The undergraduate Architecture program is an intensive regimen of architecture studios and courses in the history and theory of architecture, building technology, digital technology, and professional practice. To become a licensed architect in Kentucky and other states, the graduate must complete a two-year Master of Architecture program, both of which are offered at UK. The School of Architecture at the University of Kentucky has achieved a national reputation for excellence through the commitment of its faculty and the spirit, talent and dedication of its students. The School of Architecture is fully accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).
The four-year Bachelor's degree in Architecture qualifies students for careers in architectural offices, building construction, development and public agencies. To become a licensed architect in Kentucky and other states, the graduate must complete a two-year Master of Architecture program. Both degree programs are offered at the University of Kentucky.
Career opportunities in Architecture
"The School of Architecture at the University of Kentucky College of Design is the only NAAB-accredited architecture program in Kentucky. Our top-rated faculty, internationally renowned studio projects, and state-of-the-art facilities provide our students with the necessary skills to compete and excel in a global design market. We look forward to welcoming our future designers to the UK/CoD/SoA."
Director, School of Architecture
Architecture students have the opportunity to work at design firms over spring break each year. These programs place students in firms for 1-2 weeks to garner professional experience, develop professional networks, and contribute to the firms' projects. The firms range from large, multi-national corporate offices to small, boutique design practices offering a variety of experiences in cities across the US and sometimes the world.
The programs provides a conduit for students to engage in a variety of collaborative, design-related assignments including executing research, attending staff or client meetings, making site visits, producing drawings and models, selecting materials and/or products. All of these tasks extend the students’ educational opportunities beyond the classroom and expose them to possible career paths.
Participating architecture firms (varies per year):
The UK College of Design is housed primarily in Pence Hall, Miller Hall, the Funkhouser Building, and Bowman Hall; all of which are located in the heart of UK's central campus.
Additional facilities in the College include:
The College of Design Computer Lab is located in the basement of Pence Hall. The lab offers large-format printing, 3D computer-generated modeling, and access to the University’s electronic resources. The equipment available in the computer lab includes:
The Workshop and Digital Fabrication Lab provides a safe, well-maintained environment in which both students and faculty can explore three-dimensional construction in most medium.
The laboratory maintains equipment to handle both large and small scale constructions. Below is a short list of the digital technology equipment and some of the more traditional tools and machines for making:
Prototyping Facility
96” x 48” x 17” Precix 3axis CNC router
48” x 36” x 6” AXYZ 3axis cnc router
18” x 24” - 60 watt Universal Laser
24” x 32” - 120 watt Universal laser
Zcorp 310 plus 3d printer (starch)
Uprint Plus 3d printer (abs)
Dimension 1200es 3d printer (abs)
Soluble Station (ss)
Wax Dipping Oven
De-powdering Station
7 Stationary support computers
Wood shop and General Use
two table saws
panel saw
two chop saws
wood and metal lathes
jointer
scroll saw
mortiser
radial arm saw
stationary belt sander
3 drill press (L, m, sm)
4 band saws
3 stationary disc/belt sander
two planers
Metal shop
manual roller
vertical band saw
large drill press
polishing wheel
shear
break
oxygen and acetylene torch set
Hobart MIG welder 110 service (inter-shield)
Millermatic 252 220 service mig and spoolmatic welder
Hypertherm Powermax 45 plasma cutter
welding supports
grinders
abrasive chop saw
*supervising office and tool cage with typical hand tool support such as chisels, drill bits, heat guns, orbital sanders, cordless drills, etc…
** stationary and portable compressor
***24-7 assembly space
In the United States, most state registration boards require a degree from an accredited professional degree program as a prerequisite for licensure. The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), which is the sole agency authorized to accredit U.S. professional degree programs in architecture, recognizes three types of degrees: the Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, and Doctor of Architecture. A program may be granted a 6-year, 3-year, or 2-year term of accreditation, depending on the extent of its conformance with established educational standards.
Doctor of Architecture and Master of Architecture degree programs may consist of a pre-professional undergraduate degree and a professional graduate degree that, when earned sequentially, constitute an accredited professional education. However, the pre-professional degree is not, by itself, recognized as an accredited degree.
The University of Kentucky School of Architecture offers the following NAAB accredited degree programs:
Master of Architecture (pre-professional degree + 48 graduate credits)
The University of Kentucky offers the following pre-professional degree:
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (120 undergraduate credits)
The College of Design School of Architecture is a selective admissions program. All prospective students interested in majoring in Architecture must also complete a seperate application and a series of design exercises in order to be considered for admittance into the Architecture program. The application and selective admissions exercises can be found at www.ukcod.slideroom.com
The School of Architecture in the College of Design administers the program curriculum, and the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees grants degrees. The curriculum consists of 120 credits for the undergraduate degree and 48 credits for the graduate degree for a total of 168 credits in six years.
The curriculum conforms to the following outline:
Hours
I. Undergraduate UK Core requirements .............................................................. 30
II. Core program requirements .............................................................................. 78
III. Undergraduate elective courses ..................................................................... 12
TOTAL ................................................................................................................ 120
The above distribution of credit assumes that the UK Core requirements in mathematics and a foreign language have already been met prior to admission to the program, an assumption supported by historical student data. It also assumes that the Humanities section is to be met by approved core program courses in the History and Theory of Architecture (ARC 212 and ARC 213).
Online Architecture Application ARCHITECTURE CURRICULUM
Architects plan and design houses, factories, office buildings, and other structures.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$93,310
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
123,700
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
6,000
new jobs (average)
Architects spend much of their time in offices, where they develop plans, meet with clients, and consult with engineers and other architects. They also visit construction sites to prepare initial drawings and review the progress of projects to ensure that clients’ objectives are met.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreArchitectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$165,370
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
201,500
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
8,200
new jobs (average)
Architectural and engineering managers typically work in offices, although some work in other settings, such as research laboratories or industrial production plants. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreThere are countless ways to enhance your time on campus, but the best way to maximize your journey at the University of Kentucky is by engaging in an Education Abroad opportunity.
This will allow you to gain a global perspective and enhance future employability. As you take the first step towards investing in your future, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the options UK Education Abroad & Exchanges office suggests to complement your major!
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College of Design
School of Architecture
Gray Design Building
349 Scott Street | Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-8870
