The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies is a pre-professional degree that prepares candidates for admission with advanced standing to professional architectural programs. It is also good preparation for other roles in society that benefit from an understanding of and exposure to architectural design and problem solving such as government, development, management, planning, art, graphic design, and digital arts.

This program consists of two two-year sequences. Years 1 and 2 include 17 credits of preparatory architectural coursework in addition to 73 credits devoted to satisfying the University of Washington’s general education requirements. These include coursework in the visual, literary and performing arts, math, science, the social sciences, and other knowledge areas. The intent of these first two years is to have students build their skills in communication and critical thinking, to gain broad exposure to other disciplines in order to make more informed academic and career decisions, and to provide the broad academic foundation essential to successful study in architecture. All interested University of Washington students are welcome to participate in this first two-year sequence.

There is a competitive admissions process for those applying to the undergraduate major, which students complete in Years 3 and 4. At this level, the coursework provides students with a firm foundation in the historical, theoretical, technological, and environmental forces that influence architectural design. Architectural design studios in Years 3 and 4 provide students with the opportunity to synthesize their knowledge and skills through design projects undertaken in an intensive studio environment.

The Architecture Department also offers a dual degree program. Students earn a BA in Architectural Studies and BS in Construction Management. Visit the Arch/CM Dual Degree page for more information.

For application guidelines and materials, see Admissions.

Curriculum