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Columbia College Chicago
Sample Course Descriptions
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Sample Course Descriptions

Art & Design

Fulfillment of pre-entry requirements is the basis of consideration for approval of students making application to the Masters Programs in Architectural Studies and Interior Architecture, who are without educational and or professional background in architecture or interior architecture.  Applicant shall provide evidence of fulfillment  of college or university level study of the three subjects listed below by official copies
of transcripts and work samples for committee consideration.

The pre-entry (3) three classes of study as listed are intended to provide the student with a foundational skill and understanding that will allow for immediate successful application. 

Required Pre-Entrance Classes:

1) Manual Drafting
2) Fundamentals of AutoCAD
3) History of Architecture-Antiquity to Renaissance

MFA Architectural Studies & Interior Architecture Programs

I. Adaptive Reuse - The Art and Science of creating new uses for buildings that are no longer suitable for the purpose in which they were originally intended.

II. Sustainability - Design and planning with the consideration of the entire life cycle of the building and its components in regard to economics, environmental impact, and performance

III. Museums Design - Design and planning of spaces used for storing and exhibiting objects of historical, scientific or cultural interest.

IV. Exhibit, Furniture & Product - Design and execution of articles that support the individuals use of the interior environment

MFA Architectural Studies & Interior Architecture Programs

Semester I:
Course Design Studio I: Sustainability Theory, 4 credits
Studio I Lab: Design Theory, 2 credits
Technology I: CAD/Language of Drafting for Architecture & Interiors, 3 credits
Materials & Methods: Sustainable Practice (for MFA Architectural Studies), 3 credits
Sources and materials (BFA Course, For MFA Architectural Interiors), 3 credits

Semester II:
Course Design Studio II: Sustainability Practice, 4 credits
Studio II Lab: Model Making, 2 credits
Technology II: CAD/Construction Documents, 3 credits
Photography: Design Tool for the Architecture and Design Community, 3 credits
Photo Lab: Digital Presentation, 1 credit

Semester III:
Design Studio III: The Built Environment, 4 credits
Studio III Lab: Adaptive Reuse, 2 credits
Studio III Lab: Sustainability, 2 credits
Studio III Lab: Museum Design, 2 credits
Studio III Lab: Exhibit, Product, Furniture Design, 2 credits
Technology III: Digital 3D Modeling Class, 3 credits
Theory & Criticism: Modern Architecture and Design, 3 credits

CANDIDACY REVIEW - END OF THIRD SEMESTER

Semester IV:
Design Studio IV: Adaptive Reuse, 3 credits
Design Studio IV: Sustainability, 3 credits
Design Studio IV: Museum Design, 3 credits
Design Studio IV: Exhibit, Product, Furniture Design, 3 credits
Research Seminar: The Mechanics of Thesis Writing, 1 credit
Theory & Criticism: Contemporary Architecture and Design, 3 credits
Elective Credit (6)

Semester V:
MFA Thesis: Literature, Methodology, Findings, 1 credit
MFA Thesis: Preliminary & Schematic Design, 1 credit
MFA Internship or Summer Internship, 3 credits
Elective Credit

Semester VI:
MFA Thesis: Design Development, 3 credits
MFA Thesis: Conclusion, Recommendation, Design Presentation, 1 credit
Elective Credit