Architecture

College of Built Environments

The Department of Architecture offers two different options for undergraduate students interested in the field of architecture. The Architecture major is a seminar and research based (non-studio) degree that provides a liberal arts foundation. This program prepares students for further study and careers in architectural design and related disciplines. The Architectural Design major is a pre-professional studio based degree that prepares most students for graduate study in architecture and a professional career in the field. Both programs share a commitment to architecture and design as a field of knowledge that can have a profound impact on contemporary society. Non-majors interested in architecture are able to pursue a Minor in Architectural Design.

* A small percentage of students are admitted to this major directly as freshmen. The majority will be admitted through the standard admission process after enrolling at the UW.

Major category: Capacity-constrained

Minor available

Topic: Arts, Engineering-option

website   Degree requirements

Applicant type

Freshman

Freshmen can apply to the UW to begin autumn quarter or winter quarter (U.S. applicants only)

Read more about applying to the UW as a freshman, including details for programs that provide high school students with college credit (like Running Start).


Transfer

Quarters of general admission to UW: autumn / winter (U.S. applicants only) / spring

Preparation for the major is a factor in transfer admission.

  • Use the information below to help you prepare for this degree
  • Visit MyPlan to run a degree audit.
  • Use the UW Equivalency Guide to find out how courses taken at a Washington state community or technical college will transfer to the UW.
  • UW college and school graduation requirements

Department admission information

  • Departmental application deadline: First Monday of spring quarter
  • Please contact the department for details about the application process.
This major is capacity-constrained. Completion of prerequisites does not guarantee admission.
  • A separate departmental application is required for this major. For more information, visit the Architecture website.
  • Non-UW students may register for the prerequisite architecture courses (ARCH 200, 231, 350, 351, 352) as non-matriculated students through UW Extension.

Read more about applying to the UW as a transfer student.

Courses required for the major:

  • ARCH 200 – Design and Representation I (autumn only)
  • ARCH 231 – Making and Craft (spring only)
  • ARCH 350 – Architecture of the Ancient World (autumn only)
  • ARCH 351 – Architecture of the Medieval and Early Modern World (winter only)
  • ARCH 352 – History of Modern Architecture (spring only)

Notes:

Completion of 90 credits including English composition (5 credits); Arts & Humanities (20 credits); Social Sciences (20 credits); Natural Sciences (20 credits including MATH 112, 124, or 145); and additional Areas of Inquiry (5 credits)

Entering transfer information:

Total undergraduates: 109
Total from Washington community colleges: 13

Entering transfer GPA (from WA community colleges):

3.75 – 4.00: 2
3.50 – 3.74: 5
3.25 – 3.49: 2
3.00 – 3.24: 3
2.75 – 2.99: 0
2.50 – 2.74: 1
2.49 and below: 0


Career outcomes