Most bachelor's degree programs require two different kinds of coursework. Students take foundational courses in architectural theory and architectural history. In addition, they also take various courses in architectural design, learning the actual process of designing buildings and other structures. Architectural theory courses present students with a wide array of perspectives on how architecture should be practiced as a profession. A perusal of three university architecture programs reveals similarities among the various architectural theory courses offered. Architectural history courses reveal how architecture has been practiced throughout history and provide students with examples from history that can inspire them in their own designs. Courses can include studies in the fundamentals of architectural design, the history of architecture, cultural and social Issues, as well as environmental and economic context and how they affect the design process.
Architectural design and practices courses give students a basic grounding in the field at the undergraduate level. These courses build upon studies in theory and show students how architects put theory into practice. Courses in this area can include studies in the science behind design as well (e.g., Physics for Architects is offered by the University of Southern California). Architectural design courses can include studies in fundamentals of design communication,introduction to visual representation and drawing, architectural building technology, materials and methods of building construction and building structures and seismic design. Most schools offer a basic architectural design course, including computer-aided design (CAD), in a sequence of several classes.
Landscape architecture is a common field offered by many schools of architecture as well. A career in landscape architecture can lead to various career options, such as a position as a golf course architect. Undergraduate courses in landscape architecture also include studies in history, theory and design. In some cases, students take many of the same courses taken by those in the traditional architecture field. For instance, students at the University of Southern California take architectural design and fundamentals of design communication, regardless of architectural specialty. Other landscape architecture courses include studies in the medium of the landscape, photography and the American landscape, green cities, landscape architecture construction, plant material identification and water resources.