Opportunities

Students studying architectural studies have the chance to extend their learning outside the classroom by participating in research, internships and study abroad. 

Academic Internships 

Students frequently take part in academic internships related to architectural studies. The following professional organizations in the local and regional areas offer internships related to architectural studies. 

Historic New England
Contact: Jennifer Pustz 

Human Resources at the City of Worcester
Contact: Pam Callahan

Worcester Art Museum 
Contact: Laura Riach, Visitor/Volunteer services manager

American Antiquarian Society
Contact: Carol Ann Mackey, Human Resources

Boston Society of Architects
Students interested in internships are invited to post resumes on their website under "Employment"

Preservation Worcester
Contact: Deborah Packard

Concentration Seminar

In their senior year, majors participate in the Concentration Seminar in which they complete a capstone project, such as a research paper or a studio project. In the Concentration Seminar students may also choose to further develop projects generated by an internship in a professional office or government agency or during study abroad.

Concentration Seminar Examples

During the 2017-18 academic year, Joe Metrano ’18, a double major in architectural studies and studio art, did an honors capstone project titled “Campus on a Hill: Puritan Campus Planning at Colonial Institutions of Higher Education in New England, 16356-1776.”

Cross-Registration

In addition to courses offered at Holy Cross, students may opt to take courses at other local colleges. Many students have taken technical design courses at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and graphic design courses at Becker College.

Off-Campus Summer Programs

The following summer programs allow students to learn more about the field of architecture:

Research

Joe Metrano ’18, a double major in architectural studies and studio art, works on his summer research project, titled "Rethinking Home: A Design Proposal for Sustainable Housing at HC."
Joe Metrano ’18, a double major in architectural studies and studio art, works on his summer research project, titled "Rethinking Home: A Design Proposal for Sustainable Housing at HC."

In addition to the concentration seminar, other research opportunities for students are available throughout the year, including the summer. Visit the Summer Research in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Fine Arts website to learn more.

Study Abroad

Katie-Li Walker ’18, a double major in architectural studies and studio art, bikes through Superkilen, a public park in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark during her time abroad.
Katie-Li Walker ’18, a double major in architectural studies and studio art, bikes through Superkilen, a public park in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark during her time abroad.

Students have the opportunity to study and witness some of the world’s best architecture by taking part in any one of a number of excellent study abroad programs.

Recently students have studied abroad in:

For more information, visit the study abroad site.

Summer Abroad

Students can study architecture through the following summer study abroad programs:

Washington and New York Semester Programs

Students can participate in the College’s own Washington and New York Semester Programs. 

For more information, visit the Washington Semester Program and New York Semester Program sites.