When you step inside Knowlton Hall on Ohio State University’s campus, you’re entering more than just a building. You’re walking into an award-winning structure that serves as both classroom and inspiration. The Knowlton School of Architecture has been shaping the built environment since 1899, and today it stands as one of the nation’s most respected design education institutions.
Students here don’t just study buildings. They question how design impacts communities, how architecture responds to climate concerns, and how spaces can serve diverse populations.
This article covers the Knowlton School’s academic programs, admission requirements, facilities, career outcomes, and what makes this institution unique among architecture schools. You’ll learn about degree options, national rankings, and whether this school matches your educational goals.
What Is the Knowlton School of Architecture?
The Knowlton School is an administrative unit within Ohio State University’s College of Engineering that houses three academic sections: architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. Nearly 900 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees across these disciplines.
Founded in 1899, the Architecture Section occupies a distinct place in U.S. architectural education through its strong design culture and pioneering work with technology. The school emphasizes making as a fundamental part of learning.
Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton graduated from Ohio State in 1931 with a Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering and provided a $10 million donation that spearheaded funding for the current building. The modern Knowlton Hall opened in 2004, replacing the previous Ives Hall.
The Building as Laboratory
Knowlton Hall houses a 30,000 volume library, 65 offices, 45 studio spaces, a workshop, its own café, and a large auditorium that serves as both classroom and lecture venue. The building itself teaches. Students observe how light moves through spaces, how materials age, and how design choices affect daily use.
The building has received numerous awards, including the American Institute of Architects National Architecture Honor Award in 2010.
Academic Programs at Knowlton
The school offers programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BS Arch)
This four-year pre-professional degree provides foundational knowledge. Students learn spatial relationships, design theory, and construction systems. First-year students who begin at Ohio State as architecture majors are eligible to continue into the second year upon earning a B or higher in both architecture foundation courses.
The program follows a 4+2 model. After completing the BS, most students pursue a professional Master of Architecture to become eligible for licensure.
Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA)
Ohio State’s Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture is a four-year accredited professional degree leading to licensure and is the only such program in Ohio. The program has operated for over 100 years.
The BSLA program ranked 5th nationally in DesignIntelligence’s Top 25 Most Admired Schools list for accredited landscape architecture programs.
Graduate Programs
Master of Architecture (MArch)
The Master of Architecture degree at the Knowlton School has a single three-year degree with two entry points. Students with non-architecture undergraduate degrees enter the first year. Those with architecture backgrounds may receive advanced placement to enter the second year.
The program is NAAB-accredited and prepares students for professional licensure. The Master of Architecture program ranked 11th among accredited programs at public universities according to DesignIntelligence.
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
The school’s Master of Landscape Architecture program ranked 10th in DesignIntelligence’s graduate rankings, making it the top-ranked program in the Big Ten.
City and Regional Planning Programs
The school offers both master’s and doctoral programs in city and regional planning, addressing urban development, policy, and community design challenges.
What Makes Knowlton Different?
Interdisciplinary Approach
The Architecture Section provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations with the Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning Sections, as well as with disciplines outside of the school, from engineering to the arts and social sciences. This exposure prepares students for real-world projects that require multiple perspectives.
Distinguished Faculty and Visitors
The Herbert Baumer Memorial Seminars bring prominent practitioners to campus each year. National and international practitioners teach in the school and interact with students, providing insights at the intersection of the academy and practice. Recent Baumer lecturers have included leading figures from firms across the globe.
Focus on Social and Environmental Impact
Knowlton Architecture today seeks to have an impact, intertwining aesthetic explorations with questions of social and environmental importance. The curriculum addresses climate change, social equity, and community access to quality design.
Technology and Fabrication
Digital fabrication laboratories allow students to transform concepts into physical prototypes. The materials and fabrication lab supports hands-on experimentation with construction techniques and emerging technologies.
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
Upon admission to the university, first-year students interested in architecture are admitted directly to the major with no prior experience or portfolio required. Students must maintain academic performance to continue in the program.
Graduate Admission
Master’s programs require:
- Transcripts from all previous institutions
- Portfolio of creative work (for architecture programs)
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE scores may be required depending on the program
Specific requirements vary by program. Check the school’s official admissions page for current deadlines and materials.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
Career Paths
Architecture graduates pursue diverse careers:
- Licensed architects in private firms
- Urban designers and planners
- Design researchers
- Construction project managers
- Real estate developers
- Academic faculty
- Preservation specialists
New architecture graduates with a pre-professional degree can expect annual salaries above $45,000, while those with professional degrees who have completed their experience requirements and registration exams may earn salaries of $70,000 or more.
Industry Connections
The school hosts an annual career fair connecting students with employers. The mentor program links current students with practicing professionals. Architecture students have opportunities for paid internships locally and across the United States.
In the category for most hired from landscape architecture schools, the Knowlton School’s programs ranked 6th in the country according to the DesignIntelligence 2019 School Rankings Survey.
Student Life and Resources
Studio Culture
Architecture education centers on the design studio. Small groups work with faculty on projects that range from furniture design to institutional buildings. Students propose design solutions and communicate those solutions through a range of media, including digital rendering, model making, and full-scale fabrications.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to participate in a Knowlton-led education abroad program, traditionally offered during academic breaks for maximum flexibility. Recent programs have visited Cuba, Chile, Ghana, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan.
The Architecture Research Travel Awards (ARTA) fund independent student research abroad.
Student Recognition
More than 400 undergraduates from the Knowlton School were named to the Autumn 2024 College of Engineering Dean’s List, including 250 students in the Architecture Section.
Rankings and Recognition
| Program | National Ranking | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BSLA (Undergraduate) | 5th nationally | DesignIntelligence |
| MLA (Graduate) | 10th nationally | DesignIntelligence |
| MArch (Public Universities) | 11th | DesignIntelligence |
The 2018-2019 rankings are based on surveys filled out by the leadership of design firms across the country that were asked: “Which schools do you most admire for a combination of faculty, programs, culture and student preparation for the profession?”
The school consistently ranks in the top tier for specific competencies like construction materials, design theory, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knowlton School hard to get into? First-year students are admitted directly to the architecture major upon university admission. Graduate programs are competitive and require portfolios and strong academic records.
How long is the architecture program? The undergraduate BS in Architecture takes four years. Most students then complete a two-year Master of Architecture for professional licensure.
Does Knowlton offer financial aid? The program offers opportunities for internships and international travel and is able to provide more than half of students with financial support.
What is the student-to-faculty ratio? Small studio groups ensure personalized attention. The building houses 45 studio spaces for the school’s population, allowing focused instruction.
Can I visit Knowlton Hall? Yes. Prospective students can schedule campus tours through Ohio State’s admissions office. The school also hosts virtual information sessions for graduate programs.
Why Choose Knowlton School of Architecture?
The Knowlton School of Architecture offers more than technical training. Students learn to see design as a tool for addressing social challenges, environmental concerns, and cultural needs. The combination of hands-on making, theoretical inquiry, and real-world application prepares graduates for varied career paths.
Located in Columbus, students benefit from a growing metropolitan area with active architecture and planning sectors. The Ohio State connection provides access to resources across a major research university.
If you want an architecture education that balances creative exploration with professional preparation, Knowlton deserves consideration. The school’s century-plus history demonstrates staying power, while its recent rankings and award-winning facility show continued relevance.
Featured Snippet:
The Knowlton School of Architecture at Ohio State University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. Founded in 1899, it ranks among the nation’s top design schools, with nationally recognized NAAB-accredited programs housed in an award-winning facility.
