The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design is structured as a four-year degree pathway. Students complete general education and architecture prerequisites during the first two years, apply to the major during Year 2, and complete the 90-credit Architectural Design major during Years 3 and 4.
Looking for admission requirements? Visit BA in Architectural Design Admissions.
Four-Year Curriculum Plan
The following plan shows the typical sequence of coursework. Selectives and upper-division electives may shift depending on course availability and student interests.
| Year | Quarter | Coursework | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Autumn |
Arts & Humanities — 5 English Composition — 5 Calculus — 5 |
15 |
| Year 1 | Winter |
Arts & Humanities — 5 Natural Sciences — 5 Social Sciences — 5 |
15 |
| Year 1 | Spring |
Arts & Humanities — 5 Natural Sciences — 5 Social Sciences — 5 |
15 |
| Year 2 | Autumn |
ARCH 350: Architecture of the Ancient World — 3 ARCH 200: Design and Representation I — 5 Social Sciences — 5 Elective — 1 |
14 |
| Year 2 | Winter |
ARCH 351: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance Architecture — 3 ARCH 201: Design and Representation II — 5 Arts & Humanities — 5 |
13 |
| Year 2 | Spring |
ARCH 352: History of Modern Architecture — 3 Social Sciences — 5 Natural Sciences — 5 Additional general education / Areas of Inquiry coursework — 5 |
18 |
| Year 3 | Autumn |
ARCH 300: Introduction to Architectural Design I — 6 ARCH 320: Introduction to Structures I — 3 ARCH 315: Design Drawing III — 2 CM 313: Construction Materials and Assemblies — 4 |
15 |
| Year 3 | Winter |
ARCH 301: Introduction to Architectural Design II — 6 ARCH 321: Introduction to Structures II — 3 ARCH 380: Computers in Architecture — 3 ARCH 362: Architecture and Theory — 3 |
15 |
| Year 3 | Spring |
ARCH 302: Introduction to Architectural Design III — 6 ARCH 322: Introduction to Structures III — 3 ARCH 331 (formerly ARCH 431): Energy and Buildings — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 3 |
15 |
| Year 4 | Autumn |
ARCH 400: Architectural Design IV — 6 History/Theory Selective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 3 |
15 |
| Year 4 | Winter |
ARCH 401: Architectural Design V — 6 Building Science/Materials Selective — 3 Graphics Selective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 3 |
15 |
| Year 4 | Spring |
ARCH 402: Architectural Design VI — 6 Upper-Division Elective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 3 |
15 |
Applying to the Major
Students apply to the Architectural Design major during spring quarter of Year 2 for autumn entry. Because application dates and requirements may change, refer to BA in Architectural Design Admissions for the current deadline and application instructions.
General Education Requirements
Students complete UW general education requirements before beginning the major. Some requirements may overlap.
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Composition | 5 |
| Arts & Humanities (A&H) | 20 |
| Social Sciences (SSc) | 20 |
| Natural Sciences (NSc) | 20 |
| Additional Areas of Inquiry | 5 |
| Diversity (DIV) | 3 |
| Writing (W) | 7 |
The Natural Sciences requirement includes Calculus I: MATH 112, MATH 124, MATH 145 or Q SCI 291.
Diversity and Writing credits may also satisfy other requirements, except the 5-credit English Composition requirement.
ARCH courses generally may not be used to fulfill UW Areas of Inquiry requirements, with the exception of ARCH 150, ARCH 151 and ARCH 251.
Architecture Prerequisites
Students may begin the architecture prerequisite sequence after completing at least 45 credits of general education / Areas of Inquiry requirements, or at the beginning of sophomore year.
| Course | Title | Quarter | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH 200 | Design and Representation I | Autumn | 5 |
| ARCH 201 | Design and Representation II | Winter | 5 |
| ARCH 350 | Architecture of the Ancient World | Autumn | 3 |
| ARCH 351 | Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance Architecture | Winter | 3 |
| ARCH 352 | History of Modern Architecture | Spring | 3 |
Total architecture prerequisites: 19 credits
Major Requirements
After admission to the major, students complete 90 credits over two academic years.
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARCH 300, 301, 302: Introductory Architectural Design Studios | 18 |
| ARCH 320, 321, 322: Introduction to Structures | 9 |
| ARCH 315: Design Drawing III | 2 |
| CM 313: Construction Materials and Assemblies | 4 |
| ARCH 380: Computers in Architecture | 3 |
| ARCH 362: Architecture and Theory | 3 |
| ARCH 331: Energy and Buildings | 3 |
| ARCH 400, 401, 402: Architectural Design Studios | 18 |
| History/Theory, Building Science/Materials and Graphics selectives | 9 |
| Upper-Division Electives | 21 |
| Total | 90 |
ARCH 362 may be eligible to count toward Writing credit. Students should confirm eligibility with the instructor at the beginning of the quarter.
Planning Your Degree
Course Sequencing
Many required architecture courses are offered only during specific quarters and must be completed in sequence. Selectives and electives may be offered in multiple quarters and can often be shifted based on course availability and student interests.
Upper-Division Electives
Upper-division electives may be any 300- or 400-level courses offered at the University of Washington. These credits may also be used toward a minor or another area of academic interest when applicable.
Study Abroad
Study abroad may be possible during the Architectural Design major, typically during autumn or spring quarter of the final year. Offerings vary and are subject to department availability.
A typical Architecture study abroad program may include:
- 6-credit architectural design studio, usually ARCH 400 or ARCH 402
- 3-credit History/Theory selective
- 6 credits of upper-division Architecture coursework
Students may also participate in other UW study abroad programs during summer quarter. Learn more through UW Study Abroad.
Curriculum PDF
Download the January 2026 BA in Architectural Design curriculum information sheet (PDF)