Architecture

Architecture includes the study of design, graphics, computing, building structures, construction materials, environmental control systems, history, theory, and professional practice.  It also draws from a broad range of fields including ecology, sociology, psychology, cultural studies, and law.

Undergraduate Program

Advising for the first two years of the program is done through the Undergraduate Gateway Center, 171 Mary Gates Hall.

The Department of Architecture offers the following programs of study:

• The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in architectural studies
• A dual-degree program leading to the Bachelor of arts degree with a major in architectural studies and the Bachelor of Science degree in construction management
• A minor in architecture

The B.A. in architectural studies is a pre-professional degree that prepares candidates for admission with advanced standing to professional architectural programs.  It is also good preparation for other roles in society, government, development, management, planning, art, graphic design, digital arts, and the like. These benefit from an understanding of and exposure to architectural design and problem solving.

Students may also choose a dual major in both Architecture and Construction Management and can receive both the B.A. with a major in Architectural Studies and the B.S. in Construction Management. Five years of study is usually the minimum necessary to complete the requirements for both degree programs.

Bachelor of Arts

Department Admission Requirements

1. 90 credits to include the following:
   1. Preparatory Architectural Course Work (17 credits): ARCH 350, ARCH 351, ARCH 352 (9 credits); ARCH 210, ARCH 211 (8 credits). Note: These courses can be taken through UW Extension on a nonmatriculated basis, prior to admission to the UW, or they can be taken in the sophomore year on campus.
   2. General Education Requirements (70 credits): English composition (5 credits); Visual, Literary, and Performing Arts (VLPA) (20 credits); Individuals and Societies (I&S) (20 credits); Natural World (NW) (20 credits, including MATH 112, MATH 124, or MATH 145); additional Areas of Knowledge (5 credits).
   3. Electives (3 credits)
2. While the cumulative GPA is an important factor in the admission evaluation, the committee places emphasis on the evaluation of performance in the preparatory architectural course work the student has completed. It is to the student's advantage to take as many of these courses as possible before applying.
3. Application deadline: May 15 for autumn quarter only. Prerequisite courses must be completed by the time the student enters the program in autumn quarter.

Major Requirements

1. Preprofessional Coursework (69 credits): ARCH 300, ARCH 301, ARCH 302, ARCH 315, ARCH 320, ARCH 321, ARCH 322, ARCH 332, ARCH 380, ARCH 400, ARCH 401, ARCH 402, ARCH 431, ARCH 460. One selective course in each of the following areas: (1) graphics/media; (2) history/theory; (3) building science/materials. Selective courses to be chosen from approved lists maintained by the Department.
2. 21 credits of approved upper-division electives.
3. The final 45 credits must be completed as a matriculated student in residence at the UW.
4. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all work done in residence.

Dual Degree Program

Admission Requirements

Dual Degree Program Requirements

1. Architecture Foundation Courses (60 credits): ARCH 300, ARCH 301, ARCH 302, ARCH 315, ARCH 320, ARCH 321, ARCH 322, ARCH 380, ARCH 400, ARCH 401, ARCH 402, ARCH 431, ARCH 460.
2. Architecture Selectives (6 credits): 3 credits of graphic/media selective chosen from among the following BIM-recommended courses: ARCH 316, ARCH 410, ARCH 412, ARCH 413, ARCH 415, ARCH 418, ARCH 478, ARCH 481, ARCH 482, ARCH 484, ARCH 485, ARCH 486, ARCH 498. 3 credits of history/theory selective from among the following courses: ARCH 441, ARCH 442, ARCH 450, ARCH 452, ARCH 455, ARCH 457.
3. Construction Management Courses (64 credits): CM 310, CM 311, CM 312, CM 313, CM 321, CM 322, CM 323, CM 331, CM 332, CM 333, CM 334, CM 410, CM 411, CM 412, CM 421, CM 422, CM 423, CM 431 (capstone experience), CM 432, CM 433, B CMU 301.
4. Construction/Construction Science Electives (6 credits): Two of the following courses: CM 415, CM 420, CM 425, or ARCH 420.
5. Approved Electives (3 credits): May be chosen from among CM or ARCH courses.
6. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for all work done in residence.

