Institution Woodbury University State California Academic Level Baccalaureate Issue Area Academic Program Website https://woodbury.edu/program/school-of-architecture/programs/architecture-la/ Key Personnel Heather Flood Program Focus Discipline/Subject Overview Consistent with the mission of the Woodbury University, the School of Architecture is committed to the training and education of innovative design professionals. The curriculum prepares students to balance the need to work competitively in the marketplace with the equally important concerns of ethical conduct and social responsibility. The Woodbury University Bachelor of Architecture develops the voices of the students it serves while fostering respect for their natural, social, and cultural environments. Program Description Latino students comprise 35% of Woodbury University’s enrollment. In the School of Architecture, however, Hispanic enrollment is greater than 40%, in part because the program’s mission, curricular focus, and support systems are matched to the needs of the Latino population. Woodbury Architecture does not require a portfolio for entrance, a rarity among National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB)-accredited programs. As schools in low-income communities seldom can afford art or design programs that result in portfolios, the Woodbury University Bachelor of Architecture program targets students who display a passion for the discipline and habits of hard work. The program actively encourages students to express their identities and values their heritage through the practice of architecture. Outcome From 2002-2007 the number of undergraduate architecture students has grown from 323 to 487. The percentage of Latino architecture students has increased from 39% to 42% of the total. First-year retention rates for Latinos in the Bachelor of Architecture, a five-year program, surpass the university at an average of 80% compared to 76% for all students. The number of Latinos finishing their degrees has risen nearly 90% since 2003, going from 18% of the graduating class that year to 34% in 2007. Learn more about Latino College Completion in California Return to Growing What Works Database
