Bachelor of Science in Architecture
About This Program
The Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree combines a core liberal arts curriculum with a structured sequence of courses in architecture and design. A large number of electives allows the student the flexibility to pursue special interests in the school and in the University. The four-year undergraduate architecture program (128 credit hours) consists of two two-year segments: basic studies and major studies. Students are expected to show consistent satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree.
The first two years (basic studies) is a foundation curriculum taken by all undergraduates at that level in the school. In addition to work in the arts and sciences, basic studies includes a series of lecture and studio courses that introduce the student to the concepts, history, skills, and vocabulary of design.
Following the two-year basic studies sequence, in the third and fourth years (major studies), the student concentrates in one of the design disciplines, taking courses and studios of a more advanced and professional nature. Those pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree follow the architecture sequence.
The Master of Architecture offers outstanding graduating students from UTA's Bachelor of Science in Architecture program the opportunity to participate in a facilitated admissions program.
Competencies
- Upon completion, students will understand architectural history, theory, and principles in a global and cultural context.
- Upon completion, students will demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills in architectural design.
- Upon completion, students will be able to apply spatial reasoning and problem-solving in design solutions.
- Upon completion, students will be able to integrate aesthetics, function, and sustainability in architectural projects.
Admissions Criteria
Admission to the Architecture Basic Studies sequence is open to all students meeting the general requirements for entrance to the University. Please visit our website for our full admissions requirements.
To declare a major (enter 3rd year) in Architecture and gain permission to enroll in upper-level ARCH or INTD courses:
- The student will have completed the Architecture Basic Studies sequence with a grade of C or better within each major course (ARCH+INTD).
- The student will have completed the core curriculum required for the Architecture degree plan with grades of C or better within all Math and Physics courses.
- Have a minimum of a 2.8 GPA both overall at UT Arlington as well as within the Architecture Basic Studies sequence.
- Completion of the First Year Foundation Competency portfolio review (FYPR) evaluations.
- Complete a Major Declaration form available through the School of Architecture
GPA requirements may change based on changes in the curriculum of the program. Qualified students must meet the GPA requirements that are in place at the time they fulfill all other requirements to declare their major.
To declare a major for a fall semester, qualified applicants will submit their request to declare a major in the School of Architecture office at the completion of the spring semester, by the department specified deadline.
Official records of coursework taken at other institutions or universities must be submitted to the advising office of the School of Architecture before a student can file a Major Declaration form. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all coursework is transferred to the Office of Admissions at UT Arlington in a timely manner.
Upon entrance into the major studies programs, students will be required to maintain the minimum 2.8 GPAs both overall at UT Arlington and within the major to remain active and proceed within the program.
first year foundations competency
The School of Architecture requires a First Year Foundations Competency that is evaluated through a two-part First Year Portfolio Review (FYPR1 & FYPR2). All students with the intent of pursuing the BS.ARCH or BS.INTD degree are required to participate in the FYPR. All transfer students will also be required to submit a portfolio via our portfolio portal. The portfolio review will determine areas of concern and provide academic advisors with insight for student’s success.
Programs Cohort
The undergraduate programs in the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Arlington are organized in a structured cohort format.
What Is a Cohort?
A cohort is a group of students that follows the same set schedule and progresses through a program together. The sequential scheduling of the courses promotes an interactive learning environment and facilitates networking opportunities and career-strengthening relationships.
How Does It Work?
The program consists of a sequence of courses that takes a minimum of eight semesters to complete. The courses are offered in specific semesters (Fall and Spring) that require the students to complete the prior level before proceeding to the next level. If a student gets off-track in the cohort, she/he must wait until the missing course(s) are offered again.
How Are the Courses Sequenced?
