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.
Program description
The preprofessional Bachelor of Science in Design program in architectural studies offered by The Design School helps students understand architecture as both a cultural expression and technical achievement, and it offers an interdisciplinary approach to architecture.
Students 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, all students take two project-topic courses yearly, together with other classes, to develop their skills. In the third year, students intending to pursue professional licensure as a registered architect must declare to their advisor their interest in pursuing the professional focus.
At a glance: program details
- Offered by: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe campus or Online
- Math intensity: General
Required courses (major map)
On-campus students
Online students
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major
Admission requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements
Change your major requirements for current students
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.
Next steps to attend ASU
Apply to program
The Design School invites first-year, transfer, international, graduate and online students to apply for admission using our online application.
Visit our campus
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts invites all prospective students to take tours of selected facilities.
Explore the resources available to you
Learn about campus life and the resources available to our students.
Affording college
Tuition estimator
The tuition estimator shows the tuition and fee breakdown for your particular major, campus and residency status without financial aid.
Scholarships
Scholarships are a type of aid that does not need to be paid back. Some you apply for and some are automatic.
Financial aid
There are many financial aid options available for students. In fact, more than 80 percent of all ASU students receive some form of financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
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.
Example careers
Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.
| Career | Growth* | Median Salary* |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | 4.8% | $82,840 |
| Architecture Professor | 3.8% | $93,220 |
| CAD Operator (Computer Aided Design Operator) | 0.9% | $64,240 |
| Drafting Technician | 0.6% | $59,820 |
| Engineering Manager | 4.1% | $159,920 |
| Historian | 3.1% | $64,540 |
| Landscape Architect | 0.7% | $73,210 |
| Mechanical Drafter | -7.2% | $61,310 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineer | 3.3% | $104,600 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Bright outlook
Green occupation
Global opportunities
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.
Why choose ASU
ASU offers students excellent academics and unique opportunities to customize your college experience and give you an edge, including undergraduate research, internships, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to work with world-class faculty and scientists.
World-class faculty
The ASU faculty is at the forefront nationally in advancing research and discovery. Our faculty members inspire new ways of thinking, innovating and solving problems socially, culturally and economically in our region and in the international community.
Highly ranked programs
A leading service ranking the excellence and innovation of the nation’s top universities, U.S. News & World Report rates many ASU programs among the top 25 in the country, including more than thirty programs ranked in the nation's top 10.
Research opportunities
Students have the opportunity to work with mentors who are experts in their fields and establish professional connections that may last a lifetime. Engage in meaningful research and gain experience that may make you more competitive in the job market.
An inclusive environment
ASU defines our success not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how our students succeed. Our educational programs are designed to broaden access to a quality education and support our students’ success.
Career Services
All students have access to ASU’s full-service career resources center. Get help writing your cover letter and building your resume, learn job interview skills, land an internship, and connect with hundreds of employers who are actively recruiting ASU graduates.
Global education
ASU offers more than 300 Global Education programs in over 65 different countries. Whether you are interested in studying abroad, internships, research or service learning, there's a program for you!
Attend online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information.
Program contact information
If you have questions related to admission, please fill out the request information form above and an admission specialist will contact you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Plan of study
The Plan of study is the required curriculum to complete the program
Subplans
