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
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.
- 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