Architectural Studies, Minor
Explore design through creative, interdisciplinary study that sharpens your problem-solving, visual communication and systems thinking. If you'd like to add design thinking around built environments to your skill set --- no matter your major --- this minor is for you.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Architectural Studies minor description
The minor program in architectural studies at The Design School provides an overview of architecture throughout history while focusing on architectural design, enabling you to explore and apply architectural thinking.
Why earn an architectural studies minor at ASU?
Whether your interests are in design, engineering, business, sustainability or another field, this minor provides valuable interdisciplinary knowledge that complements many academic and career paths. It's a great fit if you want to strengthen your creative problem-solving, visual communication and design thinking skills while gaining a broader understanding of how architecture shapes communities and everyday life.
Through the architectural studies minor, you can deepen your academic and professional experience through student organizations focused on leadership, networking, advocacy and service, including 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
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in architectural studies consists of 18 credit hours, of which nine credit hours must be upper division. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements. |
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ARC 111 Architecture of Architecture I
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ARC 112 Architecture of Architecture II
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ARC 331 World and Western Architecture I
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
ARC 332 World and Western Architecture II
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
3 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 3 |
|
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
|
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: 2.50
Incompatible Majors: BSD in architectural studies
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.
Here are the admission and application details
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 receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this architectural studies minor prepares you for
Minor programs enable graduates to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
The Design School
|
CDS 101
herbergeradvising@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.
