Department of Architecture The College of Architecture and Construction Management-­‐ Marietta Campus Frequently Asked Questions about the Architecture Program 1. How challenging or difficult is the Architecture Major? The five-­‐year B.ARCH program is a NAAB accredited professional program. It is a rigorous and challenging major design to prepare the student for a professional career in Architecture. The skills taught are also valuable for related fields. Students should be prepared to learn a broad based curriculum that includes, Design, History|Theory, Environmental Technology, Structures, Professional Practice, Design Communication and related softwares. 2. What is the difference between the Architecture Program at Kennesaw State University vs. schools like GA Tech, Clemson, Auburn, and Savannah College of Art & Design? Most programs offer a 4+2 or 4 year Bachelors Degree plus a 2 year Masters Degree. We offer a 5-­‐year professional Bachelor in Architecture (B. Arch), degree, accredited by NAAB that would reduce your formal education time and costs by one year. o With a B. Arch + the required Intern Development Program (IDP) hours you are eligible for the ARE exam for licensure. o Students with a B.ARCH may pursue additional degrees like the M.ARCH or specialized M.S.ARCH degrees. The B. Arch at KSU offers an intensive “hands on” pedagogy that integrates theory, practice and application. We provide extensive labs and resources including a Media Resource Center, Woodshop, Digital Fabrication Lab, Materials Library and 3 and 5 Axis CNC routers. 3. Would a Minor in Architecture be an option if I change my mind along the way? Yes, the Department of Architecture offers a 15 credit minor in Architecture. Many of the courses in the regular curriculum can be applied to the minor. 4. What would be the reasonable estimate for Architecture material costs outside of tuition & student fees for the year? Material costs vary depending upon the individual design solution, the student’s choice of materials for models and the course level the project is for. The Department of Architecture is aware that these costs can add significantly to the cost of education for this reason we offer through our fees not only extensive equipment but some basic supplies like, ink, printing and shop basics that reduces some typical out of pocket expenses. Scholarship opportunities that can be applied for to assist with off-­‐setting any cost. 5. What is the faculty-­‐student ratio in Architecture? The ratio is 1:16 for design studios and 1:25 for all lecture courses with a lab component. 6. What about ORIENTATION for KSU? Is this called: IGNITION? Is this required? KSU Orientation-­‐Ignition-­‐LINK is required for all students new to Kennesaw State University. YOU will need to register for an orientation in addition to and separate from the workshop and that is done separately via Owl Express. Make sure you do both registrations; one is for KSU nd
Orientation, please contact Chelsea Feraco; cferaco@kennesaw.edu. and the 2 is for the Workshop [details TBA] 7. I don't know what classes to take during the fall term. What should I do? Registration for your Fall courses will be discussed with you and by your academic advisor during Orientation and again during the Summer Workshop. You will be given any assistance you need by your advisor. You can also view the B.ARCH course flow chart on line to find what courses to take in each semester of your time in the program. 8. What are the current employment opportunities for perspective Architects in this economy? There are hundreds of architecture firms in metro-­‐Atlanta. Many will be introduced to you during your educational period, in addition you will have the networking ability to participate with the student chapters of the AIAS, NOMAS, and ALPHA RHO CHI, which also allow numerous networking opportunities for you. [See Links & Resources on Architecture Webpage], Faculty connections and other professional events also often lead to employment. 9. What are the possibilities for having an internship with an Architect firm? KSU has cultivated a strong reputation with well-­‐respected Architectural firms in the greater Atlanta area and firms routinely seek our students. KSU has a career center and we encourage firms to post job openings to this site and then direct our students to the posted jobs. We also routinely invite professionals to the program to review student work providing ample opportunity for our students to network. 