Architecture at CWRU

Current Program

Case Western Reserve University currently offers both a major and a minor in Pre-Architecture.

The major, which results in a BA, can be a second major only. It focuses on the forms, history, and functions of architecture, as well as studio skills, and is designed to provide background for undergraduates who want to study architecture at the graduate level. There are 15 credit hours of required courses and 15 in approved electives. The required courses are Architecture and City Design I and II, Art History I and II, and Creative Drawing I. Electives include additional art history and art studio courses, theater stagecraft courses, math, and physics.

The minor requires 18 credit hours, to be chosen from Architecture and City Design I and II, Art History I and II, Creative Drawing I, and an approved elective.

Motivation for Change

Architecture and City Design I and II are the only two Architecture courses offered at CWRU. Although the Pre-Architecture major and minor provide a good background, we feel that adding more Architecture courses could significantly benefit both current and future students.

Architecture classes benefit current students by allowing them to diversify their courses of study. For example, civil engineers may be interested in learning about aesthetics and overall building design. Art and design majors can learn a practical application of their studies and gain knowledge about the principles of building design. The two currently available classes are useful for these purposes, but two classes can only give a basic and broad understanding. In order for students to gain a deeper understanding of architecture, more classes would need to be available.

Many college-bound high school seniors are interested in architecture or pre-architecture. Finding that CWRU's pre-architecture program only includes two actual architecture classes might be a disappointment and cause the students to look elsewhere for college. Similarly, students who have not yet settled on a major often want a college with a wide variety of majors and professional programs. It is fair to assume that these students would like to be fairly certain that they will be able to receive an education in their eventual field that is both deep and broad.