College of Architecture at El Paso, Texas

From TTU College of Architecture

Those seeking a full professional degree in architecture can finish their studies in Lubbock with a Masters of Architecture Degree.

The Graduate Program in Lubbock is well-regarded for its sound practical training and for its advanced teaching in Historic Preservation, Community Design, and Visualization. The program is also known for its work/study options and its firm-based experience-rich Atelier Studios.

With excellent computational, library, and shop facilities studying at the College of Architecture in Lubbock is an excellent way to complete a professional education at the graduate level.

Information on Enrollment:
Texas Tech (915) 831-7620

From the Director

College of Architecture Expands to El Paso, Texas

The College of Architecture (CoA) at Texas Tech University has entered into a partnership with El Paso Community College (EPCC) that will expand the pathways for El Paso area students. The two academic communities will have the opportunity to interact in one of the most vibrant urban cultures in Texas. The College of Architecture will offer third and fourth year classes in El Paso to students who have completed their Associates Degree in architecture resulting in a pre-professional Bachelors of Science Degree. The classes will be taught in facilities on the EPCC campus. The support for this addition to higher education in El Paso comes from the CoA Alumni Advisory Council, the El Paso AIA Chapter, the Paso del Norte Chamber of Commerce as well as the El Paso Chamber of Commerce Board. The professional community in El Paso currently has hosted several students working in architectural offices over the past two summers.

The CoA mission statement refers to “the future of practice”. The future of architectural practice in Texas is one that must respond and give value to a powerful Hispanic architectural tradition. In spite of the changing demographics in the state and the nation, only 2% of the members of the American Institute of Architects come from a Hispanic background (AIA 2005 Demographic Diversity Audit Report). Yet, the desire for community-engaged architecture, culturally sensitive urban design and culturally responsive planning require the profession to demand sophisticated professionals that represents all of the cultures that make up the community. For young Hispanic students in El Paso who want to pursue the dream of becoming a licensed architect in Texas the options are limited. They can get an excellent start at EPCC, but few pathways are open to them after that. Texas Tech, in Lubbock, offers a five year professional program; but, the distances and expanses involved seem insurmountable to many young Hispanic students with modest means and strong family ties. This program will meet our future professional goals and open opportunities in the field of Architecture to residents of El Paso.

Students Can Stay at Home

EPCC and Tech to offer architecture degree

By Erica Molina Johnson / El Paso Times

Josue Muñoz was concerned that he would have to leave town to get his degree in architecture. But a new partnership between El Paso Community College and Texas Tech University will begin offering the degree in El Paso this fall. “I think it's awesome,” Muñoz 19, said. “It has a lot of advantages. It's close to home and I don't have to rent somewhere (to live)”. He recently received his associates degree in architecture at the college, and had been planning to work on his bachelor's degree in Lubbock or San Antonio. “I would have to move and find another job,” he said.

The new partnership between the two schools will allow El Paso students to complete their first two years of the degree program as students of El Paso Community College. They will then transfer to Texas Tech to continue their final two years, but the classes will be taken in El Paso at one of the college's facilities. “The bachelor of science degree in architecture from Texas Tech University would be the same degree you would get in Lubbock,” said Ken Gorski, the architecture discipline coordinator at El Paso Community College. Gorski said the associate's degree program was created originally to help make it easier for El Paso Community College students to attend the Texas Tech program in Lubbock. “We will also serve students who graduated from Doña Ana Branch (Community College) or anywhere in the country,” he said. “It's really unique”. He said about 60 students at El Paso Community College are taking architecture classes or are pursuing a degree. “It's really popular. It's been growing exponentially and it's probably going to double in size,” Gorski said. He said there is a significant need for architects in El Paso. “The local firms are basically swapping architects amongst each other,” he said “Hopefully this will alleviate some of the problem.”

Muñoz is eager to help ease the shortage of architects. “I'm in love with that career,” he said. “It's the perfect combination between the science and the arts. It's the perfect way I can project my ideas and my thoughts.”

Erica Molina Johnson can be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132

We Can Make It Possible

The cost of tuition is a growing concern for families in the State of Texas. As students from EPCC become Texas Tech students that concern will increase. Scholarships for student are a way to support “The Future of Practice” in architecture and give a gift of invaluable knowledge.

If you are interested in supporting students and to bridge the financial gap for students, please contact Kathy Johnson at the College of Architecture at Texas Tech University (806) 742-3136. You can give online as well.

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