Is a double major in Environmental Studies & Arts & Ideas a good background for architecture graduate studies?

Question

My first major is in Arts & Ideas (an interdisciplinary major in studio art, foreign language, literature, and art history and theory). For a long time, I have been trying to choose between Architecture, Economics, and Biology for my second major (I'm doing a double major). However, recently I found that U of M offers an environmental studies major which focuses both on the science (Chemistry, Biology, Geosci, Environmental Sci) and Policy (Economics, Political science, communications, etc) of environmentalism. Also, within this major, I can specialize in environmental economics or environment & urban planning.

Would it make sense to double major in Arts & Ideas and Environmental Studies and then pursue a Professional Masters degree in Architecture in graduate school?

The reason I think this might be better than getting a B.S. in Arch right now is because the B.S. in Arch is very specialized, and though it is the faster track for becoming an architect, I am not necessarily in a hurry. Plus, I have many varied interests in the arts, natural sciences and social sciences and I see my undergraduate years as the greatest opportunity to get a diversified education.

I’m wondering if Architecture graduate school admissions would view such an interdisciplinary double major in studio art, foreign language, environmental science/ chemistry, and economics as a sign that I am unfocused or as a well rounded education that would prepare me for the architecture program…maybe especially for studying, for example, sustainable architecture.

Also, I’ve heard that environmental studies has a reputation for being an easy major or unfocused or unpopular or something (not at all saying this is true, I just learned about this major and am still reading into it)

I would appreciate any opinions or input :)

Answer 1

I also go to U of M and I've been trying to figure out a major before going back.  I have been considering applying to the College of Architecture for a Bachelor's, but I don't know if I want to commit to it yet.  I don't think your ICP would hurt your chances of getting into a 3 year Master's program.  I think your completion of certain pre-reqs (art, calc, physics) and a good portfolio are more important.  I took a drawing class last term and my GSI was a masters student in arch, with a bachelor's in French.

How was the process of getting your interdisciplinary major approved?  (I'm in LSA, and I'd like to combine the arts with something more practical.  Maybe an ICP would be a good option...?)  

-Julie