College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs
College Overview
Vision
CAPPA engages the creative and scholarly disciplines through its commitment to providing an outstanding research-driven education.
Mission and Philosophy
Together, our dynamic group of faculty and dedicated staff inspires, motivates, and educates students to pursue excellence in academic scholarship, design practice, creative thinking, and critical reflection. CAPPA provides a comprehensive, collaborative, relevant, and forward-thinking learning experience grounded in the rich traditions of the professional disciplines situated in the college. Located in the heart of DFW, CAPPA is a testing ground for the design and development of healthy, inclusive, environmentally and ecologically responsive communities.
A New Era Begins
In 2015, the University of Texas at Arlington’s School of Architecture and School of Urban and Public Affairs combined to form the College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs (CAPPA). The integration of the two schools strengthened the academic, research, and outreach opportunities available for students and faculty at UTA.
CAPPA offers degrees in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, sustainable urban design, urban planning, public administration, and public policy. The college also hosts the David Dillon Center for Texas Architecture, the Center for Metropolitan Density, the Center for Transportation Equity Decisions, and Dollars (CTEDD), and the Institute of Urban Studies, and partners with the City of Arlington on the Arlington Urban Design Center located at City Hall.
Accreditations
CAPPA offers the Master of Architecture and the Master of Landscape Architecture as first professional degrees in the respective programs. The former is accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the latter by the Landscape Architecture Accrediting Board (LAAB). The Bachelor of Science in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The Master of Public Administration degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), and the Master of City and Regional Planning is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board (PAB).
CAPPA Graduate Policies
The College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) at The University of Texas at Arlington maintains specific academic standards for all graduate students to support academic excellence and timely degree completion. Students must meet the following requirements in addition to university-wide graduate school policies.
ACADEMIC STANDING (All Programs)
- Minimum GPA: A cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for good academic standing and graduation.
- Probation & Dismissal: Students whose GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Continued probation may lead to dismissal as per Graduate School policy.
- Time Limits: Master's students must complete all degree requirements within 6 years; doctoral students within 10 years.
- Incomplete Grades: Must be resolved within one academic year or they will convert to an 'F'.
COLLEGE POLICIES
- Capstone or Thesis Requirement: All master's students must complete either a capstone project or a thesis, depending on the program.
- Research Tools Requirement: PhD students must meet the research skills requirement as outlined in their program’s handbook.
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS
Advisors are responsible for evaluating the students in their programs to ensure that they are making satisfactory progress toward the degree. If the Advisor finds that a student is not making satisfactory progress, it may be recommended to the CAPPA Director of Student Success and Advising that the student be dismissed from the program. To be qualified as making “satisfactory progress” toward their degree, students must maintain continuous enrollment in courses applicable to the degree through graduation. Exceptions require the approval of the student’s advisor and the CAPPA Director of Student Success and Advising. Students who are deemed not to be making satisfactory progress toward degree completion are subject to dismissal by the department.
Student Projects
The College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs reserves the right to retain, copyright, use, exhibit, reproduce, and publish any work submitted for course credit. The student is encouraged to develop a portfolio of all work accomplished in advanced courses for future professional and academic uses.
Policy for Classroom + Studio Non-registered Attendees
The following policy applies to scheduled courses and academic activities in the Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture graduate programs, as well as the undergraduate programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Sustainable Urban Design. The policy is effective January 1, 2024 and complies with University of Texas at Arlington EI-PO-11, the Texas Education Code Section 51.982, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Only assigned instructors, enrolled students, invited guests and other individuals who have received the instructors’ permission in advance are permitted in scheduled classes within CAPPA buildings. Unenrolled students, dependent minors of enrolled students or guests without instructors’ permission are not permitted within the assigned classroom during any scheduled class. Other faculty engaged in peer review or other sanctioned academic responsibilities may attend as warranted and with consent of the instructor for the course or program director.
On occasion, due to extenuating circumstances, it is understood that an enrolled student who is a parent may have no other childcare choice than to have their child brought to the learning environment. In these circumstances, suspension of the above policy may be permitted by the instructor on a limited basis, to be designated by the instructor. Prohibited Minors: Persons under the age of ten (10) are not permitted in any laboratory (studio).
Independent Study Policy (5191, 5391, 5395, 5591, 5691)
For students interested in completing Independent Study, independent studies are limited to no more than six (6) total hours during their graduate degree pursuit with the program. No more than one independent study is allowed in one semester. All Independent Studies must adhere to the following process:
- The student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA both overall at UTA and within the major.
- The Independent Study subject/purpose must not be covered in the regular curriculum.
- The student will develop and write an independent study proposal and find a sponsoring faculty member to supervise the independent study.
- The faculty member, if agreeable to supervise the independent study, must complete a submit a CAPPA Independent Study form with a detailed outline on what the independent study will cover, why it is needed, and how many credits are requested.
- The faculty member will submit the completed/signed form to the CAPPA undergraduate advising office at arch.advising@uta.edu.
- The Independent Study request is subject to administrative approval.
