Mr. Philip Freeman, AIA, NCARB
Coordinator, Architecture Program
Room 309 Turley Center
Phone: 304.367.4237
E-Mail: pfreeman@fairmontstate.edu
OVERVIEW OF ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM
The Architecture program at Fairmont State University is a pre-professional program that focuses on history, design theory, building systems, and graphic/oral communication skills required to present design ideas to others. The program is designed as a 2 + 2 curriculum consisting of a 2 year A .S. in Architectural Engineering Technology and a 4 year B.S. of Architecture. Once the associate degree is earned, the graduate may choose to enter the workforce or to continue at the baccalaureate level. The associate degree in Architectural Engineering Technology provides students with a basic understanding of the history of architectural design and the entry-level drafting and communication skills required in order to work in a design/drafting office.
The bachelor of science degree provides a sound education for the pursuit of general architectural knowledge and the first phase of a professional education for the general practice of architecture. The four-year program encompasses a foundation core of design, introductory studies in architectural history and theory, and building technology. Advanced design studios address methodology, and technological and theoretical synthesis through applied studies of a wide range of design inquiries and projects.
EMPLOYMENT IN ARCHITECTURE
Successful completion of the degree will prepare students to enter the profession at a more advanced level or pursue a graduate degree from a National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredited school of architecture. Recent graduates have been accepted to graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania, Syracuse University, Savanna College of Art and Design, University of Cincinnati and Virginia Tech.
Graduates with the associate of science degree are qualified for entry-level technical positions in architectural or engineering offices, firms related to architecture, or other businesses requiring in-house planning and drafting.
Graduates with the baccalaureate degree are qualified for entry-level positions such as design or engineering technician. They may be employed in architectural offices, engineering offices, corporations or businesses which produce their own in house construction documents, and construction-related fields. Graduates of the four-year program may also pursue a professional Master of Architecture degree at an accredited out-of-state institution for licensing. The annual median wage for an architect is $67,620.00 and the projected need for this career field is expected to increase by 20% by 2016.
