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Appalachian State University

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Building Sciences (BS) - Architectural Technology and Design

About

Appalachian’s Bachelor of Science degree in Building Sciences with a concentration in Architectural Technology and Design develops students’ skills in the thinking and making of sustainable buildings that contribute positively to the built environment.

Architects formulate and develop innovative solutions to a multitude of important challenges and are required to think both synthetically and analytically. As a student in this major, you will explore architecture’s overlap of arts and sciences, its history and theory in relation to society and culture, as well as anthropometrics, materials science, structures, construction methods and more.

This program takes a holistic educational approach toward building science and makes you well prepared for a productive career in the field or for advanced study of architecture at the graduate level.

This degree is housed in the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment.

After Graduation

This degree is a stepping stone for anyone interested in pursuing a graduate degree in architecture and for those interested in allied fields (e.g., interior architecture, digital fabrication, computer modeling, architectural engineering, construction manufacturing technologies and delivery, construction project management, building performance, building components and materials development, sustainable building design, urban design, community design, architectural representation, etc.).

Employment: Recent employers include Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, in situ Studio and Watson Tate Savory.

Graduate School: Students from this program have continued their studies at:

  • Clemson University College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
  • N.C. State University College of Design
  • Pratt Institute Graduate Architecture Program
  • UNC Charlotte College of Arts and Architecture
  • University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts
  • University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design
  • Virginia Polytechnical Institute College of Architecture and Urban Studies

Career Exploration website

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Building Sciences (BS) - Construction Management
  • Building Sciences (BS) - Sustainable Building Systems

Minors

A minor is not required. Suggested minors include:

  • Community and Regional Planning
  • Sustainable Technology

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) - a student organization acting as a cooperative between thousands of students in North America that is committed to providing a forum for ideas and a community of emerging architectural professionals.

Student Builders Association (SBA) - a student club that brings industry speakers to campus, makes connections with employers, visits innovative projects, participates in community service, and works with the High Country Homebuilders Association.

Professional Construction Estimators Association (PCEA) - the flagship student club of the PCEA, where members actively pursue their education and goal of becoming professional estimators.

Appalachian State University Habitat for Humanity - a student service club that assists the Watauga County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity through fundraising, volunteering, and construction workdays at various project sites.

Renewable Energy Initiative - a committee of students, with faculty and staff advisors, that is responsible for allocating money towards the implementation of renewable energy on the Appalachian campus. The committee’s annual operating budget comes from a self-imposed student fee of $5 per student per semester. 

Sustainability Council - a university group comprising more than 70 administrators, faculty, staff and students that sets and executes the vision for sustainability on the Appalachian campus.

Student Competitions

  • Associated Schools of Construction Student Competition
  • Residential Construction Management Competition
  • North Carolina Sustainable Building Design Competition
  • Sigmon Memorial Scholarship Masonry Design Competition

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. 

Building Science’s faculty-led, short-term study abroad programs and their focus include:

  • Austria and Switzerland: Renewable Energy and Architecture
  • Nicaragua and Costa Rica: Sustainable Technology
  • Peru: Building and Designing for Nature
  • South Korea and Taiwan: Sustainable Energy and Architecture

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

 
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Why Appalachian?

  • Students enjoy many opportunities to gain hands-on experiential and applied interdisciplinary learning in this degree program. Examples: students’ successful competition in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon and the Solar Decathlon Europe, and the IDEXlab where students design, build and perform real projects for real clients with real needs.
  • Faculty members’ interdisciplinary expertise assures meaningful research opportunities for students on topics including: high performance construction assemblies, energy efficient building systems, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), design-build and prefabrication, design virtualization and energy modeling, and sustainable design and construction.
  • A professional internship is required as a capstone experience, providing students the opportunity to apply their coursework and gain practical experience.
  • Special Topics Courses are offered each semester as electives to address current or future issues facing the building industry.

Location

Boone campus, with select courses offered online

Careers

  • Architect
  • Architectural Designer
  • Architectural Engineer
  • Building Inspectors
  • Civil Engineer
  • Construction Manager
  • Consultant
  • Contractor
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Landscape Designer
  • Manufacturer’s Field Representatives
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Urban Planners
  • Preservationist

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment

Dr. Andrew Windham
Program Director
windhamaw@appstate.edu
828-262-8224
buildingscience.appstate.edu

  • Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment at Appalachian State University features an integrated array of programs spanning the fields of sustainable design and technology. Its mission is to foster a strong and vibrant culture of inquiry, discovery and innovation that integrates theory with application, problem seeking with problem-solving, local issues with global perspectives and technological progress with environmental stewardship. It offers bachelor’s degrees in sustainable technology and building science, and a master’s degree in technology. Learn more at https://stbe.appstate.edu.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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