-PAL requirements for additional four co-ops needed in that program.  

    It is not permitted for a student to complete a full co-op in any semester that they are registered for a design studio.

Program Curriculum

The pre-professional B.S.Arch degree requires 132-134 credits and the professional M.Arch degree requires an additional 34-36 credits, for a total of 168 credits to earn the accredited degree.  The 168 credits includes four credits of co-op experience.  All four co-op credits can be taken as part of the B.S.Arch, or two of the four credits can be taken during the M.Arch.  A minimum of two co-op credits are required to earn the B.S.Arch.

An excess of credits from non-required courses cannot be applied toward satisfaction of a course requirement. Excess cooperative education credits may not substitute as electives. 

The Architecture curriculum (all ARCH courses plus PYC 2650) should be taken in the following sequence to ensure completion of both degrees within five years.  The core electives may be taken in any order the student chooses, after consultation with their academic advisor; however, it is recommended that MTH 1400 and ENL 1310 be taken in Term I of the first year.  Students participating in one of the the two Study Abroad programs in their third year will receive a modified curriculum plan from their advisor, in consultation with the director of International Studies.

For students on an alternate degree pathway (B.S.Arch VABE; B.S.Arch 2nd Degree; B.S.Arch w/ Construction Concentration; IPal; M.Arch + M.CIV; 2+ year M.Arch or 3+ year M.Arch), a custom curriculum plan will be created for each student by the Associate Dean.

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    First Year, Term I (17 credits) B.S.Arch

    First Year, Term I (17 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 1100

    Architectural Design I

    4

    0

    12

    ARCH 1110

    Visual Communication I

    3

    0

    8

    ARCH 1190

    Introduction to Architecture I

    1

    2

    0

    ENL 1310

    Academic Writing (KAA2)

    3

    3

    0

    MTH 1400

    Elementary Functions (KAB1)

    3

    3

    0

    Physical Science (KAC1)

    3

    3

    0

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    First Year, Term II (17 credits) B.S.Arch

    First Year, Term II (17 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 1200

    Architectural Design II

    4

    0

    12

    ARCH 1211

    Visual Communication II 

    3

    0

    8

    ARCH 1290

    Introduction to Architecture II (IT6)

    1

    2

    0

    ARCH 1840

    Structural Principles

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 1860

    Environmental Principles

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 1880

    Construction Principles

    1

    1

    0

    CST 1010

    Fundamentals of Speech (KAA1)

    3

    3

    0

    PHL 1000

    Introduction to Philosophy (KAD1)

    3

    3

    0

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    Second Year, Term I (18 credits) B.S.Arch

    Second Year, Term I (18 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 1300

    Architectural Design III

    4

    0

    12

    ARCH 2110

    Visual Communication III

    3

    0

    6

    ARCH 2120

    Architectural History and Theory I

    3

    3

    0

    ARCH 2190

    Site Analysis and Design

    2

    2

    0

    ARCH 2640

    Building Structures I

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 2660

    Building Environment I

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 2680

    Building Construction I

    1

    1

    0

    RELS

    Religious Knowledge (KAD2)

    3

    3

    0

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    Second Year, Term II (16 credits) B.S.Arch

    Second Year, Term II (16 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 1400

    Architectural Design IV

    4

    0

    12

    ARCH 2211

    Visual Communication IV

    3

    0

    6

    ARCH 2220

    Architectural History and Theory II (KAE3/IT1)

    3

    3

    0

    ARCH 2840

    Building Structures II

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 2860

    Building Environment II

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 2880

    Building Construction II

    1

    1

    0

    Statistical Reasoning (KAB2)

    3

    3

    0

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    Third Year, Term I (18 credits) B.S.Arch

    Third Year, Term I (18 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 2100

    Special Topics Studio

    5

    0

    14

    ARCH 2520

    Architecture History and Theory III (IT2)

    3

    3

    0

    ARCH 3000

    Professional Experience Preparation

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 3650

    Technical Analysis

    2

    2

    0

    ARCH 3660

    Building Environment III

    2

    2

    0

    ARCH 3680

    Building Construction III

    2

    2

    0

     

    Ethics and Social Responsibility (KAF1)

    3

    3

    0

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    Third Year, Term II (14 credits) B.S.Arch

    Third Year, Term II (14 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 2200

    Architectural Design VI

    5

    0

    14

    ARCH 3291

    Urban Analysis

    3

    3

    0

    Cultural Diversity (IT3)

    3

    3

    0

    Historical Experience (KAE1)

    3

    3

    0

     

     

     

    Students participating in one of the the two Study Abroad programs in their third year will receive a modified curriculum plan from their advisor, in consultation with the director of International Studies.

