Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

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Plant your feet in two cities in this joint program with the University of Detroit Mercy. Receive a visual arts degree from UWindsor, and a BSc in architecture from UDM in this combined program. Courses are taught by architects in this close-knit, niche program. You’ll have lots of hands-on learning opportunities through internships and projects for non-profit groups. Then there’s the option to get your master’s from UDM in just one additional year. You must be a Canadian citizen to take part in this program.

Sample Courses: Architecture Design, Introduction to Architecture, Contemporary Visual Culture, Studio Practice and Ideas/Drawing, Visual Communication

Career Tracks: Architect, building/interior designer, urban planning and revitalization co-ordinator, building restoration specialist, project and facilities manager

Sample Courses: Architecture Design, Introduction to Architecture, Contemporary Visual Culture, Studio Practice and Ideas/Drawing, Visual Communication

Career Tracks: Architect, building/interior designer, urban planning and revitalization co-ordinator, building restoration specialist, project and facilities manager

Co-op Co-op Available
G General 3-year program
H Honours 4-year program
T Thesis Available
C Combined Honours programs available

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"VABE has been the best university experience I could ask for. The VABE program offers opportunities to learn in so many different ways, from tactile and experience based learning to theory and calculus, and allows for students to work one-on-one with professors to develop their skills. Being able to use my passion for art as well as my love of math and problem solving to design for the future is something that could only happen in the VABE program."

Amanda Gatto
BFA in Visual Arts and the Built Environment

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What Will I Learn?

Focused iterative learning on architecture, design, and visual graphic communication using traditional media and digital industry standard software
Understand the mean and methods used to create structures through construction and sustainable technologies
Expressing oneself confidently, assertively, and purposefully through visual imagery

Creating works of visual art using a variety of techniques, practices, and media

Developing visual literacy: the ability to understand the powerful role of images in contemporary media contexts and to convey one’s own ideas and arguments thoughtfully through the creation of new images, works of art, film, or architecture

Designing, staging, managing, and overseeing effective visual campaigns and productions

Analyzing and assessing works of visual art for formal/technical

100%

Employment Rate of Graduates*

*Two Years after Graduation (OUGS Fine and Applied Arts, 2020)

Explore your opportunities

Architectural journalism
Art/architectural history
Building design
Construction
Development
Interior spatial design

Project and facility management
Real estate
Restoration
Set production
Urban planning and revitalization
Visual Arts

First Year

Take required courses including Architecture Design I and II, Introduction to Architecture (taken at UDM) and Contemporary Visual Culture
Work with the International Student Office (ISO) at UDM and the VABE Coordinator in July and August as an incoming student to obtain your student Visa to commute as an international students
Participate in a Welcome Day prior to classes where everyone crosses the border and completes the Visa process, followed by a tour of UDM Campus
Review degree course requirements and become familiar with UWinsite Student Portal and TitanConnect at UDM for course registration, grades, and program fees
Receive peer mentorship from other VABE students and from members of the UWindsor Creative Arts Student Society (CASS)

Middle Years

Receive advising from the VABE Coordinator and UDM Dean’s Office to select required and elective courses that satisfy the requirements of both institutions
Develop your career in the Professional Development class by building your portfolio and curriculum vitae HIP
Apply for entry into final year of Architecture at University of Detroit Mercy
Choose a degree path for pursuing an Honours BFA in VABE or continuing in the fourth year at UDM for the BSc Architecture and General BA in Visual Arts
Begin looking into optional courses outside of Visual Arts/SoCA (in FAHSS or Sciences) to complete before Year 3
Consider taking courses in accordance with the Certificate in Arts Management

Final Year

Meet with the VABE Coordinator to go over degree requirements
Complete all required courses for your degree
Submit your portfolio and letter of intent to UDM for entrance into the fourth year BSc Architecture
Make sure all 400-level courses are completed in both Studio areas and Media Art History/Visual Culture if pursuing the 4th year BFA VABE
Apply to graduate through UWinsite Student Portal
Take a Visual Arts Independent Study course
Work with a faculty member on a research project or publication HIP
Complete required courses for Arts Management Certificate

