Architectural Studies, BS

Curriculum

The bachelor of science in Architectural Studies (B.S.A.S) does not require you to complete a minor. The degree requires 128 credit hours of coursework:

• BELL core requirements: 55 hours
• Major requirements: 70 hours
• Electives: 3 hours

See All Program Requirements

Courses You'll Take

• ARC 1001, Manual Drafting

The development of basic manual drafting skills in a studio setting, introducing the components of plan, elevation and section drawing and requiring the use of drafting tools and instruments.

• ARC 1003, Foundations Studio

A fundamental approach to architectural and interior design through a sequenced investigation of design elements and principles that develop skills that will inform the complete relationships between geometries, composition and systematic strategies. Analysis of case studies and use of analytical diagramming to further inform design solutions presented with three-dimensional modeling and drawing.

• ARC 1015, Craft, Profession, Vocation: Architectural Practices Past, Present and Future

History and current conditions of the profession of architecture. Investigation options for career goals within a study of vocational fulfillment in the Christian tradition of service. Students will establish an e-portfolio, attend guest lectures and participate in field trips.

• ARC 1020, Shop Fabrication & Sustainability

Materials, fabrication methods, assembly and finishing explored through safe use of hand and power tools in a shop setting. Study of sustainability issues related to materials commonly used to fabricate models and projects for art and design disciplines.

• ART 1030, Drawing I

This course is an introduction to the visual language of drawing. Emphasis is placed on learning to see by stressing intense looking, critical judgment and precise measuring through direct observation. Each class will include hands-on projects and homework assignments that heighten the students’ ability to accurately create the illusion of three-dimensional forms in space on a two-dimensional picture plane. Demonstrations using a variety of media will be used to reinforce topics such as composition, space, sighting, contour line, point perspective and rendering value.

• ARC 2021, Architecture Studio 1: Architectural Design Methods

Introduction to methods of architectural design communicated through orthographic drawings and principles of composition based in traditional and modernist precedent studies. Emphasizes problem-solving through an iterative process, including planning, properties of materials and basic structural assemblies as design elements.

• ARC 2022, Architecture Studio 2: Architectural Design Methods

Increasing facility with methods of architectural design communicated through orthographic, axonometric and perspective drawings and principles of composition based in traditional and modernist precedent studies. Emphasizes problem-solving through an iterative process, including planning, properties of materials, structural assemblies as design elements and the importance of physical context. Concludes with mid-semester e-portfolio review.

• ARC 2031, History of Architecture before 1400

Architecture from Prehistory to ca. 1400, emphasizing Western and Christian culture with an introduction to Asian, African, Pre-Columbian American, Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Underscoring the traditional values that shape the arts and architecture and investigating connections between culture, ecology and buildings.

• ARC 2032, History of Architecture after 1400

The historical development of architecture after ca. 1400 in locations around the world, including Europe, the Americas, Persian Gulf and East Asia. Emphasizing aesthetic and architectural theory, building technology, and values that shape architecture, investigating connections between culture, ecology and buildings, especially related to global building traditions introduced in ARC 2031.

• ARC 2051, Digital Representation I

Two and three-dimensional computer-aided drafting, utilizing architectural line weights and line types to produce communicative documentation. Introduction to various presentation methods, interface with printing ad page setup and computer rendering principles.

• ART 2850, Portfolio Practices

Through inquiry, reflection and integration, students will bring coherence to, synthesize and integrate learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom in the context of a liberal arts university by producing an electronic portfolio for both academic and professional purposes. This course will introduce students to the basis of documenting, curating, reflecting on and showcasing learned proficiencies as shown through such artifacts as visual and written work. The course will emphasize both visual and written/reflective components of creating and critique. Students will also be introduced to professional practices in preparation for an internship.

• ARC 3023, Architecture Studio 3: Integrated Design

First studio for integrated architectural design (structures). Requires responsiveness to context, to principles of composition and to a given program for a small civic building. Includes studies of traditional/vernacular and post-industrial structural materials and methods in relation to building forms and planning.

• ARC 3024, Architecture Studio 4: Integrated Design

Second studio for integrated architectural design (history). Requires responsiveness to context, principles of composition and a given program. Includes studies of historic, regional historic typologies in relationship to building form and planning to solve contemporary residential problems.

• ARC 3033, History of Architecture in the United States

History of architectural development in the United States in global context and with the regional emphasis. Includes considerations of aesthetic and architectural theory, building technology and the cultural values that shape architecture with special focus on vernacular typologies in the Southeastern United States in general and Nashville in particular.