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    Third Year, Term III (2 credits) B.S.Arch

    Third Year, Term III (2 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 3010

    Professional Experience I

    2

    0

    0

     

    Students participating in one of the the two Study Abroad programs in their third year will receive a modified curriculum plan from their advisor, in consultation with the director of International Studies.

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    Fourth Year, Term I (17 credits) [Apply to the Master's Program]

    Fourth Year, Term I (17 credits) [Apply to the Master's Program]
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 4100

    Integrative Design Studio

    5

    0

    14

    ARCH 4640

    Integrated Technology A

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 4660

    Integrated Technology B

    1

    1

    0

    ARCH 4680

    Integrated Technology C

    1

    1

    0

    Philosophy/Religious Studies Elective (KAD3)

    3

    3

    0

    Literary Experience (KAE2)

    3

    3

    0

    Personal Spiritual Development (IT5)

    3

    3

    0

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    Fourth Year, Term II (14 credits) B.S.Arch

    Fourth Year, Term II (14 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 3100

    Public Interest Design Studio

    5

    0

    14

    ARCH 3190

     Building Code - Zoning Analysis

     2

     2

    0

    ARCH 4840

    Building Structures III

    3

    3

    0

    ARCH 4919

     Masters Thesis Preparation

    1

    1

    0

    PYC 2650

    Psychology of Environment (KAC2/IT4)

    3

    3

    0

    Receive Bachelor of Science in Architecture and acceptance into the master's program:

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    Fourth Year, Term III ( 2 credits) B.S.Arch

    Fourth Year, Term III ( 2 credits) B.S.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 5020

    Professional Experience II

    2

    0

    0

    Required for the Master of Architecture degree only.

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    Fifth Year, Term I (17 credits) M.Arch

    Fifth Year, Term I (17 credits) M.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 5100

    Master's Studio I

    5

    0

    14

    ARCH 5110

    Master's Studio I Supplement

    3

    3

    0

    ARCH 5190

    Profession of Architecture

    3

    3

    0

    Graduate Elective

    3

    3

    0

    Graduate Elective

    3

    3

    0

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    Fifth Year, Term II (17 credits) M.Arch

    Fifth Year, Term II (17 credits) M.Arch
    Course # Course Name Credits Recitation Studio

    ARCH 5200

    Master’s Studio II

    5

    0

    14

    ARCH 5210

    Master's Studio II Supplement

    3

    3

    0

    ARCH 5590

    Architecture and Construction Law

    3

    3

    0

    Graduate Elective

    3

    3

    0

    Graduate Elective

    3

    3

    0

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    Electives

    Elective courses are intended to provide students with the opportunity to take special interest classes which may be of value but are not necessarily related to the architectural program. Electives must be at least three credits in value and may be chosen from among any courses (1000 level or higher) offered as credit at the University.  Graduate electives must be 5000 level courses to count for graduate credit.

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    Architectural Electives

    Each term a limited number of architectural electives are offered to students in several of the following areas: visual communication, building technology, practice, sustainable building, advanced computer graphics, graphic design, history and theory, or urban planning as options for satisfying their elective requirements. These courses permit students to examine architectural topics of special interest in greater depth.

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    Laboratory Facilities

    Located in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building, the Ronald F. Titus Digital Studio is a fully equipped architecture computer graphics laboratory that introduces students to this important form of electronic technology. Software includes AutoCAD, Animator Pro, 3D Studio, Rhino, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as a variety of other programs that are used to support architectural, as well as other academic courses. Students can access spreadsheet, database and word processing software, in addition to their University email accounts and the Internet, by linking into the University network. This laboratory is near the design studios to facilitate the use of computers as a design tool.

    A model shop equipped with a laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC milling machine, band saw, chop saw, drill press, and wire foam cutter is available for student use in conjunction with their design and visual communication studio classes.

    In addition, a wood shop containing a variety of power and hand tools is accessible to students for larger studio related projects.

