Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Admission Requirements & Program Highlights

VABE – Visual Arts and the Built Environment (VABE) is a unique program offered by the University of Windsor’s School of Creative Arts (SOCA) in collaboration with the University of Detroit Mercy’s (UDM) School of Architecture. This crossborder program combines the study of art and architecture and offers you the breadth of knowledge and experience in both disciplines. You will have the opportunity to take courses in Windsor and Detroit. If you are interested in pursuing architecture, and qualify in the third year, you can apply to the Architectural Program at UDM. This option leads either to a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture after fourth year from UDM or, after a fifth year of study, a professional degree at the master’s level from UDM (MArch).

Admission Requirements

Course Requirements

Minimum Average

ENG4U, SPH4U and MHF4U required, MCV4U is recommended. The VABE program is open to Canadian citizens legally permitted to commute to the United States. Minimum average of 75%.

75%

Course Requirements

Minimum Average

Grade 12 English, Grade 12 Physics and Grade 12 Advanced Functions required, Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors is recommended. The VABE program is open to Canadian citizens legally permitted to commute to the United States. Minimum average of 75%.

75%

Course Requirements

Minimum Average

75%

Functional Knowledge

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 quality of expression; grouping and curating disparate works logically and meaningfully
Understanding and evaluating the rhetorical function of visual advertising materials

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Explore Opportunities

Explore a selection of recommended opportunities for students in this program. Below you'll find many options – you don’t have to do everything on it or limit yourself to it. Engage in opportunities from each of the three categories to set yourself up for success.

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 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 MyUWinsite 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 Year

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 Year

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

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 workshop or 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 resumé and cover letter

Middle Year

Take part in your second gallery exhibition in the SOCA Gallery in Year 3
Explore opportunities and meet employers through job fairs and employer networking events
Explore further educational opportunities by attending the Graduate and Professional Schools Fair and researching admission requirements for programs you are interested in
Attend CDEL’s Using Social Media to Leverage Your Career workshop
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued
Take part in informational interviews and use sources like LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees to meet people in your targeted profession
Attend mySuccess presentations to strengthen communication and interview skills

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 an Interview Skills Workshop and Job Search Tips Workshop
Use InterviewStream to practice your interview skills online
Set up an in-person mock interview with a career advisor for professional school or job applications
Meet employers at the annual job fair in January

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.

Let's Talk About Visual Arts & the Built Environment

We’re here to help you along the way. Contact us to learn more about our program options.

Career Planning

Intentional career planning will help you prepare for your next step after graduation. It is a fluid, dynamic, and continuous process, meaning you can move on or return to an earlier stage at any time. You can even work through simultaneous cycles, like one for your long-term dream job and another for a summer job.

Manage Your Career - 1. Asses Yourself - 2. Explore Careers - 3. Expand Skills - 4. Market Yourself - 5. Find a job

Build your Skills and Experience

Your UWindsor experience is more than attending classes. It is a combination of academics, co-curricular activities, and extracurricular involvement. By making the most of all three elements of your university experience, you will maximize your opportunities to build your skills, broaden your personal network, and clarify your long term academic and career goals.

Curriculum

Courses of study specific to each program

Co-Curriculum

Activities and experiences that complement coursework (Outstanding Scholars, peer mentoring, VIP)

Extracurriculum

Activities falling outside of the scope of set curriculum (Part-time job, clubs, volunteering, athletics

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Life After Graduation

"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

92.5%

Employment rate of graduates 2 years following degree completion
(OUGS Fine and Applied Arts, 2014)

Common Industries for Visual Arts & The Built Enviroment Graduates

Academia and research
Advertising and marketing
Art/illustration
Architecture and Design industry
Education: Public and private stream, tutoring
Government: Research and policy development
Media and journalism: Criticism, visual production
Urban Planning

Career Tracks^*

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

* Additional education and/or training required for some of the above careers.

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You probably have a lot of questions. We're here to help. Connect with us and we'll discover your higher education needs together.

1-800-864-2860 ask.UWindsor Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Admission Requirements & Program Highlights

Admission Requirements

Functional Knowledge

Apply to UWindsor

Explore Opportunities

First Year

Middle Year

Final Year

First Year

Middle Year

Final Year

First Year

Middle Year

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Let's Talk About Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Career Planning

Build your Skills and Experience

Curriculum

Co-Curriculum

Extracurriculum

Visit UWindsor

Visit UWindsor

Life After Graduation

Common Industries for Visual Arts & The Built Enviroment Graduates

Career Tracks^*

Let's Connect

Continue Exploring UWindsor

1. Explore

2. Connect

3. Visit

4. Apply

5. You're In!

Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Admission Requirements & Program Highlights

Admission Requirements

Functional Knowledge

Apply to UWindsor

Explore Opportunities

First Year

Middle Year

Final Year

First Year

Middle Year

Final Year

First Year

Middle Year

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Let's Talk About Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Career Planning

Build your Skills and Experience

Curriculum

Co-Curriculum

Extracurriculum

Visit UWindsor

Visit UWindsor

Life After Graduation

Common Industries for Visual Arts & The Built Enviroment Graduates

Career Tracks*

Let's Connect

Continue Exploring UWindsor

1. Explore

2. Connect

3. Visit

4. Apply

5. You're In!

Career Tracks^*