Northeastern University
School of Architecture
Studying architecture today is about much more than learning about how to build buildings. It is about framing the arguments for their existence; about urban density, energy performance, and sustainability; but most of all it is about change.
At Northeastern, we offer students many choices about how to engage the many changes we face in our culture, commerce, and built environment in the coming years. Students can choose from several different undergraduate degree programs that focus on different aspects of this changing world.
Setting
Northeastern University is located in the heart of Boston, one of the country's oldest and most architecturally rich cities. The University is one of the largest in the region, and a national leader in co-operative education, or the formal linkage of academic and practical learning. The School of Architecture encourages students to take advantage of related courses in the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Urban and Regional Policy, College of Engineering, and the College of Business.>
School Philosophy
The School of Architecture at Northeastern focuses on urban building and its ramifications. The program seeks to bring the critical and inventive capabilities of the architect to bear on the real problems of contemporary cities; especially Boston. The School is home to a number of important outreach programs in urban housing, new urban school prototypes, mapping initiatives, and new urban design strategies for post-industrial sites. The mission of the School of Architecture assumes architecture to be the context of civic life, and seeks opportunities for public imagery in an increasingly privatized urban landscape.
Programs
Professional Architecture
(BS in Architecture + Master of Architecture)
This is the traditional NAAB-accredited architectural education. With a degree that focuses on urban issues, pragmatism, sustainability, and a market-driven building urban environment, Northeastern architecture graduates are prepared for leadership in a field that continues to change dramatically.
Urban Landscape
(Bachelor of Landscape Architecture)
Landscape architecture in the United States has undergone a significant change in direction over the past 15-20 years. Landscape architects are now at the forefront of changes that will transform our cities into much more environmentally sustainable places. Now a deeply interdisciplinary field, landscape architects collaborate with environmental scientists, hydrologists, and public policy professionals to transform our urban landscapes into much better performing ecological systems.
BS in Architectural Studies
This is a variation on the traditional architecture degree that allows for significantly more curricular options. Students get the rigor of an architectural degree, with the options to connect with other themes in sustainability, business and design thinking, and culture and criticism tacks. They have more options as undergraduates, but may potentially return to the NAAB-accredited professional route by applying to the two-year Master of Architecture degree.
of Focus
1. Urbanism
2. Building Technologies
3. History | Theory | Criticism
4. Sustainability & High Performance Build Enviroments
5. Resilience
6. Community Design
7. Digital Design & Visualization
8. Industry Collaborations
Opportunities
Study Abroad
Facilities
24 Hour Workshop
Large-format Printer
Laser Cutter
3D Printing
Policies
Transfer Policies
External Transfers
Students who are currently enrolled in other academic institutions and wish to transfer into the School of Architecture are considered External Transfers.
Information on applying to NU as an External Transfer can be found on the admissions website: (https://www.northeastern.edu/admissions/application-information/apply/#_ga=2.7742518.568615130.1563901504-1365770413.1563901504)
If students wish to transfer, they must apply to Northeastern University as an Architecture major.
Once accepted, the student’s academic record will be reviewed by academic advisors from the College of Arts, Media and Design to determine the transfer credits for non-architecture classes.
A faculty member from the School of Architecture will review the student’s portfolio to determine the student’s placement into the architecture studios.
A portfolio does not have to be presented until after the student has been accepted to the University. The School of Architecture cannot guarantee that students will receive course credit for architecture studios taken at other schools.
If students wish to receive credit for coursework at another school, they must provide the Architecture Office with a syllabi for the courses taken and a list of the NU Architecture courses from which they would like exemptions. Actual course work may be requested as well. Students will then be notified if they are to receive transfer credit.
All requests for transfer credit must be received no later than the August 1st prior to fall entry into the program and no later than December 1st for spring entry.
Send requests to architecture@northeastern.edu with the subject line “transfer credit.”
