Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a four-year undergraduate degree in the US that prepares students for professional licensure and careers in architecture.
Careers open to architecture graduates
Institutions awarding this level in architecture (234)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- California State Polytechnic University · Pomona
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- California Polytechnic State University · San Luis Obispo
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Syracuse University · Syracuse
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- Virginia Tech · Blacksburg
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- Pratt Institute-Main · Brooklyn
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder
- University of Houston · Houston
- Mississippi State University · Starkville
- Auburn University · Auburn
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Wentworth Institute of Technology · Boston
- Cornell University · Ithaca
- Iowa State University · Ames
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- New York Institute of Technology · Old Westbury
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- University of Oregon · Eugene
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- University of Virginia-Main Campus · Charlottesville
- Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton
- Clemson University · Clemson
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- Illinois Institute of Technology · Chicago
- Ball State University · Muncie
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Miami University-Oxford · Oxford
- Roger Williams University · Bristol
- New Jersey Institute of Technology · Newark
- Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia
- Savannah College of Art and Design · Savannah
- New York City College of Technology · Brooklyn
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- Tulane University · New Orleans
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Rhode Island School of Design · Providence
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- Lawrence Technological University · Southfield
- Woodbury University · Burbank
- North Dakota State University · Fargo
- Marywood University · Scranton
- California Baptist University · Riverside
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- Washington State University · Pullman
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus · Atlanta
- Louisiana Tech University · Ruston
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame
- University of Idaho · Moscow
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- Northeastern University · Boston
- City College of New York · New York
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Louisiana at Lafayette · Lafayette
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- Southern California Institute of Architecture · Los Angeles
- Oklahoma State University-Main Campus · Stillwater
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras · San Juan
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- NewSchool of Architecture and Design · San Diego
- Prairie View A&M University · Prairie View
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- Montana State University · Bozeman
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- Catholic University of America · Washington
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Dunwoody College of Technology · Minneapolis
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University · Tallahassee
- University of Detroit Mercy · Detroit
- Rice University · Houston
- New School · New York
- Keene State College · Keene
- Utah State University · Logan
- Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh
- Endicott College · Beverly
- Drury University · Springfield
- Cooper Union · New York
- Portland State University · Portland
- Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico · Hato Rey
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- Howard University · Washington
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges · Geneva
- Morgan State University · Baltimore
- Kean University · Union
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Judson University · Elgin
- South Dakota State University · Brookings
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- University of San Francisco · San Francisco
- Boston Architectural College · Boston
- University of San Diego · San Diego
- University of New Haven · West Haven
- Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green
- Chatham University · Pittsburgh
- Indiana State University · Terre Haute
- American College of the Building Arts · Charleston
- Andrews University · Berrien Springs
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico-Ponce · Ponce
- Pennsylvania College of Technology · Williamsport
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale · Carbondale
- Connecticut College · New London
- Yale University · New Haven
- Purdue University West Lafayette · West Lafayette
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Alfred State College · Alfred
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- ArtCenter College of Design · Pasadena
- University of North Alabama · Florence
- Columbia University · New York
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design · Boston
- Boston University · Boston
- Brown University · Providence
- SUNY Delhi · Delhi
- Lehigh University · Bethlehem
- Paier College · Bridgeport
- California College of the Arts · San Francisco
- University of Delaware · Newark
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- Norwich University · Northfield
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design · Milwaukee
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry · Syracuse
- West Chester University · West Chester
- Otis College of Art and Design · Los Angeles
- Fairmont State University · Fairmont
- University of Rhode Island · Kingston
- Middlebury College · Middlebury
- Anderson University - South Carolina · Anderson
- University of the District of Columbia · Washington
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- Barnard College · New York
- Utah Valley University · Orem
- Westfield State University · Westfield
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- Concordia University Wisconsin · Mequon
- Tuskegee University · Tuskegee
- Amherst College · Amherst
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- University of New Hampshire · Durham
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- Benedictine College · Atchison
- La Roche College · Pittsburgh
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- Brigham Young University · Provo
- Appalachian State University · Boone
- Smith College · Northampton
- University of Maine at Augusta · Augusta
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth · North Dartmouth
- Ithaca College · Ithaca
- Mount Holyoke College · South Hadley
- Wellesley College · Wellesley
- Tufts University · Medford
- Vanderbilt University · Nashville
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University · Greensboro
- Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus · Gurabo
- DePaul University · Chicago
- University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City
- Mount Mary University · Milwaukee
- Princeton University · Princeton
- Salisbury University · Salisbury
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania · Indiana
- Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti
- Rowan University · Glassboro
- Delaware Valley College · Doylestown
About
The Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) is a bachelor level degree typically completed in about four years of undergraduate study. It is a professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in architecture and to meet the educational requirements for licensure in many states. This degree is offered by four-year institutions accredited by regional bodies and often by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The program integrates design studios, technical courses, and general education to develop both creative and practical skills. It is intended for students passionate about architecture who want a comprehensive education that combines theory and practice.
