The Architecture and Environmental Design program is part of the School of the Built Environment in the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.

  • Bachelors Available
  • Bachelors Available

Architecture and Environmental Design

The Bowling Green State University architecture and environmental design major enhances students' problem-solving ability and produces critical thinkers that can address challenges in the built environment. 

Within a newly constructed design studio setting, students investigate real-world issues, integrate solutions and test alternatives to conventions.

The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design emphasizes technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience in the architecture and design fields. Those are supplemented with intensive curricula in research, theory, systems, sustainability, structures, materials, methods and professional practice to create capable graduates.

Inspiring and empowering students to enhance the global built environment.

The Bachelor of Science in architecture degree at BGSU is a design studio-based learning experience supported by technical coursework covering topics such as computer modeling, construction methods and structures. Our courses focus on student-centered teaching, community-based learning and entrepreneurship. Architecture coursework offered through the School of the Built Environment in the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering incorporates classes from related disciplines such as construction. Elective coursework in art and related fields provides our students with opportunities for a diverse educational experience.

BGSU architecture students participate in two cooperative education experiences as part of the curriculum, enhancing students understanding of real-world architectural practice. The program offers small class sizes and individual attention to our students both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The BGSU architecture programs is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) at the graduate level. All undergraduate and graduate architecture and environmental design lectures and design studios are now housed in one recently renovated building, allowing for meaningful interactions and collaboration among students, just as in a quality design practice.

The faculty in the Department of Architecture and Environmental Design have national and international practice experience and recognition. BGSU architecture students have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on developing design competition proposals, several of which have been recognized by design review boards nationally and internationally.

At BGSU, architecture student organizations, including the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAS), are active at the local, regional and national levels.

Majoring in architecture and environmental design at BGSU also provides opportunities for short-term study abroad tours in key locations that our students want to visit. Previous tours have included London, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Vancouver and Cabo San Lucas. These experiences enable students to develop an experiential understanding of architectural history and architecture's impact on regional culture in other locations in the world.

Your career in architecture starts at Bowling Green State University!

Stand Out in courses like

  • Architectural Design Studios
  • Computer Modeling for Architecture
  • Architectural Building Systems
  • Architectural History and Theory
  • Cooperative Education
  • Elective opportunities in art, sustainability and construction management

All architecture and environmental design studio classes and lectures happen in a state-of-the-art facility with NEW studios, materials and reference library, lecture room, gallery and print room featuring new workstations, plotters and laser cutters. Watch a guided tour.

Career

Architects are licensed by state bodies, the Ohio Architects Board, here in Ohio. The four-year pre-professional B.S. in architecture degree is ideal preparation for Bowling Green State University’s Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) program, which is accredited by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and leads to licensure once the experience and examination components of the licensing process are completed. 

An integral component of this program is an emphasis on gaining professional experience through paid internships or co-ops. This hands-on learning not only offers invaluable practical experience, but in many cases may lead to the student’s first post-graduation job.

BGSU architecture and environmental design alumni work throughout the design and architecture industry in careers as both qualified architects, construction professionals and environmental designers. 

GO FAR in your career

  • Architect
  • Interior Designer
  • Design Visualization Specialist
  • Building Information Modeling Specialist
  • Construction Professional
I like seeing things as a whole.

If you decide to be an architect and work at an architecture firm, you’re forever going to be interacting with contractors. And if you want to be a contractor, you’re forever going to be talking to architects.

Lauren Schmenk

Class of 2019

Curriculum

The mission of the architecture major is to pursue the convergence of technical excellence and liberal arts investigations to inspire and empower students to enhance the built environment. 

Students will learn to apply the concepts of architectural theory and history in shaping buildings, cities and other spatial environments – encompassing international traditions as related to aesthetics, environmental impact, society and human behavior. 

Understanding of the basic principles that inform the design of the structural, material and mechanical/electrical systems is taught, and how to assess, select and integrate such systems into a comprehensive integrated building design. Students will become skilled at presenting their designs verbally, graphically and through written and physical representations using the model-making studios.

Discovery, teaching, engagement and service is well-defined in the program’s curriculum. This aligns with the University's and college’s mission to provide educational experiences inside and outside the classroom as well as providing a culture of applied research and professional service for the good of society.

 

Internships and Careers

An integral component of this program is an emphasis on gaining professional experience through paid internships or co-ops. This hands-on learning not only offers invaluable practical experience, but in many cases may lead to the student’s first permanent job.

Average Starting Salary & BGSU Placement Rate

$44,490* — BGSU Architecture and Environmental Design graduates average starting salary

100% of Architecture and Environmental Design graduates report they're employed, in graduate school or starting a business within six months of graduation

(BGSU data compiled from students who completed the related questions on the graduation survey.)

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Department of Architecture and Environmental Design is in candidacy for accreditation by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).

More information on accreditation

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Architecture and Environmental Design program leads to professional licensure.

More information on professional licensure

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Architecture and Environmental Design program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.



* Job placement and salary information was compiled by the Office of Academic Assessment through the Graduation Survey from AY2015-2018. The data are gathered around the time of Commencement and a follow-up survey six months post Commencement. For the salary question, data for programs with fewer than fifteen responses are not included. Salaries for those programs are from the National Association of Colleges and Employers Summer 2019 Survey. For questions regarding the data, contact assessment@bgsu.edu.

Updated: 07/21/2023 01:07PM