Certificate in Classical Architecture

(This certificate is not stand alone; it's part of the BArch degree only.)

For thousands of years, the Classical tradition has lain at the heart of western architecture, resulting in an enduring language of design of universal appeal that is readily understood by the general public. The growing appreciation for classical and traditional architecture has meant that the demand for traditional buildings, in both the public and private realms, is greater today than it has been for 50+ years. This is reflected in the hiring preference (by many architectural firms) to obtain graduates whose portfolios demonstrate a skill set in this field, along with conventional modernist idioms.

It is our belief that giving students a training in classicism makes them better designers in all traditions, including modernism. The core of the certificate program is a studio in which the vocabulary (the orders) and the syntax (composition) of classical architecture are taught through a series of pedagogical exercises and esquisse (sketch) projects; in addition, students will take electives in history, theory, and documentary analysis.

The Certificate program engages the educational opportunities of two organizations: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) and the Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment. A New York City-based organization with 14 chapters nationwide including one in the Southeast (Atlanta), The ICAA is the leading national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice and appreciation of the Classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts. The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment, a United Kingdom-based architecture school and trust, was founded by the Prince of Wales in order to promote a return of human values to architecture.

Certificate requires a total of 15 credits of core courses and related electives.

*This program is not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment for further assistance.

Curriculum Requirements

Certificate in Classical Architecture

Electives (Classical Architecture focus)9
Electives can be selected from the following and by semester offerings
On Site Study of Selected Architecture and Urbanism
Ancient Architecture
Early Christian, Byzantine, and Medieval Architecture
Architecture and Culture in Italy
19th and 20th Century Architecture
Architecture of Palladio
18th and 19th Century American Architecture and Architects
History of Cities
Other courses by approval
Architecture Design (Classical Architecture focus)6
Total Credit Hours15

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively use basic architectural and environmental principles in design.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test alternative outcomes against relevant criteria and standards.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak and listen effectively.
  • Students will demonstrate the ability to use appropriate representational media, such as traditional graphic and digital technology skills, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process.