Academic Accelerator - Bachelor of Architecture

The Academic Accelerator Program (AAP) is a balanced first-year program designed for international students with strong English-language skills. It complements immersive classes taught in English with appropriate support.

Students enrolled in the Academic Accelerator receive:

Architects are responsible for creating structures and environments that enhance our living and working experiences. Today’s architects are problem-solvers, artists, creators, and scientists who tackle a variety of architectural challenges ranging from individual buildings to city planning.

Architecture, a blend of art, science, and business, focuses on the social, technological, and psychological aspects that impact our surroundings. To become an architect, one must possess an appreciation for beauty in design and materials, as well as an understanding of the connection between people and their environment. Architects may work independently, in collaboration, as consultants, or as part of an architectural firm. Preparation for these roles involves formal education, practical experience, passing a professional exam, and obtaining registration.

The School of Architecture at Louisiana State University is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and ranks among the top 10 architecture schools in the South according to DesignIntelligence. The school offers a five-year undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). With various travel opportunities and programs available, students can customize their studies to align with their interests. Field trips, excursions, and study abroad programs allow students to explore major architectural hubs. The educational approach emphasizes studio-based design education, promoting active learning through dialogue, collaboration, risk-taking, and hands-on experience. Students can engage in extracurricular activities such as service-learning, design competitions, and participation in student organizations.

At the School of Architecture, students benefit from the resources of a large state university while enjoying the intimate atmosphere of a smaller program. The undergraduate architecture degree requires five years of study and 162 credit hours of coursework. After the first year, students can apply for continued admission to the upper division program. In the upper division, students learn to integrate technical and creative elements into architectural projects, culminating in an integrative design project.