Any independent study from programs outside of the student's current major is still subject to the Independent Study Policy above for consideration of application to the degree plan.
CAPPA Undergraduate Policies
Programs Cohort
The undergraduate programs in the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Arlington are organized in a structured cohort format.
What Is a Cohort?
A cohort is a group of students that follows the same set schedule and progresses through a program together. The sequential scheduling of the courses promotes an interactive learning environment and facilitates networking opportunities and career-strengthening relationships.
How Does It Work?
The program consists of a sequence of courses that takes a minimum of eight semesters to complete. The courses are offered in specific semesters (Fall and Spring) that require the students to complete the prior level before proceeding to the next level. If a student gets off-track in the cohort, she/he must wait until the missing course(s) are offered again.
GRADES
Upon admission to a major, all declared majors must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 both within the major and in the cumulative GPA to continue in the upper level program to satisfy requirements for graduation. Grades of P are not acceptable for classes in which a grade of C or higher is required. Courses in which a grade of "C" or better was earned cannot be repeated for credit.
Repetition of Courses
Two attempts to achieve a satisfactory grade are permitted for each required UDES course. Beyond that number of attempts, the student is denied access to the course in question, or to the sequence of courses for which it is requisite. Enrollment in the course for the time sufficient to receive a grade, including the grade W, is considered an attempt.
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS
Advisors are responsible for evaluating the students in their programs to ensure that they are making satisfactory progress toward the degree. If the Advisor finds that a student is not making satisfactory progress, it may recommended to the CAPPA Director of Student Success and Advising that the student be dismissed from the program. To be qualified as making “satisfactory progress” toward their degree, students must maintain continuous enrollment in courses applicable to the degree through graduation. Exceptions require the approval of the student’s advisor and the CAPPA Director of Student Success and Advising. Students who are deemed as not making satisfactory progress toward degree completion are subject to dismissal by the department.
FACILITATED ADMISSION FOR UTA UNDERGRADUATES
- Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Architecture at UTA may be eligible for Facilitated Admission into the Master of Architecture program.
- Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Urban Design at UTA may be eligible for Facilitated Admission into the Master of Landscape Architecture program.
Transfer of Credit
The extent of credit toward degree requirements for academic work done elsewhere will be determined by the representatives of the appropriate program. Students applying to transfer credits from studio courses taken elsewhere must present examples of that work for evaluation.
FRESHMAN STUDENTS
Students entering directly from high school or with fewer than 24 hours of transferable credit are advised initially by the Division of Student Success (DSS). To transition to departmental advising within the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, students must meet the following benchmarks by the end of their first two long semesters (fall and spring) at UTA:
- Earn a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- Earn a minimum 2.0 major GPA
- Complete at least 30 credit hours
- Complete a CAPPA transition request form during the CAPPA transition window
Students who do not meet transition criteria after two semesters are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor and Major Exploration to explore alternative majors that may better align with their academic progress. Students who do not meet transition requirements after three semesters must choose a major outside the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs.
Student Projects
The College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs reserves the right to retain, copyright, use, exhibit, reproduce, and publish any work submitted for course credit. The student is encouraged to develop a portfolio of all work accomplished in advanced courses for future professional and academic uses.
Policy for Classroom + Studio Non-registered Attendees
The following policy applies to scheduled courses and academic activities in the Master of Architecture and Master of Landscape Architecture graduate programs, as well as the undergraduate programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Sustainable Urban Design. The policy is effective January 1, 2024 and complies with University of Texas at Arlington EI-PO-11, the Texas Education Code Section 51.982, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Only assigned instructors, enrolled students, invited guests and other individuals who have received the instructors’ permission in advance are permitted in scheduled classes within CAPPA buildings. Unenrolled students, dependent minors of enrolled students or guests without instructors’ permission are not permitted within the assigned classroom during any scheduled class. Other faculty engaged in peer review or other sanctioned academic responsibilities may attend as warranted and with consent of the instructor for the course or program director.
On occasion, due to extenuating circumstances, it is understood that an enrolled student who is a parent may have no other childcare choice than to have their child brought to the learning environment. In these circumstances, suspension of the above policy may be permitted by the instructor on a limited basis, to be designated by the instructor. Prohibited Minors: Persons under the age of ten (10) are not permitted in any laboratory (studio).
Independent Study Policy (4191, 4391, 4591)
For students interested in completing Independent Study, independent studies are limited to no more than six (6) total hours during their undergraduate degree pursuit with the program. No more than three (3) credit hours of independent study is allowed in one semester. All Independent Studies must adhere to the following process:
- The student must have minimum 3.0 GPAs both overall at UTA and within the major.
- The Independent Study subject/purpose must not be covered in the regular curriculum.
- The student will develop and write an independent study proposal and find a sponsoring faculty member to supervise the independent study.
- The faculty member, if agreeable to supervise the independent study, must complete a submit a CAPPA Independent Study form with a detailed outline on what the independent study will cover, why it is needed, and how many credits are requested.
- The faculty member will submit the completed/signed form to the CAPPA undergraduate advising office at arch.advising@uta.edu.