• ARC 3041, Structures I

Structural design, performance and properties of vernacular and industrial building materials (including wood, masonry and steel) through an analysis of assemblies. Includes strength of materials, concepts of statics, tension, compression and bending. Addresses sustainability via embodied energy, life-cycle costs and the impact of construction on the environment. Includes exercises in convention of graphic representation for construction documentation.

• ARC 3042, Structures II

Steel, concrete and enclosure technology in the context of long-span and high-rise structures. Concepts of tension/compression, bending and sheer stress, combined stresses, load resolution, and member sizing. Addresses sustainability and the impact of construction materials on the environment. Includes exercises in conventions of graphic representation for construction documentation.

• ARC 4015, Senior Capstone for Architecture

Completion of the BELL Core, taking in the final year of the program (fourth of the B.S.A.S. and fifth of the B.Arch.). Investigation of intersections of architectural and general studies, requires reflection on artifacts collected in the e-portfolio and addresses them of vocational fulfillment in the Christian tradition of service established in ARC 1015.

• ARC 4025, Architecture Studio 5: Integrated Design

Third studio for integrated architectural design (inclusive design, interior design). Emphasizes principles of composition and responsiveness to a given program. Includes studies of culture, equity and inclusive design in relationship to building form and planning. Collaborates with an interior design studio.

• ARC 4026, Architecture Studio 6: Integrated Design

Fourth studio for integrated architectural design (environmental systems, theory). Emphasizes principles of composition and responsiveness to a given program for a public building (usually a performing arts space). Includes studies of traditional and advanced passive environmental systems design and ecologically-oriented architectural theory in relationship to building form and planning.

• ARC 4034, Theories of Architecture and the Environment after 1400

Architectural theory surveyed from the Renaissance through the present day. Connections to industrialization and globalism, and ecological responses to them, are particularly sought.

• ARC 4043, Environmental Systems I

Relationships between architecture and the environment with an emphasis on passive systems to control climate (air, temperature, water, light and sound). Other concepts include architecture as embodied energy and energy consumer; sustainability issues include life-cycle costs and carbon footprint analysis. Includes exercises in conventions of graphic representation for construction documentation.

• ARC 4044, Environmental Systems II

Relationships between architecture and the environment with an emphasis on active systems to control climate (air, temperature, water, light and sound). Other concepts include environmental systems within integrated design strategies and sustainability issues related to energy conservation and life cycle costs. Includes exercises in conventions of graphic representation for construction documentation.

Go beyond the classroom and experience architecture for yourself. In Nashville and around the world, you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow.

• Experience hands-on architecture work. Nashville has a thriving architecture industry, giving you access to more than 60 firms and the nationally recognized Nashville Civic Design Center.
• Explore the world. Experience other cultures and visit iconic structures in India, Greece, Italy, the United Kingdom and beyond through study abroad programs.
• Join a student organization. Participating in groups like AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) is a great way to meet people and explore your interests.

Each year, the O’More College awards a number of scholarships to incoming fall undergraduates majoring in one of its academic programs. These awards are renewable for four years (five for B.Arch. majors), provided the recipient maintains all required academic and citizenship expectations. To qualify, you must submit your Belmont application and scholarship essay by December 1.

Learn More about the Scholarship

Architecture Admissions and Placement

A major in architecture is declared by the individual student during the application and admission process to the University. If a student meets the admission criteria of the University, they are accepted for advising in their architecture major.

The Architecture Department does not require a specific portfolio or interview process for admission, but may initiate either of them to determine whether transfer credit or advanced standing in the architecture department curriculum map is a consideration during advising.

Any Advanced Placement (AP) or other transfer course credits are first evaluated by the Office of the Registrar. They are available to advisors after the student is admitted to the University. Courses given specific course credit are designated once the Registrar evaluates official transcripts submitted for each student applicant; the remainder of transferred course credits are considered electives at Belmont.

The Architecture Department Chair and other academic advisors assist the student in preparation for course registration and address specific major curricular requirements in keeping with the following information on the website regarding accreditation standards for the program described here.

Transfer Credit Policy

Determination of eligibility for general education transfer credit will be determined by the Office of the Registrar.

Determination of eligibility for the architecture program requirements transfer credit (ARC courses) will be determined by the Chair of the Department of Architecture, based on:

• Alignment of general course content
• Demonstration of achievement of applicable NAAB-defined Program or Student Criteria

Students requesting that courses completed at another institution be considered for Belmont ARC credit must submit to the Department Chair:

• that institution’s catalog description for the course and
• the syllabus for the semester it was taken.

