The goal of the Bachelor of Architectural Science program is to educate students for a wide range of professional roles in the construction industry. The program emphasizes studies in design, technology, and management. The long-standing reputation of the program rests in part on this unique emphasis of the curriculum.

The first three years of the program provide students with a common foundation. The final year offers three different options: Architecture, Building Science and Project Management. The initial years place students in a position to make informed choices of option, and they are encouraged to do so as early as possible.

The curriculum is structured around four themes:

• introduction and context,
• preparation (tools and elements),
• integration, and
• concentration/specialization/transition.

The first semester provides students with an introduction and sets the context for their education in architectural science. Semesters two, three and four prepare students for advanced studies through an exploration of the tools and elements necessary for further studies. Semesters five and six provide a comprehensive integration of the multiple components of an undergraduate education in architectural science. In the final two semesters, students select from one of the three options available – Architecture, Building Science or Project Management – and undertake intensive work in their chosen specialization. In addition, the program requires a number of courses in liberal studies, as well as a range of professional electives, offered by the Department and other Departments at the University.

The Department offers a competitive co-operative program which provides top-performing students who have completed their third year in the architectural science program a 16 months of work experience that enhances their acumen in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Although neither the Department nor the Co-operative Education Office can guarantee a placement, they provide major assistance in locating suitable positions and counselling of students in their search for suitable jobs. This co-operative program enables students to earn competitive wages to offset the costs of a university education. Students will work directly with architects, engineers and other skilled professionals from the AEC industry, gaining experience in several different settings.   This co-operative education program will be available to students admitted into the program as of Fall 2011. 

The architectural science program promotes an integrated approach to architectural science, through studio and lecture courses. Students have the opportunity to apply theory learned in the lecture courses to studio projects which engage with real-life problems in design, construction, management and the environment.

As enrolment in each program option may be limited, placement of students in fourth year program options is determined by academic performance to best suit their career goals and academic strengths.

The Architecture Option offers a focus on architectural design principles that incorporate a technical base. Through lectures, seminars, and hands-on studio projects, students learn program planning, design, presentation techniques, and contract documentation.

The Building Science option offers a more detailed technical base of studies including the selection and design of building construction assemblies, the evaluation of their suitability and performance, and the development of construction and technical drawings.

The Project Management option examines the managerial and economic aspects of construction projects, including the planning, organization, management, supervision and control of the process.

Graduates of this program will find career opportunities in:

• the design, documentation, and management of projects in architectural, engineering, environmental management and planning firms
• the production, marketing, sales, research, development, testing, and evaluation of building products or systems in material fabrication, product manufacturing and construction firms
• office and field supervision in trade and general construction organizations
• development and management of real estate/planning/conservation feasibility studies; environmental and management strategy planning
• local, regional, provincial, federal and international government agencies
• post graduate education and research

Architectural Science Students - Transfer Credit

Architectural Science applicants cannot expect to receive any transfer credits in architectural science discipline or architectural science related discipline courses if their post-secondary education was not completed at a program accredited by the Canadian Architectural Certification Board (CACB).

Liberal Studies

Students must take three lower level liberal studies courses and three upper level liberal studies courses to graduate.

Minors

Students may pursue any Minor offered by Ryerson with exceptions. Please refer to the Minors Policy section of this calendar for further information on individual Minor requirements and restrictions.

The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education Certificates

Undergraduate students wishing to pursue a continuing education certificate program should be aware of possible restrictions. Please refer to the Curriculum Advising website at www.ryerson.ca/curriculumadvising for complete details.