10. Do students in this program typically hold jobs while in school? Due to the rigors of the program, we find that students devote most of their time to their coursework and tend not to take on added responsibilities. We recommend that a student not work in the first two years and limit work hours to 10 hours per week while in the upper division of the program, if working is necessary. Loans and scholarships are also a great way to supplement financial need while in college. Updated: February 18, 2016 Page 1 11. Can students complete this program by taking night time or on-­‐line classes? Architecture classes are offered throughout the day, Monday through Friday. We very rarely offer Architecture night or summer classes. None of the Architecture classes are offered on-­‐line. All Architecture classes are offered both in the fall and spring, so it is very important to stay on track by taking the appropriate courses during the appropriate semester. Core classes required by the University System of Georgia can generally be taken at night, during the summer, and many are offered on-­‐line. 12. Can I get a head start by taking a few architecture classes during the summer? Architecture courses are taken within a sequential flowchart schedule and have to be taken when scheduled. If you want to get a head start, you can enroll in the spring or summer and take GA Core classes prior to beginning your Architecture classes. This will result in your having lighter loads throughout but will extend the number of semesters you will be enrolled at KSU. 13. Should I get my GA Core classes out of the way before I begin taking Architecture classes? Some students find this advantageous; however, it will add to the number of semesters you will be in college. We provide a comprehensive course flow chart to guide students through their curriculum, but for students who would like to lessen their work loads during the course of the year we recommend 14. Can I take core classes during the summer while attending the summer workshop? Summer classes are still in session when the workshop begins. In most cases, this results in a time conflict. You are not allowed to miss workshop sessions so you would have to register for classes in the early summer sessions that are completed by mid July. 15. How can I determine if courses I have taken at another university will be accepted at KSU? Transfer credit will be evaluated by the Register’s Office just prior to your KSU ‘IGNITION’ Orientation session. Transfer credit will be discussed with you during orientation. 16. Will classes I took at another university shorten the time I will be in the Architecture program at KSU? Unless you have taken architectural studio classes at another university, your educational period at KSU will take a full five years. If you have taken architecture classes at another university, you can submit your portfolio for review for possible Architecture credit. Please contact the department for portfolio specifications. Transfer Applicant Portfolio Requirements and Transfer Students Portfolio Evaluation Criteria 17. What is the purpose of attending the Summer Workshop? The Architecture Summer Workshop Program is designed to offer students a transitional experience from high school or other degree programs to the Department of Architecture’s B.ARCH program. It is designed to help students integrate into studio culture and to introduce them to basic design concepts, tools, techniques and resources. 18. Is the Summer Design Workshop offered in the summer required? The Summer Design Workshop is Highly recommended by the Department and by our own students! But it is NOT required to enter the Architecture Program in the fall term. NOTE: There is NO GRADE or PASSING REQUIREMENT!!! All students must commit to the entire three weeks of the summer workshop. If there is a hardship, please contact the office and ask to speak to Ms. Cathy Smith. 19. How does one register for the Summer Design Workshop? Registration for the Summer Design Workshop opens in March. It is an ‘On-­‐Line’ payment system. After your have been admitted to the program and accepted the Department of Architecture will contact you with information about the Summer Design Workshop and how to register. 20. How can I find out the cost of the workshop? TBA-­‐ Cost of Workshop available mid to late March. The design material ‘KIT’ is included in the cost of the Workshop, as is the BBQ & student exhibit reception. Some of the materials in the KIT can also be used during regular design studios. 21. Does Financial Aid cover the cost of the workshop? Financial Aid does not cover the Summer Workshop registration costs. Financial Aid does take into consideration the applicable tuition costs that apply during the Fall term. 22. What if I need Housing? Is there a Meal Plan also? Housing and Meal Plans are available for an additional cost-­‐ YOU would make this selection at the time you register for the workshop. More information about Housing and a Meal Plan are TBA. 23. Does the summer workshop end each day at 5:00 p.m.? While the official end time is 5:00 p.m., many workshop participants stay beyond 5:00 to work on their workshop projects. College of Architecture and Construction Management Advisor: Richard Redding: 678-­‐915-­‐4281, rreddin9@kennesaw.edu Department Administrative Assistant: Cathy Smith: 678-­‐915-­‐7253, csmit318@kennesaw.edu Updated: February 18, 2016 Page 2