Self to OKC Sonics (Thunder?)

[LimestoneOutcropping]

KSU Pre-Med students have a higher acceptance rate into ku Med than ku Pre-Med students do!!!! LOL!

KSU trumps ku overall.

Great engineering program
Top 5 Arch Program
Nationally respected College of Agriculture (which almost every program within this college is with the top five overall in the nation.)
Outstanding Vet Med College
The list goes on.....

 

US News' top 100 ranks ku higher than K-State overall:

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php

ku's architecture and engineering programs are much more innovative and modern than K-State's.  Your programs are more centered around construction science.  I know this because one of my best friends chose ku's architecture program over k-State's for this exact reason.

This notion that ku's program is more "modern" and progressive is hilarious.  Not only is there a higher emphasis on theoretical design, the curriculum itself is more well rounded with more opportunity for specialization.  

Oh really?


http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/architecture-major/217754-top-architecture-programs.html

School Research Intensity

Princeton University 25
Columbia University 25
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, The* 22
Yale University 20
University of California, Los Angeles 18
Harvard University 17
University of Pennsylvania 17
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 14
Rice University 10
University of Notre Dame 10
Arizona State University 8
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 8
University of California, Berkeley 8
University of Maryland 8
New Jersey Institute of Technology 8
University at Buffalo, SUNY 7
University of Texas at Austin 7
University of Virginia 6
University of Michigan 6
University of Minnesota 6
Southern California Institute of Architecture* 6
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 6
Northeastern University 5
University of Washington 5
Georgia Institute of Technology 5
University of Illinois at Chicago 5
Cornell University 5
Rhode Island School of Design* 5
University of New Mexico 5
City College of New York, CUNY 5
University of Kansas 5
Pratt Institute 4
University of Cincinnati 4
University of Miami 4
University of Oregon 4
University of Southern California 4
University of Florida 4
Woodbury University 4
Washington University in St Louis 4
Miami University 4
Syracuse University 4
Texas A&M University 4
University of Texas at Arlington 3
Kansas State University 3
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 3
Ohio State University 3
University of Houston 3
Texas Tech University 3
Roger Williams University 3
North Carolina State University 3
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2
Louisiana State University 2
California College of the Arts 2
Carnegie Mellon University 2
University of Massachusetts Amherst 2
Iowa State University 2
Norwich University 2
University of Utah 2
University of Texas at San Antonio 2
Ball State University 2
Clemson University 2
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2
Florida International University 2
Kent State University 2
Illinois Institute of Technology 2
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 2
Catholic University of America 2
Drexel University 2
Morgan State University 2
New York Institute of Technology 2
University of Hawaii at Manoa 2
University of Kentucky 2
University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2
Florida A&M University 1
Pennsylvania State University 1
University of Arizona 1
Montana State University 1
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 1
Lawrence Technological University 1
Oklahoma State University 1
Auburn University 1
Florida Atlantic University 1
University of Arkansas 1
Washington State University 1
Boston Architectural Center* <1
Temple University <1
Judson College <1
Mississippi State University <1
University of Hartford <1
Wentworth Institute of Technology <1
University of Louisiana at Lafayette <1
University of Detroit Mercy <1
University of Idaho <1
North Dakota State university <1
Hampton University <1
Philadelphia University <1
Prairie View A&M University <1
Southern University and A&M College <1
University of Oklahoma <1
Andrews University <1
Louisiana Tech University <1
Howard University <1
NewSchool of Design* <1



Hence the reason for my "more innovative/modern-based" comments. 


Ranked in the top 25 for pharmacy schools:


http://www.ulinks.com/pharmacyschoolrankings_toppharmacyschoolbest.htm

http://www.uspharmd.com/student/Pharmacy_School_Rank.html


Ranked in the top 25 for school of education:


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/edu/search


Ranked in the top 20 for journalism schools:


http://unspun.amazon.com/Best-Journalism-Schools/list/show/3772

...and just for good measure:


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/soc/search/page+3


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/pol/search/page+3


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/egl/search/page+3


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/psy/search/page+4


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/mdr/search/page+5

and for bad measure...

http://www.top-law-schools.com/rankings.html

that is horrific.

