2023-24 Catalogs

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BS in Architectural Studies

Degree Program Description

Architectural Studies promotes connections between people and place, and between interior design and architecture with the intention of preparing graduates to become lifelong designers of the built environment. Students in this program conduct systematic inquiry into the design process, sustainable products and practices, the interaction between people and the built environment, and digital technologies. The program highlights research as it advances the interdisciplinary interaction between interior design, architecture, the human sciences and aesthetics to improve quality of life for the public good. Following the freshman year students must submit a portfolio of their work for acceptance into the professional phase of the program.

Major Program Requirements

The BS in Architectural Studies connects interior design, architecture, the human sciences and aesthetics to improve quality of life. Students are engaged in the processes, procedures, observations, and techniques of design.

The BS is offered with two emphasis area options: Interior Design and Architectural Studies. Both emphasis areas focus on the development of environmental designs for human living, work, and leisure.  The Interior Design emphasis results in a terminal bachelor’s degree accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).  The Architectural Studies emphasis is a pre-architecture bachelor’s degree or pre-professional option and students continue their education with the M Arch to become practicing architects. 

Some courses in the Professional Program area double count for General Education requirements.  See degree information at the emphasis level.

Semester Plan

The BS in Architectural Studies has emphasis areas in Architectural Studies, and Interior Design. Please see the individual emphasis area pages for degree requirements and admissions information.

Degree Audit

The degree audit is an automated report reflecting a student’s academic progress toward the completion of a degree. 

MU students can request a degree audit by logging in to myDegreePlanner. Students may also access myDegreePlanner via myZou, in the Student Center, click on the Academic Progress Tile, then select Request Degree Audit. The audit automatically pulls in the student’s MU course work, transfer courses and courses in progress. This is available to current students, admitted students, and those who last attended less than three terms ago.

Past MU students can request a degree audit by contacting the Academic Advising Unit of the division in which they were last enrolled at MU. For contact information, go to https://advising.missouri.edu/contact/.

Prospective students, can access a preliminary MU degree audit via https://www.transferology.com. Information on the college credits already earned will have to be manually entered before it can be evaluated against current degree requirements.

For additional details on degree audits, go to https://registrar.missouri.edu/degrees-audits/degree-audits/.

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Major and Career Exploration

The University of Missouri has many resources to assist you in exploring majors and career possibilities. For guidance, visit the Majors and Careers website or view specific resources below.

  • If you are considering a change of major or are exploring multiple majors, schedule an appointment with an advisor in the Discovery Center by calling (573)884-9700 or through MU Connect Discovery Center service in you success network.

  • If you have decided on a major, visit an academic advisor in the School or College that you are interested in to discuss the process of declaring the major

  • If you would like to learn more about your career interests, abilities, values and talents, visit the MU Career Center. No Appointment is necessary to explore career options with one of our staff members.

For additional major and career exploration resources, visit Major & Career Exploration in the catalog.

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