Background Image Alternative Text: Architecture student Emily Taylor in the Library
Life as an Architecture Student

Life as an Architecture Student

The Mississippi State University School of Architecture provides a supportive environment for personal growth and professional development. Studio learning is a unique experience; our students have their own designated studio space in Giles Hall and have 24/7 access to that space. 

One big advantage of studio learning is it allows for more students to have more one-on-one time with professors; the Mississippi State University Bachelor of Architecture degree program boasts a low 15:1 student to faculty ratio.

Mississippi State architecture students have access to a variety of specialized facilities and tools within Giles Hall to help them succeed in their studies: digital fabrication lab, printing and plotting lab, the Bob and Kathy Luke Library (college-specific material), a woodworking shop, a 3-D printer, a CNC router, and more.

Who we are: Student, faculty, and alumni spotlights.


Field Trips and Site Visits

A favorite week for many students is the annual field trip week, a requirement for all students in the Mississippi State University Bachelor of Architecture degree program and an important component of study for an architecture student. 

Students in all studio levels travel to different metropolitan locations each year to expose our students to art, design, and construction in these areas. The field trip location generally coincides with the studio focus for that year level, and students prepare for these trips by engaging in research and producing case studies. The time on site is divided between structured visits to important buildings, museums, and architectural offices, and free time for students to explore on their own.

Student participation in the field trip week is a required component of design studio, and the university assesses field trip fees in conjunction with tuition. 

Over the years, field trip destinations have included metropolitan destinations such as Atlanta, New Orleans, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Louisville, and Cincinnati.

The fifth-year field trip is a two-week study abroad in Europe. 

In addition to the weeklong field trips, students also participate in local and regional field trips. These trips are not only planned in conjunction with the design studios, but also complement lecture courses and may last a few hours or require an overnight stay.

Destinations for short-term field trips have included the Columbus Brick Factory, Viking Range Corporation, Auburn’s Rural Studio, construction sites, and Mississippi small towns.


CAAD & MSU Student Life

College is an exciting new adventure, and you are on your way! Start planning that adventure today by exploring our colleges, research opportunities, study abroad trips, housing options, meal plans, and how to get involved!

CAAD Student Life MSU Student Life


 

Architecture Student Organizations

Tau Sigma Delta (TSD)

Tau Sigma Delta is an architectural honor society open to top students in the third-, fourth-, and fifth-year architecture studios. Tau Sigma Delta's organizes Friday Forum and the Giles Gallery exhibitions and receptions.

The American Institute of Architecture Students

American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is the student branch of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIAS sponsors many professional, social, and service events throughout the year including the Beaux Arts Ball. Our chapter also has Freedom By Design (FBD), which is dedicated to serving our local community. 

@aias.msstate for The American Institute of Architecture Students AIAS website for The American Institute of Architecture Students

The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) is the student arm of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Students participating seek to enhance the educational experience of its members by fostering diversity within the School of Architecture and the community at-large. NOMAS hosts the annual TRASHIONshow, an event where students design clothing out of reusable items.

@msstatenomas for The National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)

The Student Director's Advisory Council

The Student Director’s Advisory Council consists of two students from each year level in the School of Architecture and executive leaders of the architecture student organizations. This group acts as a liaison between the student body and the administration and meets monthly with the director of the Mississippi State University Bachelor of Architecture degree program.

Young Women in Architecture

Young Women in Architecture is a new student organization in the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Mississippi State University, founded by architecture student Savannah Wilson. YWA's mission is to empower and support women in architecture during and after their time at Mississippi State. The group has established five pillars as its backbone: Design, Integrity, Community, Scholarship, and Purpose. In addition to preparing members for the professional world, they also focus on supporting the local community, uplifting members and fellow classmates, and pushing members to become better designers and individuals every day. Any person in architecture or architectural-related studies can join.

@ ywamsu for Young Women in Architecture spotlight for Young Women in Architecture

Background Image Alternative Text: Outside Giles Hall

Contact Us
School of Architecture

  • 899 Collegeview St
  • 240 Giles Hall
  • Post Office Box AQ
  • Mississippi State, MS 39762
  • Phone: (662) 325-2202
  • Campus Mailstop: 9633
  • Jackson Center:
  • 509 East Capitol Street, Jackson
  • (601) 354-6480
sarc-admissions@caad.msstate.edu School of Architecture Directory FIND US
Architecture

(662) 325-2202

Building Construction Science

(662) 325-8305

Interior Design

(662) 325-0530

Dean's Office

(662) 325-5150