[EliteHawk]

Which university has the better College of Education? 

The Universtiy of Kansas....


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/edu/search



Limestone, that link actually shows all of the 1st-tier law schools in the United States.  ku is in the top 50 for public schools.  K-State obviously doesn't even have a law school.

[LimestoneOutcropping]

and by a reputable source and not a blog called "collegeconfidential"

http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1006&articleID=602885

[catdude33]

Which university has the better College of Education? 

The Universtiy of Kansas....


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/edu/search

Both pretty good. 

[jmlynch1]

This thread is disgusting. Neither of our schools are good enough to actually be boasting about or for anyone to care about the differences. So lets end this thread on the note that my penis is 34 inches long.

[LimestoneOutcropping]

Which university has the better College of Education? 

The Universtiy of Kansas....


http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/edu/search



Limestone, that link actually shows all of the 1st-tier law schools in the United States.  ku is in the top 50 for public schools.  K-State obviously doesn't even have a law school.

It shows ku is ranked 73rd.  Spin it how you want.  ku is no one's first choice and rarely even a 2nd choice.  It is definition of "safety school" and really, they should save their money and wrap that thing up.

[~WabashRoll~]

This isn't even debatable, Ben.  It's really not.

Bachelor of Architecture

  1. Virginia Tech
  2. Cornell University
  3. Syracuse University
  4. California Polytechnic State        
      University, SLO
  5. University of Cincinnati
  6. University of Texas at Austin
  7. Carnegie Mellon
  8. Kansas State University
  9. Pennsylvania State University
  9. Pratt Institute
11. Rice University
12. University of Southern
      California
12. University of Notre Dame
14. Iowa State University
15. California Polytechnic State
      University, Pomona
15. University of Oregon
17. Rhode Island School of Design
18. Auburn University
18. North Dakota State University
18. North Carolina State University

Each year, DesignIntelligence and the Design Futures Council conduct a nation-wide survey of leading firms across the United States, in conjunction with the Almanac of Architecture and Design, to determine the top colleges and universities for architecture and design in the U.S. because, in their opinion, quality matters. A cross-section of U.S. firms with a disbursed geographic profile, including firms that are leaders in their market sector and that have won major national, state, local and market-sector awards, were surveyed. They were asked to indicate which accredited programs in the past five years produced graduates most prepared for today’s and tomorrow’s real-world practice.  

The survey was targeted to those individuals-directors of design, managing principals and human resource directors-in each firm who have direct experience with the hiring and performance of graduates. Approximately 270 firms and organizations with 568,500 employees participated in this year’s research.

Both K-State’s bachelor’s and master’s programs in landscape architecture have been ranked in the top eight in the four years the survey has covered those programs. The K-State interior architecture/design programs have been in the top eight during all nine years in which the study has been conducted. This is the seventh time K-State’s architecture program has been ranked in the top twelve.  

The College of Architecture, Planning and Design is currently transitioning its bachelor’s degree programs into master’s degrees in architecture, interior architecture and product design, and landscape architecture.

The 2008 study also queried participants about what educators they admired, how programs rated in various skill sets, and sustainability.

Employers in the Midwest ranked K-State’s architecture program as the best nationwide and in the Midwest. Southern employers ranked K-State’s architecture program as ninth best nationwide. With respect to skills assessment, employers ranked K-State’s architecture program second in construction methods and materials, third in communication skills, and fourth in analysis and planning. In addition, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) reported that 96 percent of K-State architecture graduates have passed the pre-design portion of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), required in the practice of architecture. This compares to a current aggregate rank of 63 to 77 percent.

K-State’s landscape architecture program was ranked first by employers in the West, eighth by employers in the East, second by employers in the Midwest, and fourth by employers in the South. With respect to skills assessment, employers ranked K-State’s landscape architecture program first in security design principles, first in analysis and planning, first in construction methods and materials, first in design, fourth in sustainable design practices and principles, and fifth in computer applications.

