Degree Requirements
On this page:
Undergraduate Degree Programs | College of Architecture Requirements | Combined Studies
Undergraduate Degree Programs
The College of Architecture offers course work leading to two undergraduate degrees: the Bachelor of Science in Architecture and the Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. The requirements for both degrees are the same through the junior year. Students choose which degree program they wish to pursue. Further information about the particular requirements and curricular structures of the undergraduate degree programs is listed below.
Students in the College of Architecture select, in consultation with their advisors, a course of study that satisfies the formal degree requirements, addresses their interests, and best meets their overall goals.
Students begin with a design studio and take required courses in the College of Arts & Sciences in addition to electives across the university.
For the Bachelor of Science degree, students continue to study architecture in depth through the senior year. For those in the Bachelor of Arts program, the fourth year offers the flexibility of studying outside of architecture or pursuing other electives.
Continuing for Graduate Study Years
Students receiving the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree can apply to two-year Master of Architecture programs. Students receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in architecture usually apply to three-year Master of Architecture programs. Please visit the Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design section of this Bulletin for more information.
College of Architecture Requirements
Students must fulfill the following degree requirements:
Academic Requirements
- Writing: Every student must demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing the English language and must begin to develop mature skills in framing and revising arguments by completing course work as determined by the College Writing Program, with a grade of C- or better. Transfer students must fulfill the writing requirement by taking an approved writing course or by review of a writing portfolio. For more information, visit the College Writing Program website.
- Math 131 Calculus I (Natural Sciences/Math) with a C- or better
- Physics 191U Physics I — Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors Only (Natural Sciences/Math) with a C- or better
- Humanities (3 units): Humanities courses examine the human condition as it has been documented and expressed in both past and contemporary times. This area includes courses from literature (both in English and other languages), Classics, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies, as well as some courses in the creative arts such as Dance, Drama, Music and Writing. Courses designated "Arch HUM" fulfill the humanities requirement.
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 units): These courses use qualitative and quantitative observation to explore the social environment, relationships with society and forms of human behavior. This area includes courses from Anthropology, Economics, Education, International and Area Studies, Political Science and Psychological & Brain Sciences as well as courses from other areas, including interdisciplinary studies. Courses designated "Arch SSC" fulfill the social and behavioral sciences requirement.
- Art History (Art-Arch 113 History of Western Art, Architecture & Design) with a C- or better; may be taken pass/fail
- Art History (Art-Arch 215 Introduction to Modern Art, Architecture and Design) with a C- or better; may not be taken pass/fail
Major Required Courses: Bachelor of Science in Architecture
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 183 | Practices in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design | 1 |
| ARCH 184 | Practices in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design | 1 |
| ARCH 111B | Introduction to Design Processes I | 4.5 |
| ARCH 112B | Introduction to Design Processes II | 4.5 |
| ARCH 211C | Introduction to Design Processes III | 6 |
| ARCH 212C | Introduction to Design Processes IV | 6 |
| ARCH 311 | Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH 312 | Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH 411 | Architectural Design III | 6 |
| ARCH 412 | Architectural Design IV | 6 |
| ARCH 3280 | Architectural History I: Antiquity to Baroque | 3 |
| ARCH 3284 | Architectural History II: Architecture Since 1880 | 3 |
| ARCH 438 | Environmental Systems I | 3 |
| ARCH 445 | Building Systems | 3 |
| ARCH 447A | Structures I | 3 |
| ARCH 448A | Structures II | 3 |
| History/theory research and writing elective | 3 | |
| Architecture electives at 300 level or above | 6 | |
| Electives* | 27 | |
| Total Units | 101 | |
- *
A maximum of 15 non-Washington University units (including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and transfer credit) is permitted. A maximum of 9 units may be applied to physical education, lessons and/or independent studies. No units in University College are accepted.
Major Required Courses: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 183 | Practices in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design | 1 |
| ARCH 184 | Practices in Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design | 1 |
| ARCH 111B | Introduction to Design Processes I | 4.5 |
| ARCH 112B | Introduction to Design Processes II | 4.5 |
| ARCH 211C | Introduction to Design Processes III | 6 |
| ARCH 212C | Introduction to Design Processes IV | 6 |
| ARCH 311 | Architectural Design I | 6 |
| ARCH 312 | Architectural Design II | 6 |
| ARCH 3280 | Architectural History I: Antiquity to Baroque | 3 |
| ARCH 3284 | Architectural History II: Architecture Since 1880 | 3 |
| ARCH 445 | Building Systems | 3 |
| ARCH 499 | Senior Capstone in Architecture | 3 |
| History/theory research and writing elective | 3 | |
| Architecture electives at 300 level or above | 6 | |
| Electives* | 45 | |
| Total Units | 101 | |
- *
A maximum of 15 non-Washington University units (including Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and transfer credit) is permitted. A maximum of 9 units may be applied to physical education, lessons and/or independent studies. No units in University College are accepted.
Additional Requirements
If a student plans to enter the architectural design sequence ARCH 311–ARCH 312 in the fall of the junior year, the student must complete 60 units of academic work by the end of the sophomore year.
Each undergraduate student must successfully complete 122 units and at least 30 units in advanced courses (numbered 300, 400 or 500). The 30 units in advanced courses may include the minimum number of advanced units required by the major areas of concentration. Courses required for the major (refer to the College of Architecture Requirements) must be passed with a C- or better.
Each student must spend at least three semesters in full-time residence (at least 12 units per semester) at Washington University. Unless excused by the director of the College of Architecture, the student must earn the last 30 units at Washington University. The director of the College of Architecture may waive the full-time residence requirement for students who are employed full-time and who have completed at least two years of college.
Regulations
A. Students may take one non-required course on a pass/fail basis each semester.
B. Students may enroll for credit in only one supervised performance course during any semester. Students may earn a maximum of 9 units toward the degree in supervised performance and/or in group or individual performance courses, internships, and independent studies combined.
Combined Studies
Washington University offers students the option to study across disciplines and to take advantage of the wide range of courses available. Students may choose to major in architecture and minor in another subject in architecture or to major in architecture and choose a minor or second major in an area from a different undergraduate school.