Explore AAD
Discover your path in architecture, arts, and design
Not sure which major is the right fit? Explore AAD is a great place to start. As an undecided major in the college, you’ll have the chance to learn about four- and five-year degree programs in architecture, design, performing arts, and visual arts. Along the way, you’ll explore your interests, connect with faculty and peers, and discover the direction that inspires you most.
How Explore AAD works
As an Explore AAD major, you’ll take courses across the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, while also completing some of your general education requirements. Explore AAD students will enroll in select classes that are usually reserved for majors in architecture, interior design, industrial design, landscape architecture, and art — giving you a true taste of the college’s programs from day one.
You’ll also have dedicated advising support from Susanna Rinehart, associate professor and associate dean, who will help you choose courses that align with your interests, explore potential majors, and guide you through the process of transitioning into the program that’s right for you. For quick answers, check out the FAQs at the bottom of this page.
Explore our majors online and come visit
Make sure you check out all the majors in the college that interest you or that you’d just like to learn more about. Our major pages provide information on what you’ll study, why you should pursue this major at Virginia Tech, what courses you’ll take, what kind of job you can get with your degree, and what graduate programs you might pursue.
If you have questions and want to see for yourself what it’s like to be a student in our college or a specific program, make plans to come visit. Be sure to attend an info session and tour while you’re on campus.
FAQs
Below are some of the most often asked questions about Explore AAD. If you have additional questions, email Susanna Rinehart at susannar@vt.edu.
The application period for major changes in the School of Architecture and School of Design starts in January. You’ll apply to the major you’re interested in, have an interview, and, if successful, you’ll be invited to attend summer studio in Blacksburg. At the end of summer studio, faculty will review your work. If you do well and pass, you’ll be accepted to your new major, having successfully transferred in by the start of your second year at Virginia Tech.
The answer to this question will look a little different for each student. It would depend on the classes you take during your first year, any transfer credits you bring to Virginia Tech, and how you perform in summer studio. As an Explore AAD student, you’ll be able to take the same math, science, and other foundational courses as students in the School of Architecture and School of Design. The only requirement you’ll need to complete over the summer is the first-year studio experience.
You'll take classes during your first year as an Explore AAD major that a student in the School of Architecture or School of Design may not typically take until year two or three. This allows you to get ahead in some areas while you wait to catch up with your studio experience over the summer.
Students who pass summer studio with a "C" or better will move into the second year of their program as a sophomore, meaning they'll graduate in the same amount of time as students who started in that major their first year. Students who don't perform as well may be asked to go back and complete the first-year studio during their second year at Virginia Tech, pushing back graduation an extra year.
Every Explore AAD student’s schedule looks a little different, since it depends on the credits you bring with you to Virginia Tech. At new student orientation, you’ll plan your schedule, and, if you know what major you are most interested in, your advisor will help you build a schedule that includes courses for that major. A sample first-year schedule for an AAD student who is thinking about transferring into architecture might look like this:
- ENGL 1105 (3 credits) – Freshman English
- AAD 1004 (2 credits) – Exploring Architecture, Arts, and Design
- MATH 1535 (3 credits) – Geometry and Mathematics of Design
- GEOS 1004 (3 credits) – Physical Geology
- LAR 1264 (3 credits) – Seeing, Understanding, and Representing Landscapes
- A general education curriculum or elective course
The application process is straightforward. Plus, as an Explore AAD major, your advisor will assist and support you, remind you of the application process, and alert you to information sessions about the restricted architecture and design majors.
While these majors are extremely competitive, the coursework and opportunities you pursue as an Explore AAD student will help set you apart from other applicants as long as you maintain a high GPA and stay engaged.
No, Explore AAD students are a diverse group. Some students will come to Virginia Tech intending to pursue a program like architecture and then learn about another major in the college that interests them more.
As an Explore AAD student, you’ll take AAD 1004: Exploring Architecture, Arts, and Design, which provides information about all AAD majors and potential careers for each major. You’ll also receive advising support to help you in your academic decision-making.
Two years is the maximum time you can stay in this non-degree granting major.
Art history, theatre arts, and cinema are non-restricted majors. You can change to one of these majors during any designated major change period.