Classes are Available Online or on Campus in Washington DC

The School of Architecture and Planning is educating and inspiring a new generation of architects and planners to design and build a better world. Here in our ideal location in the heart of Washington, D.C., you will find the soul of architecture.

We embrace a philosophy devoted to the integration of artistic creativity, intellectual curiosity, and technical acuity. In doing so, we aim to cultivate a holistic view of architecture and design so that students, future architects, and planners can assume a personal responsibility for the welfare of the world and forge compelling contemporary attitudes toward “Building Stewardship” for the society at large.

  • ARPL 401: Architectural Design IV - 6 credits, Synchronous

    This studio has students choose from among several projects developed by different critics that cover different issues. In all cases, however, projects build upon the formal and tectonic body of knowledge explored in 200 and 300 level studios, though of increased scale and programmatic complexity. They require students to take project development to a greater level with emphasis on design across a range of scales including that of the region, the city, the building, the interiors, the furniture, and/or the detail. Since students with the best projects earn places in our foreign studies program, competition between them raises the bar for verbal and visual communication.   

  • ARPL 419: Special Topics in History/Theory - 3 credits, Synchronous

    These courses explore the spectrum of theoretical developments to explain the practice, production, and reception of architecture across historical eras. These courses also analyze the historical/social/cultural milieu in which these developments occur.   

  • ARPL 421: Digital Construction Docs - 3 credits, Synchronous

    Architects and engineers document their designs so that everyone involved can come to agreement on what is to be built before construction starts. The traditional blueprints and specifications that served this purpose for decades have evolved into digital Building Information Models (BIMs). In this course, students will learn to plan, produce, and manage BIMs, and produce one of limited scope. Students will be expected to start the course already able to create 3D models using BIM-compatible software (Rhino, Revit, or other if approved by teacher).   

  • ARPL 439: Topics in Construction and Environment - 3 credits, Synchronous

    Courses related to the construction, materiality, tectonics and making of architecture. Thematic courses offered by experts in the field will be offered through the School of Architecture and Planning.   

  • ARPL 441: Structures I - 3 credits, Synchronous

    This course provides an introduction to structural design, exploring force (including lateral loading), statics, equilibrium, and load tracing. It introduces structural analysis of beams, trusses, and cable structures. Students experiment on structural systems including those that are form-active, vector-active, bulk-active, and surface-active. 

  • ARPL 494: Independent Study - 3 credits, Independent Studies

    This course is a self-directed study of a specific issue to be determined by the student with the guidance of a faculty member. Students are required to submit an Independent Study Form (available in the Architecture Office) which must include proposed theme research, projects, products, scope of investigation and schedule. A student must receive permission to enter into an independent study from the faculty who will help guide the research prior to registering for the Independent Study.   

  • ARPL 500: Introduction to Design and Graphics - 6 credits, Synchronous

    An introduction to design fundamentals and the basics of architectural communication, including drawing and model-making. The course will include studio, readings and discussions, lectures and field trips.   

  • ARPL 519: Special Topics in History/Theory - 3 credits, Synchronous

    These courses explore the spectrum of theoretical developments to explain the practice, production, and reception of architecture across historical eras. These courses also analyze the historical/social/cultural milieu in which these developments occur.   

  • ARPL 539: Topics in Construction and Environment - 3 credits, Synchronous

    Courses related to the construction, materiality, tectonics and making of architecture. Thematic courses offered by experts in the field will be offered through the School of Architecture and Planning.   

  • ARPL 541: Structures I - 3 credits, Synchronous

    This course provides an introduction to structural design, exploring force (including lateral loading), statics, equilibrium, and load tracing. It introduces structural analysis of beams, trusses, and cable structures. Students experiment on structural systems including those that are form-active, vector-active, bulk-active, and surface-active.  

  • ARPL 601: Concentration Studio - 6 credits, Synchronous

    These courses explore advanced ideas in design as related to any of the several graduate concentrations operating within our program. These concentrations ask students to go beyond Each concentration studio focuses on the design of a project related to that concentration, with the three studies within a given concentration varying by theme rather than by educational level. For more specific information, see the supplemental course description for a particular concentration.   

  • ARPL 621: Digital Construction Docs - 3 credits, Synchronous

    Architects and engineers document their designs so that everyone involved can come to agreement on what is to be built before construction starts. The traditional blueprints and specifications that served this purpose for decades have evolved into digital Building Information Models (BIMs). In this course, students will learn to plan, produce, and manage BIMs, and produce one of limited scope. Students will be expected to start the course already able to create 3D models using BIM-compatible software (Rhino, Revit, or other if approved by teacher).