School of Architecture
Administrative Officers
Interim Dean - Patrick C. Suermann, PhD
Executive Associate Dean - Shannon S. Van Zandt, PhD
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs - Shelley D. Holliday, ME
Associate Dean for International Programs - Leslie Feigenbaum, MS
Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs - Katherine R. Reed, PhD
Assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion - Deidra D. Davis, PhD
Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration - Chris Novosad, MBA
General Statement
The School of Architecture offers undergraduate and graduate professional programs to prepare individuals to enter the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, and urban and regional planning. The planning, design and construction of the world’s buildings, cities and landscapes involve a variety of professional skills. The faculty of architects, urban planners, landscape architects, engineers, computer scientists, constructors, lawyers, historians and artists, in collaboration with educators in the language, philosophy and culture and natural and social sciences, help students develop an understanding of the physical, social, economic and political forces that shape our environment.
Undergraduate degree programs are offered in landscape architecture, construction science, environmental design architectural studies and urban and regional planning. Minors in art and architectural history; global art, design and construction; architectural fabrication and product design; and sustainable architecture and planning are offered through the Department of Architecture. A minor in urban and regional planning is offered through the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. Minors in facility management; and leadership in the design and construction professions are offered through the Department of Construction Science. Master’s degree programs are offered in architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, land and property development and construction management. Doctor of Philosophy degrees are offered in architecture and urban and regional sciences.
Personal Computers
Because of the important role of computing in the disciplines housed within the School of Architecture, all entering students are required to possess a portable, network-ready personal computer capable of running software appropriate to their academic program. Financial aid is available to assist students in their computer purchases. No student will be denied admission to Texas A&M University based on an inability to purchase a computer. Additional information is available on the School of Architecture website.
Enrollment Management Policy
Students that are admitted into the School of Architecture enter with a lower level classification in Construction Science (COSL), Environmental Design Architectural Studies (EDAL), Landscape Architecture (LANL) or Urban and Regional Planning (URPN). All students must comply with the guidelines in terms of coursework and process to be considered for upper level. Until students are accepted into upper level they are prohibited from taking 300 and 400 level courses in their major.
Admission will be effective upon successful completion of in-progress courses. If all requirements are not met prior to the start of the following semester, admission will not be granted and registration in all upper level coursework in the School of Architecture will be cancelled. Admission is not guaranteed. If there are more qualified applicants than there is space available, preference will be given to students based on their academic achievement.
Transfer Students
Transfer students, who meet the University entrance requirements and who desire to enter a major field of study in the School of Architecture, will be admitted based on available space and current School of Architecture entrance criteria. Following admission, all transfer students are placed on a 2.5 GPA probation for a minimum of 12 credit hours to substantiate competency in required lower-level courses. Transfer students will be admitted into the school with a lower-level classification and may apply for upper-level status after at least one semester at Texas A&M University.
Transfer students accepted into the Bachelor of Environmental Design degree program must submit a portfolio to the Department of Architecture to receive credit for drawing and design studio classes taken at another university or college, unless the course is listed as an equivalent under the Texas common course numbering system. The review of the portfolio will ensure appropriate studio placement. Additional information may be found on the Department of Architecture website.
Change of Major
Students currently enrolled in another major at Texas A&M University with fewer than 60 hours who desire to change their major field of study into the School of Architecture must fill out a Change of Curriculum application. Deadlines for applications are as follows:
- March 1 for summer admittance (for Construction Science, Environmental Design Architectural Studies, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning and University Studies students)
- June 15 for fall admittance (for Construction Science, Environmental Design Architectural Studies, Urban and Regional Planning and University Studies students)
- October 1 for spring admittance (for Construction Science, Urban and Regional Planning and University Studies students)
Students will be notified of action on their applications within 30 days of the deadline date. The school will admit the best-qualified applicants based on the number of spaces available in their program of choice.
Semester Away
The School of Architecture requires all upper-level undergraduate students to spend one semester studying abroad or at another university, or in a professional internship. Specific information on these programs is available through each department or the Texas A&M Education Abroad Office.
Academic Policies
For Construction Science, Environmental Design Architectural Studies, Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning: Students must make a grade of C or better in every School of Architecture course (ARCH, ARTS, CARC, COSC, ENDS, LAND, LDEV, URPN) used to satisfy degree requirements. Students must also make a grade of C or better in any course used as an equivalent substitution for School of Architecture courses that satisfy degree requirements. All majors within the college require students to maintain a 2.0 or better GPA; the school does not offer academic probation.