Architectural Studies, BSD
Expand your passion for space and environments, and how people engage with them. You can develop the intellectual, artistic and technical skills you'll need to pursue a future in architecture. This program acknowledges the evolving essence and variety of architectural jobs.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Architectural Studies, BSD degree description
The preprofessional Bachelor of Science in Design program in architectural studies offered by The Design School helps you understand architecture as both a cultural expression and technical achievement, and it offers an interdisciplinary approach to architecture.
You are prepared for alternative practices with architecture firms and in related fields such as landscape architecture, engineering, art, construction, urban planning, urban design and historic preservation, or for graduate studies in the professional Master of Architecture program, in business fields or in law.
This program offers two possible paths: cross-disciplinary focus and professional focus. For the first three years, you take two project-topic courses yearly, together with other classes, to develop your skills. In the third year, if you intend to pursue professional licensure as a registered architect, you must declare to your advisor your interest in pursuing the professional focus.
Why study architectural studies at ASU?
Beyond the studio, you can deepen your academic and professional experience through student organizations built around leadership, networking, advocacy and service. Options include the American Institute of Architecture Students, the Design Justice Initiative, the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, the US Green Building Council, Alpha Rho Chi, and the Latinx Architecture Student Organization.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ARC 101 Architecture Project I |
| ARC 102 Architecture Project II |
| ARC 201 Architecture Project III |
| ARC 202 Architecture Project IV |
| ARC 301 Architecture Project V |
| ARC 302 Architecture Project VI |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Develop design fundamentals in the context of diverse visual settings, demonstrating familiarity with their understanding of their core principles.
- Critically evaluate their designs and methodology to develop visual works that convey messages to broad audiences.
- Develop skills to creatively address ecological, cultural and social issues.
Develop design fundamentals in the context of diverse visual settings, demonstrating familiarity with their understanding of their core principles.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
An ASU student who would like to change majors into this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and understand their GPA must be brought up to a 3.00 or above within one semester to remain in good standing. An ASU student who is returning to this major (having previously studied this major in a prior semester) must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
International experiences supplement a major in architectural studies while also introducing students to new cultures, skills and perspectives. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in architectural studies can learn about the complex differences between societies, which fosters a sense of empathy and understanding of the many ways people live in this world.
With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their interests and skill sets. The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts recommends these programs for students majoring in architectural studies.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | 4.3% | $99,280 | Learn more |
| Architecture Professor | 2.6% | $96,870 | Learn more |
| CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator) | -3.4% | $76,870 | Learn more |
| Drafting Technician | 5.2% | $66,150 | Learn more |
| Engineering Manager | 5.5% | $171,270 | Learn more |
| Historian | 3.0% | $76,750 | Learn more |
| Landscape Architect | 4.4% | $79,870 | Learn more |
| Mechanical Drafter | -6.0% | $71,550 | Learn more |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineer | 3.7% | $122,930 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this architectural studies degree prepares you for
Graduates of the bachelor's degree program are prepared for graduate school as well as a range of design-related careers.
Those who wish to become licensed can complete their professional studies by attending an accredited professional master's degree program. The Design School offers a two-year professional MArch degree for graduates of the undergraduate program.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
The Design School
|
CDS 101
herbergeradmissions@asu.edu
480-965-4495
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