The major courses must be taken as follows.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| UNIV-AR 1131 or ARCH 1101 | 1 | ARCH 1342 | 3 |
| ARCH 1301 | 3 | ||
| ARCH 1341 | 3 | ||
| 7 | 3 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 2303 | 3 | ARCH 2304 | 3 |
| ARCH 2551 | 5 | ARCH 2552 | 5 |
| 8 | 8 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 3323 | 3 | ARCH 3324 | 3 |
| ARCH 3343 | 3 | ARCH 3361 | 3 |
| ARCH 3553 | 5 | ARCH 3364 | 3 |
| ARCH 3554 | 5 | ||
| 11 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 4362 | 3 | ARCH 4557 | 5 |
| ARCH 4556 | 5 | ||
| 8 | 5 | ||
| Total Hours: 64 | |||
Curriculum
| Foundations | ||
| General Core Requirements | 42 | |
| Students must complete specific courses in certain core areas. | ||
| For Communication select: | ||
| RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I | ||
| RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | ||
| For Life & Physical Science select: | ||
| GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I | ||
| GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II | ||
| For Mathematics select: | ||
| TRIGONOMETRY | ||
| ARCHITECTURAL CALCULUS WITH ANALYTIC GEOMETRY | ||
or MATH 1426 | CALCULUS I | |
| For U.S. History select: | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865 | ||
| HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT | ||
| Architecture Foundations (Basic Studies) | ||
| Additional hours required in general education core. | 2 | |
| UNIV-AR 1131 | STUDENT SUCCESS | 1 |
| or ARCH 1101 | STUDENT SUCCESS | |
| ARCH 1301 | INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN | 3 |
| ARCH 1341 | DESIGN COMMUNICATIONS I | 3 |
| ARCH 1342 | DESIGN COMMUNICATIONS II | 3 |
| ARCH 2303 | HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN I | 3 |
| ARCH 2304 | HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN II | 3 |
| ARCH 2551 | BASIC DESIGN AND DRAWING I | 5 |
| ARCH 2552 | BASIC DESIGN AND DRAWING II | 5 |
| Architecture Specialization (Major Studies) | ||
| ARCH 3324 | STRUCTURES I | 3 |
| ARCH 3343 | ARCHITECTURE COMPUTER GRAPHICS (DESIGN COMMUNICATION III) | 3 |
| ARCH 3361 | ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENT | 3 |
| ARCH 3364 | SITE DESIGN | 3 |
| ARCH 3553 | DESIGN STUDIO: ARCHITECTURE I | 5 |
| ARCH 3554 | DESIGN STUDIO: ARCHITECTURE II | 5 |
| ARCH 4362 | STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS IN BUILDINGS | 3 |
| ARCH 4556 | DESIGN STUDIO: ARCHITECTURE III | 5 |
| ARCH 4557 | DESIGN STUDIO: ARCHITECTURE IV | 5 |
| Advanced Electives | ||
| Select a 3000/4000 level course in architectural history. | 3 | |
| Select a 3000/4000 level courses in architectural theory. | 3 | |
| Select a 3000/4000 level course in architecture. | 3 | |
| Select 4 advanced courses in area of interest with prior approval of undergraduate advisor. | 12 | |
| Select any electives suffcient to complete 128 hours with at least 36 hours at the 3000/4000 level. | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 128 | |
Suggested Course Sequence
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| UNIV-AR 1131 or ARCH 1101 | 1 | ARCH 1342 | 3 |
| ARCH 1301 | 3 | ENGL 1302 | 3 |
| ARCH 1341 | 3 | HIST 1301 | 3 |
| ENGL 1301 | 3 | MATH 1327 | 3 |
| MATH 1303 | 3 | Social & Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 |
| POLS 2312 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 2303 | 3 | ARCH 2304 | 3 |
| ARCH 2551 | 5 | ARCH 2552 | 5 |
| HIST 1302 | 3 | PHYS 1442 | 4 |
| PHYS 1441 | 4 | POLS 2311 | 3 |
| Language, Philosophy, & Culture Elective | 3 | Literature Elective | 3 |
| 18 | 18 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 3323 | 3 | ARCH 3324 | 3 |
| ARCH 3343 | 3 | ARCH 3361 | 3 |
| ARCH 3553 | 5 | ARCH 3364 | 3 |
| Adv. ARCH History or Adv. ARCH Elective | 3 | ARCH 3554 | 5 |
| University Elective | 2 | ||
| 16 | 14 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| ARCH 4362 | 3 | ARCH 4557 | 5 |
| ARCH 4556 | 5 | Adv. ARCH Theory Elective | 3 |
| Adv. ARCH or Adv. ARCH History Elective | 3 | Advanced Elective | 3 |
| Advanced Elective | 3 | Advanced Elective | 3 |
| Advanced Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours: 128 | |||
Program Completion
Competence in Oral Presentations
Students obtaining an Architecture BS demonstrate oral proficiency by taking and passing ARCH 2551, ARCH 2552, ARCH 3553, ARCH 3554, ARCH 4556, and ARCH 4557 or approved equivalents.
