Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

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VABE

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

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
H Honours
T Thesis Available
C Combined Honours programs available

"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

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

95%

Employment Rate of Graduates

Employment rate of graduates 2 years following degree completion (OUGS Fine Arts, 2018)

Explore Opportunities

Explore a selection of opportunities recommended for students in your program. This chart shows some of your 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 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

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

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 and industry 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 workshops on interview skills and job search strategies
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued
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
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
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, such as:

Co-op, internship or field experiences
Research with faculty
Culminating senior experience
Capstone courses
Service-learning
Learning communities
Study abroad

Career Planning Cycle

Intentional career planning will help you prepare for your next step after graduation and beyond. It is a fluid, dynamic, and lifelong process. You can move on or return to an earlier stage in the cycle at any time.

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-Curricular

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

Extracurricular

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

Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

Your location

VABE

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

Functional Knowledge

95%

Let's Talk About Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Career Tracks*

Common sectors for graduates

Apply to UWindsor

Explore Opportunities

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Career Planning Cycle

Build your Skills and Experience

Curriculum

Co-Curricular

Extracurricular

Questions? Need Help?

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Visual Arts & the Built Environment

Career Tracks^*

Questions?
Need Help?

you & your
family are invited to

Fall
Open House

you & your
family are invited to

Spring
Open House

you & your
family are invited to

Applicant
Receptions

you & your
family are invited to the