Architectural Studies, BSD
Expand your passion for space and environments, and how people engage with them. You'll 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
Courses
Math Intensity: General
Important dates
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree overview
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.
Program learning outcomes
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program's learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
Sample courses
This is a sample course sequence. General education courses can be taken in a different order.
You'll complete 36-40 courses total (120 credit hours) to earn this degree.
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Develop the skills and confidence to make an impact in your field
Here is just some of what you'll learn:
- Design thinking and representation
- Digital design, artificial intelligence and BIM software
- Design fundamentals and theory
- Architectural and urban history
- Sustainable and environmental design
- Collaborative, interdisciplinary project work
- Presentation and portfolio development
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 | 3.9% | $99,280 | Learn more |
| Architecture Professor | 2.0% | $96,870 | Learn more |
| CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator) | -5.6% | $76,870 | Learn more |
| Drafting Technician | 4.1% | $66,150 | Learn more |
| Engineering Manager | 3.8% | $171,270 | Learn more |
| Historian | 2.2% | $76,750 | Learn more |
| Landscape Architect | 3.5% | $79,870 | Learn more |
| Mechanical Drafter | -6.5% | $71,550 | Learn more |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineer | 2.1% | $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
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.
Admission details
Requirements and contact information
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
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students learn to thrive in a global environment through the rich educational and interpersonal experiences inherent in study abroad. A resume enhanced by the valuable study abroad experience impresses prospective employers, and it also helps the student stand out should they decide to pursue advanced study.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.
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. Learn more.
Estimate tuition and feesStudy at a globally recognized university
ASU is a global university recognized for its commitment to innovation, research and high-quality academic programs. Our university is repeatedly awarded peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report and other respected organizations.
#1
in the U.S. for innovation for 11 consecutive years, ahead of Stanford and MIT (U.S. News & World Report).
#2
in the U.S. for employability among public universities, ahead of UCLA, Michigan and Purdue (Global Employability University Ranking and Survey).
Top 30
in the world for architecture programs (QS World University Rankings).
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