The K-State interior architecture/design programs were ranked fourth by employers in the West and first by employers in the Midwest. With respect to skills assessments, K-State ranked first in cross discipline experience, second in sustainable design practices and principles, and third in quality of graphic presentation.

Although K-State offers separate programs in interior architecture, through the College of Architecture, Planning and Design, and in interior design, through the College of Human Ecology, both programs are combined for survey purposes.

Another survey question asked participants to nominate their most admired and respected educators based on their recent experiences with colleges and universities. Dennis Law, dean of the K-State College of Architecture, Planning and Design, was included in that list of 28 educators.

Finally, this year’s DesignIntelligence surveyed architecture students on quality and value. Of the students who responded regarding Kansas State University, 100 percent said they would recommend K-State to other students and 79 percent rated their education as excellent, the second highest response of schools whose students were asked to participate in this part of the survey.

According to its sponsors, this survey is in its tenth year and can be used, along with other considerations, to help current and future students plan their educational paths.

There are approximately 114 accredited interior architecture/interior design programs, 119 accredited architecture programs, and 45 accredited undergraduate and 30 accredited graduate landscape architecture programs in the U.S .

[steve dave]

I hate this thread, who started this SOB 

[geesiskryst]

Oh really?


http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/architecture-major/217754-top-architecture-programs.html

School Research Intensity

Princeton University 25
Columbia University 25
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, The* 22
Yale University 20
University of California, Los Angeles 18
Harvard University 17
University of Pennsylvania 17
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 14
Rice University 10
University of Notre Dame 10
Arizona State University 8
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 8
University of California, Berkeley 8
University of Maryland 8
New Jersey Institute of Technology 8
University at Buffalo, SUNY 7
University of Texas at Austin 7
University of Virginia 6
University of Michigan 6
University of Minnesota 6
Southern California Institute of Architecture* 6
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 6
Northeastern University 5
University of Washington 5
Georgia Institute of Technology 5
University of Illinois at Chicago 5
Cornell University 5
Rhode Island School of Design* 5
University of New Mexico 5
City College of New York, CUNY 5
University of Kansas 5
Pratt Institute 4
University of Cincinnati 4
University of Miami 4
University of Oregon 4
University of Southern California 4
University of Florida 4
Woodbury University 4
Washington University in St Louis 4
Miami University 4
Syracuse University 4
Texas A&M University 4
University of Texas at Arlington 3
Kansas State University 3
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 3
Ohio State University 3
University of Houston 3
Texas Tech University 3
Roger Williams University 3
North Carolina State University 3
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2
Louisiana State University 2
California College of the Arts 2
Carnegie Mellon University 2
University of Massachusetts Amherst 2
Iowa State University 2
Norwich University 2
University of Utah 2
University of Texas at San Antonio 2
Ball State University 2
Clemson University 2
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2
Florida International University 2
Kent State University 2
Illinois Institute of Technology 2
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 2
Catholic University of America 2
Drexel University 2
Morgan State University 2
New York Institute of Technology 2
University of Hawaii at Manoa 2
University of Kentucky 2
University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2
Florida A&M University 1
Pennsylvania State University 1
University of Arizona 1
Montana State University 1
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 1
Lawrence Technological University 1
Oklahoma State University 1
Auburn University 1
Florida Atlantic University 1
University of Arkansas 1
Washington State University 1
Boston Architectural Center* <1
Temple University <1
Judson College <1
Mississippi State University <1
University of Hartford <1
Wentworth Institute of Technology <1
University of Louisiana at Lafayette <1
University of Detroit Mercy <1
University of Idaho <1
North Dakota State university <1
Hampton University <1
Philadelphia University <1
Prairie View A&M University <1
Southern University and A&M College <1
University of Oklahoma <1
Andrews University <1
Louisiana Tech University <1
Howard University <1
NewSchool of Design* <1


Hence the reason for my "more innovative/modern-based" comments. 

From the article linked on the forum you provided...

"We have attempted to measure the architecture schools and their academics {professors} in terms of their research output. We make no statement of their quality of teaching."

