Summer Design Academy
This course is available in two different campus locations as well as online. Please see below for available options.
Summer Design Academy: UMass Amherst Campus
The UMass Amherst Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to learn more about these professions and experience the kinds of activities that take place in a university design program.
The Design Academy's interactive educational experiences include sketching, design exercises, model-making, the introduction to graphic and 3D computer programs, a visit to an architecture office, as well as lectures and reading discussions.
Students will create strong portfolio material that can be used for college applications to university design and architectural programs.
Students attending the Summer Design Academy in person will receive a materials kit (included in program fees).
There are two ways to participate:
- a residential option for students who will stay on campus for the three weeks.
- a commuter option for local students who will come in to campus each day.
The UMass Department of Architecture is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education, and in the profession of architecture. Several need-based partial scholarships are available for students of color with financial need. Please see Tuition & Fees to learn how to apply.
Schedule: M - F, 9am - 4pm. Students should expect some additional studio time in the evenings.
Summer Design Academy: Mount Ida Campus (Greater Boston)
The UMass Amherst Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to learn more about these professions and experience the kinds of activities that take place in a university design program.
The Design Academy's interactive educational experiences include sketching, design exercises, model-making, the introduction to graphic and 3D computer programs, a visit to an architecture office, as well as lectures and reading discussions.
Students will create strong portfolio material that can be used for college applications to university design and architectural programs.
Students attending the Summer Design Academy in person will receive a materials kit (included in program fees).
There are two ways to participate:
- a residential option for students who will stay on campus for the three weeks.
- a commuter option for local students who will come in to campus each day.
The UMass Department of Architecture is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education, and in the profession of architecture. Several need-based partial scholarships are available for students of color with financial need. Please see Tuition & Fees to learn how to apply.
Schedule: M - F, 9am - 4pm. Students should expect some additional studio time in the evenings.
Summer Design Academy: Online
The UMass Amherst Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to learn more about these professions and experience the kinds of activities that take place in a university design program.
The Design Academy's interactive educational experiences include sketching, design exercises, model-making, the introduction to graphic and 3D computer programs, a visit to an architecture office, as well as lectures and reading discussions.
Students will create strong portfolio material that can be used for college applications to university design and architectural programs.
Students attending the Summer Design Academy online will be provided with a materials list to purchase on their own.
Schedule: Live, synchronous sessions will meet Monday - Thursday 1:00 - 4:00pm (Eastern). Plus asynchronous work as assigned.
Attendance
Students attending the online program are expected to attend all class sessions live in real time. In order to prioritize the health and well-being of participants, eligibility is restricted to applicants residing in time zones where class hours do not extend beyond midnight. Please use a time zone converter to check when class sessions will meet in your time zone.