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    Detroit Collaborative Design Center

    Modeled after a teaching hospital, the Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) is a multi- disciplinary, nonprofit design center located in the SACD. For approximately 30 years, DCDC has existed to bring high-quality and community-engaged design to all neighborhoods in Detroit. DCDC accomplishes this by engaging, educating and promoting equity in design processes and outcomes. Students work alongside leading built environment professionals similar to how students work alongside doctors in a teaching hospital.

    An essential human need is supportive and attractive physical surroundings. With this view that "good design" is an essential force in establishing human relations and cultural stability, the DCDC fosters university and community collaborations and partnerships that create inspired and sustainable neighborhoods and spaces for all people. The Center is dedicated to urban and community revitalization through an educational and participatory design process. The sustainability of any neighborhood lies in the hands of its residents. Thus, the Design Center provides not only design services, but it also empowers residents to facilitate their own process of urban regeneration.

    The national and international award winning DCDC provides architecture and urban design assistance exclusively to non-profit community organizations. It is the primary applied research arm of the SACD in revitalization. It has a full-time staff of licensed architects, intern architects, and urban designers.

    The Center provides experiences to the students in three ways: in a classroom environment, through the Public Interest Design Studio; cooperative education experience; and as an outlet for volunteer activities.

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    International Study Programs

    Warsaw Exchange

    Since 1980, the School of Architecture & Community Development has conducted an exchange program with the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. Ten to 12 students and one professor from each institution are exchanged for a full academic term. Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ students are taught by WUT faculty in English.

    Volterra Study Abroad Program

    Since 1984, the School of Architecture & Community Development has conducted a study abroad program in Italy during the Summer Semester (Term III). The program is based in the Tuscan hill town of Volterra and is limited to 15 third- and fourth-year students. It is taught by Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ faculty in addition to faculty on site. Students take a full schedule of courses and are in residence in Volterra, Italy for approximately 13 weeks.

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    Lecture Series

    There is a sponsored lecture series that brings leading-edge architects and designers to the campus. These lectures are open to and attended by students, professionals, and the general public.

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    Dichotomy Student Journal

    Dichotomy, a student published journal of the SACD, strives to be the critical link to the discourse on design, architecture, urbanism, and community development. Like the institution, Dichotomy focuses on social justice and critical thought concerning intellectual, spiritual, ethical, and social development issues occurring in and outside of Detroit. The aim of Dichotomy is to disseminate these relevant investigations conducted by students, faculty, and professionals.

    Since 1978, Dichotomy has been a repository of academic discourse from students and professors as well as luminaries in the fields of architecture and design.  Each issue focuses on a simple yet provocative theme around which articles and featured projects are curated.

    Architectural students periodically publish this award winning journal in consultation with a faculty advisor. It is funded by subscriptions and a special fee charged to architecture students each term that they are enrolled.

Special Policies for the School of Architecture

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    Studio Placement for Transfer Students

    For transfer students from other architecture programs, a review of the student's transcript and portfolio of work by the dean or associate dean will be used to determine placement in ARCH 1100, ARCH 1200, ARCH 1300, ARCH 1400, ARCH 2100, or ARCH 2200. In most cases, at least ARCH 3100 Public Interest Design Studio and ARCH 4100 Technical Integration Studio are required to be taken at Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ.

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    Retention of Student Work

    The School reserves the right to retain and eventually dispose of any student work done in conjunction with class assignments for purposes of exhibition and accreditation needs. Students should document their work prior to its submission to the instructor. Additionally, the submission of a written thesis document is a requirement of the Master of Architecture degree. Thesis documents are submitted to the program in both hard copy and electronic format, and to the University in electronic format. As with other student work, the School and the University reserve the right to retain this work. In addition, University of Ó£ÌÒÊÓƵ reserves the right to make curriculum required theses/projects electronically available to the worldwide community.

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    Grading System

    The School of Architecture & Community Development enforces standards of academic performance consistent with those of the University that may result in a student being placed on academic warning, academic probation or a student being dismissed from the program. The School of Architecture & Community Development reserves the right to require a student to withdraw from the program even when the student has an overall grade point average of 2.00 or better if, in their judgment, the student does not possess the requisite skills and attitudes to succeed in the architectural profession.

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    Appeals

    01—What constitutes the basis of a Petition for a Grade Appeal

    Students may appeal academic assessments based on one of the two criteria:
    1. Mathematical Error: The student believes there was an error in the grade assessment due to the mathematical computation
    2. Substantially Unequal Treatment: The student believes that his/her work was assessed unfairly or unequally when compared to other work produced by other students in the course.