Our survey is intended to aid postgrads {graduates} seeking a place to conduct architectural research.

Nothing in regards to the education nor the quality and talent of the students that come out of those schools listed. Did you even read what the article you posted? Hoping we wouldn't either???

Please inform us how this translates into more modern or innovative.

[sonofdaxjones]

Seriously . . . you posted links where anyone could go in and rank schools on Amazon?  

Extramural Research Funding FY 2007

KSU-$114 Million

ku (FY 2006, 2007 wasn't posted yet, but knowing ku they're probably still cooking the books): $135.5

*Note kuMC was not included because it is a separate budget entity from ku-Lawrence for the State of Kansas and has its own research administration.

Total Research Expenditures FY 2007:

KSU-$219 Million

ku (FY 2006)-$135 Million

[LimestoneOutcropping]

Seriously . . . you posted links where anyone could go in and rank schools on Amazon?  

Extramural Research Funding FY 2007

KSU-$114 Million

ku (FY 2006, 2007 wasn't posted yet, but knowing ku they're probably still cooking the books): $135.5

*Note kuMC was not included because it is a separate budget entity from ku-Lawrence for the State of Kansas and has its own research administration.

Total Research Expenditures FY 2007:

KSU-$219 Million

ku (FY 2006)-$135 Million

There is a reason some place called The Cooper Union finished ahead of Yale, Harvard and MIT in Ben's rankings.

[sonofdaxjones]

Since we seem to be talking about Architecture Schools so much:

Last Fiscal Year Reported Sponsored Awards- Architecture (in $):

KSU-$286,471

ku-NONE

[MOKSUAZ]

ku's architecture and engineering programs are much more innovative and modern than K-State's.  Your programs are more centered around construction science.  I know this because one of my best friends chose ku's architecture program over k-State's for this exact reason.

Ben, you're utterly clueless.  

Considering how selective the program has become and the heightened entrance standards for K-State’s Architecture program, my suspicion is your "friend" didn't get accepted.  Some people have to go to UMKC when they don’t get into ku law, it happens.  

It's not even debatable, K-State's architecture program is superior to ku's in virtually every facet.

There's a reason it is ranked in the Top 5-10 nationally on an annual basis and THE best in this region.  The curiculum is tougher, the faculty is more highly recognized, and the students are more prepared and highly sought after entering the work force according to the top firms in the U.S.

This notion that ku's program is more "modern" and progressive is hilarious.  Not only is there a higher emphasis on theoretical design, the curriculum itself is more well rounded with more opportunity for specialization.  Yes, K-State offers a construction science degree and many architecture students parlay that with a bachelor of architecture degree by taking an extra two years.  We also have an Arch-E program that blows anything ku offers out of the water.  Our interior architecture program and landscape architecture program are consistently ranked in the Top 5 in the country, IA is usually one or two.

You want to puff out your chest about the Law School and Med School, great.  Don't talk out of your ass about Architecture, Planning and Design because there is no comparison.  None.

QFT as someone who went through the CAPD program, Ben, you should really shut your mouth.  entrance into the program is now set around a 28 ACT and in the top 5-10% of your graduating class.  maybe your source is ghey?  who knows.....

[FHSU92]

Isn't our Arch program going to a 5yr MS degree now?  I thought I heard that they were dropping the undergrad program for a 3yr selective program.  That is, you have to qualify to get in as a Soph & when you finish you have an MS degree.

[MOKSUAZ]

Isn't our Arch program going to a 5yr MS degree now?  I thought I heard that they were dropping the undergrad program for a 3yr selective program.  That is, you have to qualify to get in as a Soph & when you finish you have an MS degree.

all of the programs (arch., landscape arch., and interior arch.) are going to 6 year masters programs. 

