The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies is a four-year degree pathway that combines university general education requirements with focused study of architecture as a cultural, social and technological field.
Students complete foundational coursework during the first two years and develop greater specialization during Years Three and Four through one of three areas of concentration: History and Theory, Materials and Making, or Sustainable Development.
Looking for admission requirements? Visit Undergraduate Admissions for current application information and deadlines.
Four-Year Curriculum Plan
The following plan shows a typical sequence of coursework. Some required Architecture courses are offered only in specific quarters and must be taken in sequence. Selectives and 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 and Diversity — 5 Natural Sciences — 5 Social Sciences and Writing — 5 |
15 |
| Year 2 | Autumn |
ARCH 350: Architecture of the Ancient World — 3 ARCH 200: Design and Representation I — 5 Social Sciences — 5 |
13 |
| Year 2 | Winter |
ARCH 351: Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance Architecture — 3 Arts & Humanities and Writing — 5 Social Sciences — 5 Additional Areas of Inquiry — 3 |
16 |
| Year 2 | Spring |
ARCH 352: History of Modern Architecture — 3 ARCH 231: Making and Craft — 5 Natural Sciences — 5 Areas of Inquiry Elective — 3 |
16 |
| Year 3 | Autumn |
ARCH 361: Architectural Studies Colloquium — 5 ARCH 332: Making and Materials — 5 Upper-Division Elective — 3 CBE Elective — 3 |
16 |
| Year 3 | Winter |
ARCH 362: Architecture and Theory — 5 Architecture Elective — 3 Architecture Elective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 5 |
16 |
| Year 3 | Spring |
ARCH 431: Energy and Buildings — 3 Architecture Elective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 5 Upper-Division Elective — 5 |
16 |
| Year 4 | Autumn |
History and Theory Selective — 3 CBE Elective — 3 Architecture Elective — 3 Upper-Division Elective — 5 |
14 |
| Year 4 | Winter |
ARCH 468: Architecture Capstone Preparation — 3 Materials and Making Selective — 3 Architecture Elective — 3 Area of Concentration Selective — 3 |
12 |
| Year 4 | Spring |
ARCH 469: Architecture Capstone — 6 Sustainable Development Selective — 3 Area of Concentration Selective — 3 Area of Concentration Selective — 3 |
15 |
Applying to the Major
Students seeking junior-year admission apply during spring quarter of Year 2. Because application requirements and deadlines may change, refer to Undergraduate Admissions for current information.
General Education Requirements
Students complete UW general education requirements as part of the first two years of the degree. 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 | 6 |
| Diversity (DIV) | 3 |
| Writing (W) | 10 |
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
The required Architecture courses are generally completed during Year 2.
| Course | Title | Quarter | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARCH 200 | Design and Representation I | Autumn | 5 |
| ARCH 231 | Making and Craft | Spring | 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
During Years Three and Four, students complete required Architecture courses, concentration selectives and electives that allow them to shape the degree around their interests.
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| ARCH 332: Making and Materials | 5 |
| ARCH 361: Architectural Studies Colloquium | 5 |
| ARCH 362: Architecture and Theory | 5 |
| ARCH 431: Energy and Buildings | 3 |
| ARCH 468: Architecture Capstone Preparation | 3 |
| ARCH 469: Architecture Capstone | 6 |
| One selective from each area of concentration | 9 |
| Additional selectives from one area of concentration | 9 |
| Architecture electives | 15 |
| College of Built Environments electives | 6 |
| Upper-Division electives | 23 |
| Total shown in current curriculum | 89 |
ARCH 362 and ARCH 469 may be eligible to count toward Writing credit. Students should confirm eligibility with the instructor at the beginning of the quarter.
Areas of Concentration
Students complete coursework across all three areas and then take additional selectives in one area of concentration:
- History and Theory
- Materials and Making
- Sustainable Development
The curriculum includes 9 credits of selectives spanning the three areas, plus 9 additional credits concentrated in one area.
Planning Your Degree
Course Sequencing
Some required Architecture courses are offered only during particular quarters and must be completed in sequence. Other selectives and electives may be offered in multiple quarters and can often be shifted based on course availability and student interests.
Architecture Electives
Architecture electives are courses with an ARCH prefix. The curriculum includes 15 credits of Architecture electives.
College of Built Environments Electives
Students complete 6 credits of 300-level or higher coursework offered through the College of Built Environments. Eligible subject areas may include Construction Management, Urban Design and Planning, Real Estate, Landscape Architecture and Built Environments courses.
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 autumn quarter of the final year if students can complete at least 12 credits of UW upper-division coursework while abroad. Students may also participate in study abroad during summer quarter.
Architecture Design study abroad programs are generally not available to Architectural Studies students, but other UW study abroad programs may be options. Students should consult UW Study Abroad when planning an international experience.
Curriculum PDF
Download the January 2026 BA in Architectural Studies curriculum information sheet (PDF)