    02—Petition for a Grade Appeal Process

    The student submitting a petition for a Grade Appeal shall follow three steps:
    Step 1: The student confers with the instructor involved.
    After the consultation with the professor, if the student still believes there is an error based on mathematical computation or substantially unequal treatment, the student shall follow Step 2:

    Step 2: The student may request to present his/her position to the Faculty Committee for Grade Appeals composed of three faculty members designated by the Faculty Council. The procedure for Step 2 are:

    1. Student requests a Petition for Grade Appeal Form from the Deans’ Office. The request needs to be made during the semester immediately following the course grade in question.

    2. The committee, or a designated member, shall examine the petition after receiving it.  If, upon review, the allegations presented in the petition are insufficient in illustrating that the grade assessment fall within the criteria outline in Section 01 of this policy, the committee shall dismiss the petition. The student will have two weeks to amend the petition and resubmit.

    3. If the petition or the amended petition is determined to be sufficient, the Faculty Committee for Grade Appeals will schedule a meeting with the student. The committee will meet minimally two times each semester to review petitions. One of the two dates will be selected for the student to present his/her petition.

    4. The Faculty Committee will meet with the faculty member whose grade is being appealed.

    5. The student will present to the Faculty Committee for Grade Appeals. The student will need to provide reasoning and evidence for how the grading assessment meets the criteria outline in Section 01 of this policy. This will include presenting their coursework for the entire semester and their reasoning and evidence for the grade change using the faculty’s grading criteria found in their syllabus. It must be emphasized that the burden of proof is on the student. In other words, through clear and visible evidence, the student must illustrate that the grade assessment was either mathematically in error or it was a result of substantially unequal treatment.

    6. After the student’s presentation, the Faculty Committee will meet in private to compose a statement covering the committee’s findings, which will include one of three recommendations to the faculty member: 1. Make no change in the grade assessment. 2. Raise the student’s grade. 3. Lower the grade. The findings statement will include the rationale for their decision.

    7. The faculty member will decide whether or not to implement the Faculty Committee’s recommendation.

    After the Faculty Committee’s review of the petition, if the student still believes there is an error based on mathematical computation or substantially unequal treatment, the student shall follow Step 3:

    Step 3: One last and final appeal to the dean of the School of Architecture & Community Development can be made. The dean will meet with the faculty member whose grade is in question. The dean will also review the student’s Petition for Grade Appeal Form and the findings statement from the Faculty Committee for Grade Appeals. Finally, the dean will meet with the student, who will present the same material listed in Item 5 of Step 2 above. The dean will make a recommendation to the faculty member.

    It must be emphasized that the faculty member has full jurisdiction in terms of grading. The Faculty Committee and the dean are acting strictly in an advisory capacity and can only recommend to the instructor that the grade in question be raised or lowered based on the evidence presented.

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    Summer Design

    Each year during Term III, an undergraduate Special Topics design studio is offered for those students who are out of phase with the standard five-year curriculum.

    It is a multi-level studio and may be taken by any student who has completed the second-year studios and the technical courses in advance of his or her design level. This studio is not open to first- or second-year design students.

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    Laptop Computer Requirement

    The School of Architecture & Community Development strongly recommends that all new students entering the Architecture program own a laptop of minimum required specifications and specific software. These requirements may be found on the University website. Computer-based design assignments begin as early as the freshman year, and students are expected to have access to a capable computer and appropriate software, either in the SACD's computer lab, or one owned by the student. The University has a program with a vendor to assist the student in purchasing the hardware and or software if the student so desires.

    Please contact the Dean's Office for information on our Laptop Leasing program.  Leased laptops come pre-loaded with all relevant software.

Contact Information

Address

Warren Loranger Architecture Building LO 118
McNichols Campus
4001 W. McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48221-3038

Telephone: 313-993-1532
Fax: 313-993-1512
Email: architecture@udmercy.edu


Dean: Daniel W. Pitera
Telephone: 313-993-1532
Fax: 313-993-1512
Email: piteradw@udmercy.edu


Associate Dean: Noah S. Resnick
Telephone: 313-993-1531
Fax: 313-993-1512
Email: resnicns@udmercy.edu