Architectural Studies - Studio Major Program Requirements (Classes 2031 and beyond)

Download a printable Art & Architectural Studies major (Art Program) Requirements [pdf] here. 

For a description of the Architectural Studies in Studio major, see "Architectural Studies Major" page.

Requirement for Admission to the Architectural Studies - Studio Major

  • Completion of or enrollment in ARTT006X “Taking Measures: Design and the Built Environment” either in the first (preferred) or second year of studies at Swarthmore as a foundational introduction to architectural design. 
  • Completion of 1 Architectural History (ARTH) class. 

Distribution Requirements for Completion of the Architectural Studies - Studio Major 

  • Completion of ARTT006X “Taking Measures: Design and the Built Environment”. This class should be taken in the first (preferred) or second year of studies at Swarthmore as a foundational introduction to architectural design.
  • Completion of 3 Architectural Studies studios (any ARTT006 class).
  • Completion of 1 Art studio in painting, photography or sculpture.
  • Completion of 2 Architectural History (ARTH) classes 
  • Completion of the Architectural Studies Senior Capstone. The capstone comprises 2 credit studios in both the fall and spring for a total of 4 credits.

SENIOR CAPSTONE

The 4-credit Senior Capstone comprises 2 credits in the fall (ARTT006X) and 2 credits in the spring (ARTT006X) of the senior year. It is required for all Architectural Studies Majors and cannot be fulfilled through exchange or a study abroad program. 

Architectural Studies Majors and the 20-Course Rule

It is a college requirement that 20 of the 32 credits required for graduation must be outside the major. This means that students can take no more than 12 courses in the major unless they graduate with more than 32 credits, in which case the surplus can also be in the major. For Architectural Studies majors, the required two credits in art history count within the major, but additional credits in art history count outside the major. 

Study Abroad

The Art Program encourages those with an interest in art, architecture and its history to consider incorporating study abroad — either during a summer or a regular academic term — into their Swarthmore program. 

Important examples of art and architecture are scattered throughout the world, and an encounter with works still embedded in their original context is vital to an understanding of their historical and contemporary significance. 

Students are particularly encouraged to take advantage of the college’s summer opportunities funding schemes to engage in travel study programs or independent research abroad. Such travel and research can, for example, help to prepare work for the Senior Capstone. 

Students who are interested in bettering their chances of gaining a full Swarthmore credit for a course taken in a foreign program are advised to meet with Sony Devabhaktuni and the chair of the Art Program before leaving the campus.