2026-2028 Catalog

Offered at: San Luis Obispo Campus

The Architecture Minor blends studies in aesthetics, culture, sciences, math, technologies and craft and their influences on the design and construction of buildings and spaces. Architectural constructs embody collective values and impact quality of life, affecting experiences at multiple scales, from the context of the individual to the expanse of cities, often over long periods of time. In this minor, students may choose courses in the categories of history and theory, architectural technology, architecture and society, or create a path around personal interests, but at least 50% of the courses selected must be upper division. The Architecture Minor welcomes students from all majors and is meant to provide an introduction to the discipline.

Minor Requirements and Curriculum

The minor must be completed prior to, or at the same time as, the requirements for the bachelor's degree. A major and a minor may not be taken in the same degree program, and a minor is not required for a degree. Requirements for the minor include:
  • At least half of the units must be from upper-division courses (3000-4000 level).
  • At least half of the units must be taken at Cal Poly (in residence).
  • No more than one-third of the units will be taken with credit-no credit grading (CR/NC), not counting courses with mandatory CR/NC. Departments may further limit CR/NC grading if desired.
  • A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in all units counted for completion of the minor.
REQUIRED COURSES
Select from the following:3
Equity, Social Justice, and Architecture
History of World Architecture I: Prehistory to 17th Century
History of World Architecture II: 17th Century to the Present
ARCH 3325Topics in Architectural History, Theory, and Criticism3
EDES 1123Place, People, and the Built Environment3
Approved Electives
Select from the following: 12-3
Architectural Representation I
Architecture Design Studio for Non-Majors
Topics in Architectural Representation
Topics in Design
Advanced Topics in Architectural Representation
Topics in Computational Design and Digital Fabrication
Topics in Architectural Technology and Practice
Topics in Design Build and Fabrication
Select from the following: 13-4
History of Structures
Sustainability and the Built Environment
Urban Planning History
The Divided City: Urban Studies on Spatial Justice
The Global Environment
Sustainable Environments
History of Landscape Architecture
Select any course that was not taken to satisfy an approved elective listed above
Total Units15