Founded in the late 1800s, Cornell University's Department of Architecture offers a five-year professional program that leads to a bachelor of architecture degree. Located in Ithaca, New York, students take courses in other departments within the University's system, as well as studying for a semester each in New York City and Rome, Italy. Every semester finds students spending a majority of their study time in the design studio. Admission to the five-year program includes meeting the entry requirements for Cornell University, a strong academic background, a review of your creative portfolio and a personal interview.
Drawing, writing and modeling are the core classes taught at Syracuse University's School of Architecture, located in Syracuse, New York. Ranked second in the nation by "DesignIntelligence" in 2011, the school's focus in the first four years of the five-year program includes developing professional skills and research. The implementation of creative ideas constitute the fifth year of study. New York, Florence, Italy, and London, England, are study abroad locations offered by the school for its fourth-year students. Travel and study in worldwide locations is also part of the regular semester program. Applicants for admission must submit a portfolio of their work in addition to satisfying the university's requirements for entry.
California Polytechnic University's School of Architecture offers a five-year program focusing on lab work. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the school takes advantage of its location between the differing landscapes of northern and southern California in its design and engineering architectural courses. The first four years of study are dedicated to lab work, design and theory. The fifth year devotes the term to actual design and implementation of a project based on creativity, research and design. The theory behind a CalPoly architectural education is to combine art and science in a hands-on learning environment. Admission to CalPoly is the first step to gaining entry to the School of Architecture. It is suggested that advanced placement courses make up a majority of pre-admission study.
Located in Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute School of Architecture's five-year program offers architecture-specific courses in years two-to-five. Fourth year students select from an externship at a Washington, D.C.- area architectural firm, a Berlin studio, or a Chicago studio. A study abroad program offers a choice of an educator-escorted travel curriculum or a residential course in Switzerland. The fifth year is dedicated to independent study under the guidance of the faculty. Admission to the School of Architecture is granted through the school's general admissions office and does not require a portfolio. A student's grade-point average, and SAT or ACT scores, are reviewed for admissions.