[AzCat]

Oh really?


http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/architecture-major/217754-top-architecture-programs.html

School Research Intensity

Princeton University 25
Columbia University 25
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, The* 22
Yale University 20
University of California, Los Angeles 18
Harvard University 17
University of Pennsylvania 17
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 14
Rice University 10
University of Notre Dame 10
Arizona State University 8
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 8
University of California, Berkeley 8
University of Maryland 8
New Jersey Institute of Technology 8
University at Buffalo, SUNY 7
University of Texas at Austin 7
University of Virginia 6
University of Michigan 6
University of Minnesota 6
Southern California Institute of Architecture* 6
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee 6
Northeastern University 5
University of Washington 5
Georgia Institute of Technology 5
University of Illinois at Chicago 5
Cornell University 5
Rhode Island School of Design* 5
University of New Mexico 5
City College of New York, CUNY 5
University of Kansas 5
Pratt Institute 4
University of Cincinnati 4
University of Miami 4
University of Oregon 4
University of Southern California 4
University of Florida 4
Woodbury University 4
Washington University in St Louis 4
Miami University 4
Syracuse University 4
Texas A&M University 4
University of Texas at Arlington 3
Kansas State University 3
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 3
Ohio State University 3
University of Houston 3
Texas Tech University 3
Roger Williams University 3
North Carolina State University 3
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 2
Louisiana State University 2
California College of the Arts 2
Carnegie Mellon University 2
University of Massachusetts Amherst 2
Iowa State University 2
Norwich University 2
University of Utah 2
University of Texas at San Antonio 2
Ball State University 2
Clemson University 2
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 2
Florida International University 2
Kent State University 2
Illinois Institute of Technology 2
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 2
Catholic University of America 2
Drexel University 2
Morgan State University 2
New York Institute of Technology 2
University of Hawaii at Manoa 2
University of Kentucky 2
University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2
Florida A&M University 1
Pennsylvania State University 1
University of Arizona 1
Montana State University 1
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona 1
Lawrence Technological University 1
Oklahoma State University 1
Auburn University 1
Florida Atlantic University 1
University of Arkansas 1
Washington State University 1
Boston Architectural Center* <1
Temple University <1
Judson College <1
Mississippi State University <1
University of Hartford <1
Wentworth Institute of Technology <1
University of Louisiana at Lafayette <1
University of Detroit Mercy <1
University of Idaho <1
North Dakota State university <1
Hampton University <1
Philadelphia University <1
Prairie View A&M University <1
Southern University and A&M College <1
University of Oklahoma <1
Andrews University <1
Louisiana Tech University <1
Howard University <1
NewSchool of Design* <1


Hence the reason for my "more innovative/modern-based" comments. 

From the article linked on the forum you provided...

"We have attempted to measure the architecture schools and their academics {professors} in terms of their research output. We make no statement of their quality of teaching."

Our survey is intended to aid postgrads {graduates} seeking a place to conduct architectural research.

Nothing in regards to the education nor the quality and talent of the students that come out of those schools listed. Did you even read what the article you posted? Hoping we wouldn't either???

Please inform us how this translates into more modern or innovative.

When you remove outliers at the top (Ivy League, Stanford, Chicago, etc.) these sort of lists are pretty much inversely proportional to the quality of undergraduate education.  The more research faculty are doing the more likely a bunch of know-nothing grad students will be 'teaching' the undergrad courses.  KSU is an *exceptional* undergraduate teaching institution; grad programs, with a few exceptions, not so much. 

[Andy]

The Universtiy of Kansas....

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/grad/edu/search

Limestone, that link actually shows all of the 1st-tier law schools in the United States.  ku is in the top 50 for public schools.  K-State obviously doesn't even have a law school.

because if there is anything the world needs, its more lawyers. 

[phicat1448]

Our law school is top 50.  What exactly is K-State great at, by the way?  Soil judging?

http://www.capd.ksu.edu/prospective-students/college-ranked-in-top-ten

http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1006&articleID=602885

I think uk finally got accredited a few years ago... basically their architecture school wasn't even recognized.

top 50 is laughable...

ku's architecture and engineering programs are much more innovative and modern than K-State's.  Your programs are more centered around construction science.  I know this because one of my best friends chose ku's architecture program over k-State's for this exact reason.