- The Independent Study request is subject to administrative approval.
Any independent study from programs outside of the student's current major are still subject to the Independent Study Policy above for consideration of application to the degree plan.
Contact Information
Phone: (817) 272-2801
Text: (855) 202-6815
General Email: cappa@uta.edu
Address:
College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs
601 W. Nedderman Drive
Suite 203
Arlington, TX 76019-0108
Faculty
Ming-Han Li
Dean / Professor
Diane Jones Allen
Professor / Landscape Architecture Program Director
Karabi Bezboruah
Associate Dean / Director of PhD Programs / Professor
Jennifer Cowley
President of UTArlington / Professor
Jianling Li
Professor
Shadi Nazarian
Professor / Endowed Ralph E Hawkins, Chair
Qisheng Pan
Professor / CTEDD Director
Deden Rukmana
Professor/ MCRP Director
Bradley Bell
Associate Professor
Dennis Chiessa
Graduate Architecture Program Director /Associate Professor
David Coursey
Associate Professor / Chair, Public Affairs and Planning / Director, Master of Public Administration
David Hopman
Associate Professor
Joowon Im
Associate Professor
Oswald Jenewein
Associate Professor
Charles MacBride
Assistant Dean of Student Success and Operations / Associate Professor
Atefe Makhmalbaf
Associate Professor
Barbara Marini
Associate Professor / Interior Design Program Director
John Maruszczak
Associate Professor
Jiwon Suh
Associate Professor
Taner Özdil
Associate Professor
Steven Quevedo
Associate Professor
Alejandro Rodriguez
Associate Professor
Bijan Youssefzadeh
Associate Professor
Letora Anderson
Assistant Professor
Mahmoud Bayat
Assistant Professor
Jiseul Kim
Assistant Professor
Julia Lindgren
Undergraduate Architecture Program Director /Assistant Professor
Evan Mistur
Assistant Professor
Emily Nwakpuda
Assistant Professor
Julene Paul
Assistant Professor
Ariadna Reyes-Sánchez
Assistant Professor
Austin Allen
Assistant Dean for Community Engagement / ssociate Professor of Practice
Heath MacDonald
Associate Professor of Practice
Joseph Porugal
Associate Professor of Practice
Tongbin "Teresa" Qu
Associate Professor of Research / CTEDD Program Manager
Bang Dang
Assistant Professor of Practice
Arden Stephenson
Asst. Professor of Practice
Amanda Aman
Lecturer
Sandra Espinoza
Lecturer
Donna Firouzbakht
Lecturer
Marisa Gomez-Nordyke
Lecturer
Thomas Rusher
Senior Lecturer
Dustin Wheat
Lecturer
Bill Boswell
Professor Emeritus
Don Gatzke
Professor Emeritus
Todd Hamilton
Professor Emeritus
Martin Price
Professor Emeritus
Lee Carroll Wright
Professor Emeritus
Michel Borg
Adjunct Professor
Femi Kareem
Adjunct Professor
Donovan Lord
Adjunct Professor
Carlos Alba
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Michel Borg
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Jay Cantrell
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Eduardo Castaneda
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Anastasiya Chybireva-Fender
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Patrick Craine
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Cheryl Donaldson
Adjunct Asst. Professor / Director, Student Success & Advising
Justin Dowhower
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Sarah Esfandyari
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Rizwan Faruqui
Adjunct Faculty
Lisa Fitzpatrick
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Ian Gillis
Adjunct Asst. Professor
David Goodson
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Sarah Gorden
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Greg Ibañez
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Ozge Inal
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Olivia Jeffries
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Femi Kareem
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Stephen Knowles
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Kate Kosut
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Tania Madah
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Tariq Mahadin
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Michael Malone
Adjunct Asst. Professor
James Marstiller
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Megan Martinez
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Heath May
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Brad McCorkle
Adjunct Asst. Professor / Materials Workshop Manager / Academic Lab Coordinator
Monty McMahen
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Mitali Mendelkar
Adjunct Asst. Professor
David Messersmith
Adjunct Senior Professor
Krishnan Mistry
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Marjan Moradi
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Nizar Muamar
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Ricardo Munoz
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Ed Nelson
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Nick Nepveux
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Matt Nicolette
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Juan Carlos Olivar Gomez
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Sharon Odum
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Ann Podeszwa
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Audrey Poole
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Chad Porter
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Crystal Portillo
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Joseph Portugal
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Cord Read
Adjunct Asst. Professor / Digital Fabrication Specialist
Marie Oehlerking Read
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Courtney Schoedel
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Tyler Shafer
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Yasaman Shahbazi
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Sakshi Sharma
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Bart Shaw
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Corrie Thompson
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Lorena Toffer
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Victor Vielma
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Jason Wheeler
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Ronald Wommack
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Carrie Zaboroski
Adjunct Asst. Professor
Mehdi Farahbakhsh
Visiting Assistant Professor
Somang "Summer" Yang
Visiting Assistant Professor
Henry Holmes
Specialist
Rod Hissong
Associate Professor Emeritus