Minor

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The architectural studies program emphasizes a broad liberal arts foundation followed by a focus on entry-level courses in architectural design, theory, the technology of building, and materials. Specific goals for student learning include an understanding of the organization of three-dimensional space in response to specific human needs; the sequences and history of human building activities; various architectural theories and current thought about the aesthetics of design; construction materials and their properties; building systems and their integration for human comfort; structural principles, relationships of buildings to their sites; social, political, legal, and economic influences of design and construction. Specific goals in the area of personal development include an ability to visualize three dimensions and think spatially; graphic, verbal, and written communication skills for design development and presentation; an ability to think critically and exercise self-criticism.
• Instructional and Research Facilities: Departmental and College facilities include the following:
  • Design Machine Group, a collaborative design and computing research lab and studio aimed at fostering and developing ideas that will shape the future of design and information technology.
  • UW Rome Center, housed in the Palazzo Pio on the Campo de' Fiori of Rome, provides studio and classroom spaces for students participating in Italian studies programs.
  • The Lighting Applications Laboratory is operated by the department for use by students and faculty in conjunction with lighting classes, design studio, courses, and research work.
  • Photography Laboratory: A large and well-equipped laboratory for black-and-white photography operated by the department for the College provides studio and darkroom facilities for use by photography classes, design studio classes, special instruction, and independent activity.
  • Wood and Metal Shop: Large and well-equipped wood and metal working shops are available for student and class projects.
• Honors Options Available: None offered
• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Internships are available and vary according to individual interests within the program. See adviser for details.
• Department Scholarships: A limited number of department scholarships are available to eligible students entering their final year of the major.
• Student Organizations/Associations: AIAS (American Institute of Architectural Students)

Of Special Note:

Most states require that an individual intending to become an architect hold an accredited degree. Two types of degrees are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB): (1) the Bachelor of Architecture, which requires a minimum of five years of architectural study (this degree is not offered at the University of Washington), and (2) the Master of Architecture, which requires a minimum of three years of study following an unrelated bachelor's degree or two years following a related pre-professional bachelor's degree. These professional degrees are structured to educate those who aspire to registration and licensure to practice as architects.

The UW's four-year, pre-professional degree is not accredited by NAAB. The pre-professional degree is useful to those desiring a foundation in the field of architecture as preparation for either continued education in a professional degree program or for employment options in fields related to architecture.

Architectural education at the University of Washington requires a minimum of six years of higher education to attain the first professional degree, the Master of Architecture. The curriculum is divided into three two-year segments of course work with a pre-professional Bachelor of Arts degree (with a major in Architectural Studies) awarded at the completion of the second two-year segment. The professional degree, Master of Architecture, is awarded only upon completion of the third segment. (Students with bachelor's degrees in unrelated fields take an additional year of course work.)

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
208 Gould, Box 355720
206-543-4180
archinfo@u.washington.edu

Master of Architecture

The Master of Architecture degree is the only professional degree offered by the Department of Architecture. Completion of the requirements of this nationally accredited degree program satisfies the educational requirement for licensing (registration) as an architect. The accredited M.Arch. program accommodates two groups of undergraduate degree holders: (1) persons holding a pre-professional four-year degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (or equivalent), who normally will require seven or eight quarters of study; (2) persons with an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field, who normally will require ten or eleven quarters, over a period of at least three years, to complete the requirements for the degree. This three-year program may vary somewhat in duration and specific course work required, depending on selection of concentration/study areas and prior academic and professional experience.

Candidates with a pre-professional four-year degree, such as Bachelor of Arts (in architecture) or the equivalent, usually undertake six full-time quarters of study including completion of a thesis for the M.Arch. degree. This program typically requires 91 credits of course work, including 30 credits of design studio, 30 credits of approved core courses, 9 credits of thesis, and 15 credits of electives. Special interests and certificate programs often can be accommodated within the 15 credits of electives and design-studio options.

Persons holding degrees in other fields normally take three quarters of preparatory course work to develop knowledge and skills equivalent to those of students who enter the program from undergraduate architecture programs. Upon completion of preparatory course work, the students merge with students in the two-year program described above.

The department offers an advanced M.Arch. degree program for persons holding an accredited professional five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree (and those already holding an accredited Master of Architecture degree). For these candidates the program represents a specialization or in-depth study of a specific area or interest in the field. Each student's program is developed on an individual basis in consultation with faculty advisers. The approved program of study becomes the student's curriculum, which must be completed for award of the degree. Typically this program involves a minimum of 45 credits of required course work, including a thesis, and can be completed in four or five quarters. Those seeking advanced study of design computing should apply to the Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture degree program, not the post-professional M.Arch.

Admission Requirements

• Scholastic record and aptitude as evidenced by transcripts from baccalaureate (or higher) degree and GRE test scores, to be taken within the last five years. Primary emphasis is placed on more recent and architecturally-related coursework.

• Minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) or better in the last 90 graded quarter hours or last 60 semester hours.

• A portfolio of work in visual arts and/or design. The portfolio is of primary significance for candidates from design backgrounds who desire advanced standing; however, applicants from other fields must show some graphic evidence of interest and aptitude in the design arts as well.

• The applicant's Statement of Purpose for clarity, purpose and the extent to which the program can be expected to prepare him/her for those objectives.

  The Statement of Purpose is particularly significant for those applying for the post-professional M.Arch. program. Where appropriate the candidate should include a proposed schedule of coursework and identify faculty that will be involved in the study.

• The applicant's background and experience in architecture and related fields.

• Written recommendations from three persons who can evaluate the applicant's past record and future promise of success in the program.

Degree Requirements

• For students without an architecture background a preparatory year is required (54 credits): ARCH 303 (6), ARCH 304 (6), ARCH 305 (6), ARCH 310 (3), ARCH 311 (3), ARCH 312 (3), ARCH 320 (3), ARCH 321 (3), ARCH 322 (3), ARCH 331 (3), ARCH 332 (3), ARCH 350 (3), ARCH 351 (3), ARCH 352 (3), ARCH 360 (3)

• First-year requirements: ARCH 420 (4), ARCH 432 (3), ARCH 433 (3), ARCH 500 (6),, ARCH 501 (6),, ARCH 502 (6), ARCH 530 (3), ARCH 570 (3), ARCH 590 (3), ARCH 591 (3), electives (6)

• Second-year requirements: ARCH 503 (6), ARCH 504 (6), ARCH 595/599 (3), ARCH 700 (9), professional practicum selectives (6), graduate seminar selectives (6), electives (9)

Master of Science

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Architecture program offers an advanced and specialized graduate degree in architecture. The M.S. in Architecture is currently offered with a single area of specialization, design computing. Applicants should hold a degree in architecture or an allied design discipline. Candidates from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds who are interested in pursuing education in research and applications of design computing that include design methods, cognition and computation, design collaborations, human/computer interface in design, visual architecture, physical computing, and related areas are encouraged to apply.

Admission Requirements

• Scholastic record and aptitude as evidenced by transcripts from baccalaureate (or higher) degree and GRE test scores (Graduate Record Examination) taken within the last five years
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited United States college or university (or its equivalent in a foreign institution)
• Minimum grade point average of 3.00 (B) or better in the last 90 graded quarter hours or last 60 semester hours
• A portfolio of work in design in architecture or an allied discipline (or similar work appropriate to the program). The portfolio should include evidence of the applicant's preparation for the study in design computing.
• The applicant's Statement of Purpose for clarity, purpose and the extent to which the M.S. in Design Computing program can be expected to prepare him/her for those objectives
• The applicant's background and experience in architecture or an allied discipline (or related experience appropriate to the program), as well as preparation for advanced work in design computing, information technology, digital media or the like.
• Written recommendations from three persons who can evaluate the applicant's past record and future promise of success in the M.S. in Design Computing program

Degree Requirements

• Core Curriculum: ARCH 587 (3), ARCH 588 (3), ARCH 599 (3)
• Required Coursework: One of the following: ARCH 402 (6), ARCH 403 (6), ARCH 503 (6), ARCH 504 (6), ARCH 505 (6); ARCH 481 (3); ARCH 484 (3); ARCH 486 (3); either ARCH 482 (3) or ARCH 483 (3)
• Electives: 9 credits to be chosen from Design Computing courses, or any other relevant courses.
• Thesis: 9 credits of ARCH 700

Certificate Programs

Graduate students may elect to participate in the College-wide certificate programs in urban design and preservation planning and design. (See program descriptions in the preceding College section.) The department also offers a certificate program in lighting design.

International Studies

The department offers the Architecture in Rome program at the University of Washington Rome Center, and the Design/Build Mexico program in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Other programs have included summer study of the Italian Hill Towns and in Portugal and Scandinavia, and numerous exchanges including Scandinavia, England, Germany, Hong Kong, Colombia, Japan, and Australia.

Financial Aid

Each spring quarter the department awards scholarships and assistantships for the following academic year. These are more typically available to students already enrolled in the architecture program at the time of the awarding, although some financial aid is offered to newly entering students. Other financial aid and assistantship possibilities may be found through the Graduate School Fellowship Division and the Office of Student Financial Aid in Schmitz Hall.