The School of Architecture, Design and Planning

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning offers undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in design-based disciplines.

The school is made up of 3 departments — Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning — all of which share a dedication to the professional education of students. Degree programs in all 3 departments emphasize the mastery of appropriate skills, technologies, and bodies of knowledge as well as the development of critical thinking and creative problem-solving to help graduates excel in their careers. The school’s students have a common interest in the design and construction of buildings, environments, objects, and visual forms of communication. Many courses in the degree programs incorporate knowledge and theory related to sustainability and sustainable design; to human wellness and the creation of healthy environments, places, and lifestyles; and to the design of client- or user-oriented buildings, places, objects, and communications. There are many opportunities for interdisciplinary course work, service learning, and study abroad.

Undergraduate Programs

Degree programs available to entering first-year students include a 5-year professional Master of Architecture; a professional Bachelor of Fine Arts in design with concentrations in Industrial Design, Interior Design, Photo Media, and Visual Communication in Graphic Design or Illustration; and a Bachelor of Arts in Photo Media. The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, a preprofessional liberal arts degree, is also available to entering first-year students.

Admission

Information on undergraduate admission standards and requirements, as well as application procedures and deadlines, is found on the Department of Architecture and Department of Design pages. Visit the Office of Admissions for information about admission to KU. Visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services for information about international admissions.

Advising

In addition to advising and academic assistance from KU offices, the school has individual advisers for each student. Advisers are available throughout the course of study by appointment, and students are expected to see their advisers at enrollment times. Students who plan to transfer into programs and need advising assistance should contact the Architecture Admissions Office at 785-864-3167 or the Design Admissions Office at 785-864-2073.

University Honors Program

The school encourages qualified students to participate in the University Honors Program. Students should be aware that the course load for professional architecture and design degrees may make it difficult to participate in the Honors Program.

Design Exhibitions

A number of exhibitions are sponsored by the Department of Design including the School of Architecture, Design and Planning faculty exhibit; design student scholarship exhibitions; and exhibits of professional artists and designers. These exhibits are shown in various locations including several Kansas City galleries, the Kansas Student Union, and the Art and Design Gallery. Each year, there are exhibitions of work by students in the school, representing all design disciplines.

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning

The School of Architecture, Design and Planning offers undergraduate and graduate programs for students interested in design-based disciplines.

The school is made up of 3 departments — Architecture, Design, and Urban Planning — all of which share a dedication to the professional education of students. Degree programs in all 3 departments emphasize the mastery of appropriate skills, technologies, and bodies of knowledge as well as the development of critical thinking and creative problem-solving to help graduates excel in their careers. The school’s students have a common interest in the design and construction of buildings, environments, objects, and visual forms of communication. Many courses in the degree programs incorporate knowledge and theory related to sustainability and sustainable design; to human wellness and the creation of healthy environments, places, and lifestyles; and to the design of client- or user-oriented buildings, places, objects, and communications. There are many opportunities for interdisciplinary course work, service learning, and study abroad.

Graduate Programs

Graduate programs include

• Master of Architecture (M.Arch.), a 3-year professional degree for students already holding bachelor’s degrees in any field;
• Master of Arts in Architecture (M.A.)–Academic/Research Track;
• Master of Arts in Architecture (M.A.)–Architectural Management Track;
• Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture (Ph.D.);
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Design Management;
• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interaction Design; and
• Master of Urban Planning (M.U.P.).

Design Exhibitions

A number of exhibitions are sponsored by the Department of Design including the School of Architecture, Design and Planning faculty exhibit; design student scholarship exhibitions; and exhibits of professional artists and designers. These exhibits are shown in various locations including several Kansas City galleries, the Kansas Student Union, and the Art and Design Gallery. Each year, there are exhibitions of work by students in the school, representing all design disciplines.