Competence in Computer Use
Students obtaining an Architecture BS can demonstrate computer proficiency by:
-
Taking and passing ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1302 at UT Arlington in a computer classroom environment or ENGL 3372, ENGL 3374, CSE 1301 (or equivalent), or any other class approved for this purpose by the Undergraduate Assembly.
-
Passing the University computer literacy examination.
GRADES
Upon admission to the Major Studies, all declared majors must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 both within the major and in the cumulative GPA to continue in the upper level program to satisfy requirements for graduation.
A grade of C or higher must be earned in each School of Architecture course used for credit toward an undergraduate degree and minor offered by the school. A grade of C or higher must be earned in all required Math and Physics courses. Grades of P are not acceptable for classes in which a grade of C or higher is required.
Repetition of Courses
Three attempts to achieve a satisfactory grade are permitted for each required course in the School of Architecture. Beyond that number of attempts, the student is denied access to the course in question, or to the sequence of courses for which it is requisite. Enrollment in the course for the time sufficient to receive a grade, including the grade W, is considered an attempt.
Transfer of Credit
The extent of credit toward degree requirements for academic work done elsewhere will be determined by the representatives of the appropriate program. Students applying to transfer credits from studio courses taken elsewhere must present examples of that work for evaluation.
Student Projects
The School of Architecture reserves the right to retain, copyright, use, exhibit, reproduce, and publish any work submitted for course credit. The student is encouraged to develop a portfolio of all work accomplished in advanced courses for future professional and academic uses.
Policy for Classroom + Studio Non-registered Attendees
The following policy applies to scheduled courses and academic activities in the School of Architecture, including undergraduate and graduate programs in Architecture and Interior Design. The policy is effective January 1, 2024 and complies with University of Texas at Arlington EI-PO-11, the Texas Education Code Section 51.982, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Only assigned instructors, enrolled students, invited guests and other individuals who have received the instructors’ permission in advance are permitted in scheduled classes within CAPPA buildings. Unenrolled students, dependent minors of enrolled students or guests without instructors’ permission are not permitted within the assigned classroom during any scheduled class. Other faculty engaged in peer review or other sanctioned academic responsibilities may attend as warranted and with consent of the instructor for the course or program director.
On occasion, due to extenuating circumstances, it is understood that an enrolled student who is a parent may have no other childcare choice than to have their child brought to the learning environment. In these circumstances, suspension of the above policy may be permitted by the instructor on a limited basis, to be designated by the instructor. Prohibited Minors: Persons under the age of ten (10) are not permitted in any laboratory (studio).
Independent Study Policy (ARCH 4191, ARCH 4391)
For students interested in completing Independent Study, independent studies are limited to no more than six (6) total hours during their undergraduate degree pursuit with the program. No more than three (3) credit hours of independent study is allowed in one semester. All Independent Studies must adhere to the following process:
- The student must have minimum 3.0 GPAs both overall at UTA and within the major.
- The Independent Study subject/purpose must not be covered in the regular curriculum.
- The student will develop and write an independent study proposal and find a sponsoring faculty member to supervise the independent study.
- The faculty member, if agreeable to supervise the independent study, must complete a submit a CAPPA Independent Study form with a detailed outline on what the independent study will cover, why it is needed, and how many credits are requested.
- The faculty member will submit the completed/signed form to the CAPPA undergraduate advising office at arch.advising@uta.edu.
- The Independent Study request is subject to administrative approval.
Any independent study from programs outside of the student's current major are still subject to the Independent Study Policy above for consideration of application to the degree.
Advising Resources
The College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) at UT Arlington equips students with skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges in design, public policy, and research. Our Advising Office supports academic and career success. Explore our Future Students page to connect with an Academic Advisor and shape your future.
Location:
203 CAPPA Building
Email:
cappa.advising@uta.edu
Phone:
817-272-2801