Click here to return to the School of Architecture Contents page.

Curriculum Uniqueness

This curriculum is unique in the following ways:

Practice Integration

The practice of architecture is a programmatic requirement in this integrated curriculum. Every student will have one to two years of architecture office experience which may be applied toward the training requirements necessary for the licensure in the United States. The practicum curriculum incorporates substantial professional practice elements with the required courses and experience in professional firms. Students are placed in architectural firms in Honolulu and abroad, with principals serving as adjunct professors who are responsible for student's learning as part of this practice integration program.

International Practice Opportunities

The program offers opportunities for international studies and practice through exchange programs and professional experience where students can study and/or practice abroad as part of the program. Through the School's overseas studies program and exchange agreements with a number of leading international architectural firms and universities in the Asia/Pacific region, all the students are expected to participate in an international study program prior to graduation.

Design Studios

ArchD graduates will have ten design studios (including a comprehensive design project), plus an ArchD Project. A student can select from a number of advanced design studios that deal with the critical current issues of our civilization. This provides students opportunities and time to develop and synthesize a broad range of professional knowledge to apply to their future architectural practice. 

Elective Courses 

Students have the opportunity to take a number of elective courses or professionally related topics from business, planning, computers, design technology, Asia/Pacific studies, and other relevant contemporary issues. These courses are taught by the diverse faculty of the school, which include adjunct and affiliate faculty members from other areas of the University who make a special effort to address the needs of our students. These provide a broad knowledge base for the students as they address the future challenges of the profession.

Pre-Professional Double Major

The program provides opportunity for students to have a double major. At the end of the fourth year, a student can graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences. Those who continue and successfully complete the 212-credit program are awarded the Architecture Doctorate (ArchD) as the first professional degree.

Faculty Resources

The school has a diverse and outstanding faculty with substantial professional practice experience. This faculty is supplemented by adjunct and affiliate faculty who are distinguished faculty members in related disciplines at the University and internationally known professionals and specialists around the world. The off-campus faculty are linked to the school through electronic communication technologies.

NEXT: Admission Requirements >>
Click here to return to the School of Architecture Contents page.