Programs > Architecture > Pre-Architecture

Calvin College has almost thirty years experience offering a preparatory program in architecture analogous to Pre-Med and Pre-Law with graduates now practicing architecture throughout the United States and Canada.

"Calvin's Pre - Architecture program provided a solid foundation for my graduate school work in architecture and for my career as an architect. The liberal arts component of my education is extremely valuable, even today, as the profession requires a diverse set of skills." Jason S. Reiffer BA, Pre-Architecture, Calvin College, 1998. M Arch, University of Michigan, 2001.

"Among the many things I value from my time at Calvin, four come to mind:
lasting friendships with Christian mentors and peers; participation in a
community of faith; the capacity to think critically due to liberal arts
studies, and Calvin's emphasis on excellence in all endeavors. All of these have been invaluable in navigating the discipline of architecture as a unique combination of humanities, science and art. While the pre-architecture program per se honed many of the skills required to
communicate well, (graphically, orally, and in writing), the liberal arts
core and lasting relationships have been a solid foundation for subsequent acedemic and professional work." Brent Dykstra Calvin College pre-architecture 1990-1992. BS in Architecture, University of Michigan 1994.
M Arch, Rice University 1997.

 

 

 

Model Four-Year Program

Following a national trend of the last twenty-five years, the majority of Calvin pre-architecture students complete a liberal arts degree in art, art history, or any one of several other majors or interdisciplinary group majors (i.e., Art/Geography, Art/Business or Art/Engineering) before pursuing a Master of Architecture degree. The liberal arts prepare students to work in diverse environments and are much more resilient and adaptable coping with the rapid pace of social, technological, and economic changes in international cultures. This is called the Harvard Model for Architectural Education. Harvard does not offer an undergraduate architectural degree and gives preference in its graduate program to students from non-architectural backgrounds.

• Art Major
• Art History Major