Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies is a four-year undergraduate degree that explores the many forces shaping the built environment. The program takes a liberal studies approach to architecture, examining topics such as culture, urbanism, spatial reasoning, aesthetics, political and economic structures, landscape, construction, building technologies and ecology.
Students develop an understanding of architecture as a complex, interdisciplinary field while building skills in critical thinking, research, writing and visual analysis.
Areas of Focus
Students may concentrate their studies through coursework in one of three areas:
- History and Theory — explores the cultural contexts, impacts and legacies of architecture and the built environment.
- Materials and Making — explores design through the qualities of materials and processes for making objects, furniture and architectural elements.
- Sustainable Development — explores environmentally responsible design and construction, resource use, natural systems and social justice.
Admission and Prerequisite Courses
The BA in Architectural Studies offers limited first-year admission. Most students enter the major after completing UW general education requirements and the required Architecture courses during Years One and Two.
The required Architecture courses are:
- ARCH 200: Architectural Design and Representation I — Autumn
- ARCH 231: Making and Craft — Spring
- ARCH 350: Architecture of the Ancient World — Autumn
- ARCH 351: Architecture of the Medieval and Early Modern World — Winter
- ARCH 352: History of Modern Architecture — Spring
These courses are open to interested UW students and must be completed by students seeking junior-year admission to the program.
See Undergraduate Admissions for current application requirements, deadlines and materials.
Pre-Major Advising
UW students interested in Architecture are encouraged to work with Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising to make sure they are meeting prerequisite and general education requirements.
Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising
141 Mary Gates Hall
206-543-2550
advice@uw.edu
UW Undergraduate Academic Affairs Advising
Career and Graduate Study
The program prepares students for graduate study in architectural design and related fields such as architectural history, historic preservation, landscape architecture, urban planning and construction management.
The degree also supports careers in areas such as design, journalism and criticism, planning and policy, law, community organizing and leadership, real estate development, and related nonprofit work.
Curriculum
The BA in Architectural Studies combines broad university requirements with focused coursework in architectural history, materials and making, design, technology and the built environment.
During Years One and Two, students complete general education requirements and foundational Architecture courses. Year Three builds deeper knowledge in history and theory, materials and fabrication, construction, and sustainable approaches to the built environment.
In Year Four, students have greater flexibility to concentrate in areas that align with their interests. The degree culminates in a senior project, and students are strongly encouraged to complete a minor that complements and personalizes their course of study.
Download the BA in Architectural Studies curriculum information sheet (PDF)