- Professional degree in architecture
- Four years of undergraduate study
- Offered by four-year accredited institutions
- Prepares for licensure requirements
- Combines design and theory in curriculum
- Targets students interested in architecture
How to get in
Admission to a Bachelor of Architecture program generally requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Applicants often submit standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT through the Common App platform. Portfolios showcasing artistic and design skills may be required by some schools. The selection process is competitive and considers GPA, test scores, recommendation letters, and personal statements. Financial aid applications like FAFSA are available to support students. Transfer agreements may exist for students coming from community colleges or two-year programs.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- SAT or ACT scores often needed
- Portfolio may be requested
- Competitive admission process
- FAFSA available for aid
- Transfer options possible
Format and schedule
The Bachelor of Architecture is structured over about four years of full-time study, typically requiring completion of credit hours set by the institution. Students engage in design studios, lectures, and labs, with evaluations based on projects, exams, and presentations. Internships or practical experience are often encouraged or integrated. The program may follow a semester or quarter system depending on the school. Attendance is usually on campus, though some courses might be offered online. Continuous assessment helps track progress toward graduation.
- Four years full-time study
- Credit hours required for graduation
- Design studios and lectures combined
- Internships encouraged
- Semester or quarter system
- Continuous assessment methods
What next?
Graduates with a Bachelor of Architecture can enter the workforce as architectural interns or pursue further education such as a Master of Architecture for advanced licensure preparation. The degree meets the educational criteria for the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) in many states. Career opportunities include architectural firms, construction companies, and urban planning agencies. Some graduates also choose related fields like interior design or real estate development. Transfer agreements may facilitate continuing studies or professional certifications.
- Entry-level architecture positions
- Preparation for ARE licensure exam
- Graduate studies options available
- Related career paths accessible
- Professional networking opportunities
- Licensure requirements supported
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a BArch and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture?
The BArch is a professional degree focused on preparing students for architectural licensure, while a Bachelor of Science in Architecture is often more general and may require further study for licensure.
Is the Bachelor of Architecture enough to become a licensed architect?
In many states, the BArch meets the education requirement for licensure, but candidates must also complete internships and pass the Architect Registration Examination.
Can I transfer credits from a community college to a BArch program?
Some four-year institutions have articulation agreements allowing transfer of credits, but policies vary and should be confirmed with the specific school.
Do I need to submit a portfolio for admission?
Many BArch programs require a portfolio to assess your design and artistic skills, but requirements differ by institution.
How competitive is admission to BArch programs?
Admission can be selective due to limited spots and the specialized nature of the program; strong academic records and portfolios improve chances.
Are internships mandatory during the BArch degree?
Internships are highly recommended and sometimes integrated into the curriculum to provide practical experience, but requirements vary.
Can I apply for financial aid for a BArch program?
Yes, students can apply for federal aid through FAFSA and may also seek scholarships specific to architecture students.
What careers can I pursue with a BArch degree?
Graduates can work as architectural interns, designers, project managers, or continue studies for licensure and advanced roles.