Bragging about division titles is very KSU-esque.  When your program starts winning National Championships and BCS Bowls, you might understand.

Bragging about a 73rd ranked law school is pretty awesome too. 

Pretty sure it's top 50 for public schools.  Regardless, ku is ranked ahead of K-State overall.  I believe you were the last school to make the cut in US News' top 100.  Congrats. 

Our law school is top 50.  What exactly is K-State great at, by the way?  Soil judging?

Top 50 is nothing to brag about for law schools.  That's even worse than 2nd place in the north.

You might want to rethink that statement.  Also, if finishing 2nd in the North is so pathetic, what does that say about the team that finished 4th?


http://www.hutchnews.com/Sports/kansaspre2008-07-22T22-48-26


"And it's not as though the Jayhawks don't have a few weapons of their own returning in '08. They do return 15 starters from last year's Orange Bowl championship team that tied Missouri for the Big 12 North title. And they have a trophy from the Big 12 Conference to prove it."

Uh, KSU football was a disaster last season.  Where was that disputed?  KSU does have 4 North trophies that they didn't even have to make for themselves.

Reading comprehension must not be your strongsuit. 


"And it's not as though the Jayhawks don't have a few weapons of their own returning in '08. They do return 15 starters from last year's Orange Bowl championship team that tied Missouri for the Big 12 North title. And they have a trophy from the Big 12 Conference to prove it."

This reminds me of a conversation I had with a ku fan at work last week regarding all the championship trophies that they have been WON when they actually tied and technically finished second due to tie breakers. It went something like this...


Rick Daris: Let's think about this for a sec, why do they give a trophy to teams who tie and actually finish second due to tie breakers? Hmm, very interesting.

ku fan: I'm listening.

Rick Daris: Here's how I see it. The Big 12 gives you a trophy 'cause they want you to fell all warm and toasty inside.

ku fan: Yeah, makes a school feel good.

Rick Daris: 'Course it does. Ya think if you leave that trophy under your pillow at night, the Trophy Fairy might come by and leave a quarter.

ku fan: What's your point?

Rick Daris: The point is, how do you know the Trophy Fairy isn't a crazy glue sniffer? "Building model airplanes" says the little fairy, but we're not buying it. Next thing you know, there's money missing off the dresser and your daughter's knocked up, I seen it a hundred times.

ku fan: But why did they give us a trophy then?

Rick Daris: Because they know all they gave ya was a piece of crap trophy . That's all it is. Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and call it a trophy, I will. I got spare time. But for right now, for your sake, for your daughter's sake, ya might wanna think about giving it up and admitting you really didn't win anything.

  

 

[ew2x4]

Our law school is top 50.  What exactly is K-State great at, by the way?  Soil judging?

http://www.capd.ksu.edu/prospective-students/college-ranked-in-top-ten

http://www.architectmagazine.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1006&articleID=602885

I think uk finally got accredited a few years ago... basically their architecture school wasn't even recognized.

top 50 is laughable...

ku's architecture and engineering programs are much more innovative and modern than K-State's.  Your programs are more centered around construction science.  I know this because one of my best friends chose ku's architecture program over k-State's for this exact reason.

ku's programs aren't more "innovative" nor are they more "modern". In fact, the only non-modern architecture school is Notre Dame's who's focus is on a beaux-arts style of design. The fact you trying to quantify this shows your knowledge of the situation.

As for KSU's architecture program, it's not centered around "construction science" as you like to put it. That's what a construction science degree is for. There are major focuses on construction, though. Considering the most important job for an architect is properly communicating to a contractor how to build whatever is being designed, I'd say major focuses on construction are important. ku seriously lacks in this department, and it shows in the work force. This does not detract from the design focus, though. Despite your best (seriously? this is your best?) assumptions, I can guarantee you there is absolutely no focus on "cookie cutter housing." In terms of professors, I can think of 2 ku professors that would be top notch designers. KSU has 10 that I can think of, not including the handful of new ones from last year. Well, you know what, I'm just going to stop. Pulling third hand opinions out of your ass must have been painful enough.