COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture Studies at California State University, Sacramento includes a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with foundational design knowledge, technical skills, and professional preparation for careers in architecture and related design fields. The program begins with lower division design core courses that introduce students to creative thinking and the principles of design. Courses such as Think Make and either Design and Thinking or Design and Society Since 1780 help students understand the relationship between design, culture, and innovation. The lower division major courses focus on essential architectural knowledge and technical skills. Students study architectural history through courses such as History of Architecture: Prehistory to 1800 and History of Architecture: 1800 to Today. They also develop practical design abilities in courses like Architectural Design Fundamentals, Digital Literacy for Designers, Beginning AutoCAD and SketchUP, and Beginning Revit. Additional introductory courses such as Introduction to Interior Design and Design Fundamentals help students understand spatial design concepts and the basic principles of interior and architectural design.The program also includes major elective courses that allow students to explore related areas of study. Students complete six units from options such as design theory, graphic design, photography, mathematics, or physics, providing interdisciplinary knowledge that supports architectural practice. At the upper division level, the curriculum focuses on advanced architectural skills and professional development. Students study topics such as building information modeling, architectural rendering, structural concepts, building regulations, building envelope systems, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The program also includes intermediate architecture design studios that emphasize project-based learning and creative problem solving. A capstone architecture studio serves as the culminating experience where students apply their knowledge to complex architectural design projects. Additional coursework includes portfolio development and professional practice preparation or an internship. Overall, the program combines design studios, technical training, and theoretical study to prepare students for architectural careers and further professional education.