Minors in Architecture
The School of Architecture offers the following minors for non-architecture students:
MINOR IN ARCHITECTURE
Directed toward Rensselaer students interested in architecture as a sociocultural phenomenon and/or those envisioning a career in some segment of the building industry. The minor program provides an exposure to architecture—what it is, what it includes, its history, how it is accomplished; and to architects—who they are and how they think and work.
Minor in Architecture 2022-2023
Minor in Architecture 2023-2024
MINOR IN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY
Open to all Rensselaer students interested in the history of architecture as a socio-cultural phenomenon that examines architecture as a cultural artifact.
Minor in Architectural History 2022-2023
Minor in Architectural History 2023-2024
Environmental Design Minor
The minor in Environmental Design is a 17-credit cross-school, interdisciplinary minor focused on developing skills related to environmentally sustainable design while developing students’ critical understanding of the social and cultural context of sustainability debates and environmental justice. As an interdisciplinary minor, students are required to take at least one course from the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and one course from the School of Architecture, with the remaining credits being freely selected from applicable courses. Courses are offered at both the Troy campus as well as CASE in New York City, enabling students to spend a semester at CASE while fulfilling minor requirements.
Students are strongly recommended to use their HASS Core, namely the Sustainability or Environmental Futures pathways towards this minor.
Environmental Design Minor 2023-2024
Architectural Acoustics Minor
The minor in architectural acoustics is open to all Rensselaer students interested in advanced study focusing on the optimization of acoustical quality of performance spaces and other aurally sensitive environments. After completing the minor, the student will be well-prepared for an entry level position dealing with acoustics issues in architectural practice, in acoustical consulting, or as a preparation for graduate studies in acoustics, for example in the Graduate Program in Architectural Acoustics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The program consists of 15 credits. Proficiency in Calculus I is necessary to comprehend the basics of architectural acoustics. Approval required by director of program.
Architectural Acoustics Minor 2022-2023
Architectural Acoustics Minor 2023-2024
Lighting Minor
The minor in lighting gives students the awareness and the confidence to extend their creative work through controlled use of light. The program covers human responses to light, both visual and non-visual, and the means by which light is produced and controlled. Interactions of light with form, texture, and color are examined in the contexts of daylight, electric lighting, and their integration. The Lighting minor requires 15 credits.