For some courses, the Chair may also request examples of coursework. In most cases, transfer courses proposed for credit for Belmont ARC courses numbered 3000- or higher must be completed in an NAAB-accredited program.

The Architecture Program at Belmont currently has no established articulation agreement with other institutions and does not award credit for other prior learning experience.

The student and advisors submit requests to waive a course or prerequisite requirement to the Department Chair for approval. A University registration form is used for this and the Registrar creates updated records that advisors and students use for meeting degree requirements. The DegreeWorks platform is currently used for University degrees based on each major and minor the student has chosen.

The department chair must make the final decision in approving credit, and the architecture program has not considered transfer credit for any third-year or above course for an architecture major unless it came from a NAAB accredited degree program. Courses prior to the third year in the B.Arch. curriculum map are considered at the student’s request during advising for entrance to the major. The following additional guidelines are considered by the chair in the advising process:

• Students with transfer credits are interviewed by the chair or advising coordinator for possible placement in the second year of the curriculum through transfer credit or waiving courses based on previous learning through education or work experience.
• Students with over 30 transfer credits are interviewed by the chair or advising coordinator and advised of the possibility for waiving courses or taking some prerequisites as corequisites. The chair reviews the course descriptions and student learning outcomes with the students and compares the students previous course performance to make recommendations. An overall grade point average of 3.0 or above for transfer courses is recommended if a student is to consider prerequisites being taken as co-requisites.
• The Adult Degree Program (ADP) students are admitted through the University College and much of their advising process is done through consultation with the department chair. A consistent approval process is achieved through the chair’s oversight and the use of both the review of student work and the interview process.

The program seeks to provide access to the degree path that will accommodate persons from a variety of preparatory backgrounds. We also understand that previous investments in higher education and professional experience require due consideration both for the quality of education we offer and recommend as well as sharing known opportunities to consider for better stewardship of the financial and time investments required for the B.Arch degree and the path to licensure as an architect.

Important note: Up to this point, these processes have been overseen by Prof. Thomas Lowing in his capacity as Department Chair. Beginning in the Spring 2026 semester, Prof. Lowing will transition to the role of Advising and AXP Coordinator, focusing on the reception of incoming and transfer students as well as engagement with our alumni. He will continue to oversee these procedures and provide recommendations to the incoming Department Chair, Dr. Fernando Lima.

2025-2026 Architecture Additional Program Costs

Below are program-specific items and estimated costs to the student in addition to the University’s cost estimator.

It is our general policy to provide basic tools and supplies needed for instruction within our departmental budget line. This includes some supplies for students such as plotter ink and paper for large format printing, along with other media available for use in-class. Students provide supplies and materials used for their individual projects based on assignment parameters and personal preferences.

One-time purchase estimates:

• Laptop Computer: $1,600-2,400
  • We recommend a PC laptop running Windows 11 (64-bit), with at least an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 processor at 2.5GHz or faster, 32 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card such as the NVIDIA RTX 4060 (or higher) with 8 GB VRAM or the AMD equivalent;
  • A 1 TB SSD or larger provides enough storage, while a 15-inch or larger screen with 1920X1080 resolution makes design work more comfortable;
  • Wi-Fi, an integrated webcam and microphone, and a three-button mouse are also important.

All costs listed below are estimates per semester in addition to the University Cost Estimator:

• Textbooks: $330*
  • About $110 per course
  • Digital versions of textbooks can cost up to 50% less
• Drawing/Modeling Supplies: $40*
• Project Supplies/Printing: $295*
• Travel Costs: $55*

*Variable Expense

• Laptop Computer: $1,600-2,400
  • We recommend a PC laptop running Windows 11 (64-bit), with at least an Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9 processor at 2.5GHz or faster, 32 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card such as the NVIDIA RTX 4060 (or higher) with 8 GB VRAM or the AMD equivalent;
  • A 1 TB SSD or larger provides enough storage, while a 15-inch or larger screen with 1920X1080 resolution makes design work more comfortable;
  • Wi-Fi, an integrated webcam and microphone, and a three-button mouse are also important.

All costs listed below are estimates per semester in addition to the University Cost Estimator:

• Textbooks: $330*
  • About $110 per course
  • Digital versions of textbooks can cost up to 50% less
• Drawing/Modeling Supplies: $40*
• Project Supplies/Printing: $295*
• Travel Costs: $55*

*Variable Expense