The major in Architectural Studies takes a holistic approach, inviting students to study art, design, theory and history. The major is based on the belief that roundly educated individuals make the best architects and designers, while developing the critical analysis skills needed to solve the most pressing issues of the 21st century. Students become visual communicators, creative problem solvers, non-linear thinkers and collaborative learners. Completion of the program creates clear career opportunities in many fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, product design, urban design, graphic design, interior design and historic preservation.
Ben has been interested in visual arts since high school, leading him to major in Architectural Studies at HWS. His dedication to the field was recognized when he was awarded the “A” Fund Architecture Scholarship during his sophomore year. After graduation, Ben plans to pursue his masters in architecture as well as his interests in historical preservation and sustainable design.
Pending the approval of faculty members, Architectural Studies students may be able to study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Examine environmentally sustainable housing at the Finger Lakes Institute or understand the needs of business leaders at the Bozzuto Center for Entrepreneurship.
At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
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Study design in Germany or drawing in Italy.
Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Learn the theories, models and history of architecture.
Courses that exempify this incude, but are not limited to:
Learn the aims, methods, and issues of design and planning disciplines, with architecture at the core of your studies.
Acclimate yourself to using the design process as a method of inquiry through focused study and innovative problem solving.
Physically contextualize works of landscape design through consideration of contemporary and allied humanities, especially philosophy, literature, painting, and architecture.
Investigate the histories of practices of museums from a decolonial perspective while building the skills necessary to work in the industry through the Critical Museum Studies minor. You'll get to follow tracks like history museums and art museums and galleries that will allow you to focus on the issues and practices most relevant to the type of cultural space that most interests you. Students in all tracks gain experience with installation techniques, designing, cataloging, collections management, and writing exhibit labels. You'll leave prepared to work in and think critically about a variety of fields.
Leslie came to HWS with plans to be a geoscience major. Taking courses in studio art inspired her to follow the path to a major in architecture.