First Year

Utilize the 24/7 dedicated studio space in the new, state of the art downtown Armouries Building with access to all equipment for creative design and fabrication
Join a club like the Creative Arts Student Society, 3D Print Club, American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), and National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAS)
Explore free SOCA Presents events such as professional artist talks, film screenings, and music performances
Invesitgate research opportunities as part of the Outstanding Scholars program HIP
Participate in the Bystander Initiative workshop to gain skills that will help you be an effective and supportive ally to prevent sexual assault on campus

Middle Years

Start researching and interviewing for paid co-op placement which can occur anywhere in Canada or even the United States HIP
Attend the free UDM School of Architecture lecture series featuring renowned architects, landscape architects, and urbanists and designers
Volunteer or work with the Art Gallery of Windsor, Artcite, Arts Council Windsor and Region or other cultural organizations
Explore the cultural experience of the revitalized Detroit with VABE colleagues
Participate in AIA Michigan events throughout the year
Research international student exchange opportunities for middle years, especially UDM’s Volterra exchange opportunity HIP
Participate in the UWill Discover undergraduate research conference HIP

Final Year

Join a professional association in your field such as the Ontario Association of Architects (for VABE students)
Follow events open to architecture students with the Windsor Region Society of Architects (WRSA)
Become a teaching assistant or research assistant HIP
Conduct field research with faculty member HIP
Complete a thesis and present work at thesis show (BFA students) HIP
Work with a campus department to help produce artistic ideas for marketing or promotional videos
Consider applying for co-op placement in the VABE Collaborative Studio which works on professional architecture and design projects in-house in the VABE Studio over the summer HIP

First Year

Start by making a list of things that you enjoy and areas in which you excel
Explore the myriad of career paths available to architecture and visual artists
Kick-start your career with the first gallery exhibition curated by the VABE Class in the second semester in the SoCA Gallery
Meet with a career advisor in Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL) for help developing a plan for your future years
Consider a career assessment appointment to help you identify possible career paths
Get involved with a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, campus group, or research assistantship
Attend CDEL workshops to learn how to find a summer or part-time job and write a university-level resumé
Chat with an advisor during CDEL's Drop In hours to get answers to your career and job search questions

Middle Years

Take part in your second gallery exhibition in the SOCA Gallery in Year 3
Explore opportunities and meet potential employers by participating in job fairs, industry networking events, or CDEL’s Job Shadow Experience
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued by CDEL
Take part in informational interviews and join online communities like LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees to connect with people in your targeted profession or industry
Search job postings to learn what skills, knowledge, and credentials you will need for potential careers

Final Year

Finalize your portfolio for internship and consider developing a website with your work
If you are considering applying to graduate or professional school, be aware of early application deadlines
Meet with CDEL to prepare application documents like a resumé, cover letter, CV, or personal statement for jobs and education programs you are applying to
Attend CDEL’s workshops on interview skills and job search strategies
Set up a mock interview with a career advisor for professional school or job applications
Take part in recruitment events and job fairs, including those organized by CDEL

HIP

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

A HIP is an enriching educational experience that can be life-changing and often includes learning outside of the classroom while encouraging meaningful interaction and collaboration.

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Land Acknowledgment

The University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which includes the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi. We respect the longstanding relationships with First Nations people in this place in the 100-mile Windsor-Essex peninsula and the straits – les détroits – of Detroit.

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Visual Arts &
the Built Environment

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

Your location

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What Will I Learn?

100%

Explore your opportunities

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Learn More

Questions?
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Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

Your location

Visual Arts & Built Environment (VABE) (BFA)

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

Architecture, University of Detroit Mercy (BSc) & Visual Arts (BA) H

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

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Connect with Visual Arts & The Built Environment

What Will I Learn?

100%

Explore your opportunities

Career Tracks

Experiences

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Learn More

Questions? Need Help?

Chat & ask questions

Visual Arts &
the Built Environment

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sent straight to your inbox

Questions?
Need Help?