Architecture

Architecture is a rigorous and immersive program designed to prepare students for professional practice and innovative contributions in the field of architecture. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and creative exploration to foster well-rounded architects capable of addressing complex design challenges. Students engage in studio-based learning, where they develop their architectural projects through iterative design processes, emphasizing sustainability, social responsibility, and aesthetic excellence. The program emphasizes critical thinking, historical contextualization, and technological proficiency, equipping graduates to adapt to rapidly evolving industry demands. Participants have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, computational labs, and fabrication workshops, facilitating hands-on learning and experimentation. The faculty comprises accomplished professionals and scholars committed to mentoring students and pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. In addition to core coursework, students are encouraged to participate in internships, research projects, and interdisciplinary collaborations, broadening their perspectives and professional networks. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in architecture firms, urban planning, historic preservation, and further academic pursuits. The program also emphasizes ethical practice and social engagement, encouraging students to consider the societal impacts of their designs. With a comprehensive approach to education, the architecture program at Dartmouth College aims to cultivate visionary architects who will shape sustainable, functional, and inspiring built environments for future generations.

The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Dartmouth College provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices of architecture, emphasizing both technical skills and critical thinking. The program explores the history and theory of architecture, integrating interdisciplinary perspectives from the arts, humanities, and sciences to cultivate a well-rounded understanding of design and spatial experience. Students engage in rigorous coursework that includes architectural design studios, where they develop conceptual and technical skills through hands-on projects, and theoretical classes that examine architectural history, sustainability, urbanism, and contemporary issues in the built environment. The curriculum is designed to foster creativity, analytical thinking, and a deep appreciation of architectural craftsmanship, encouraging students to consider social, cultural, and environmental impacts in their work. In addition to classroom learning, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as design studios, computer labs with architecture software, and materials workshops, providing practical experience in drafting, modeling, and construction techniques. Dartmouth’s intimate campus setting allows for personalized mentorship from faculty members renowned in their fields, supporting students’ individual academic and professional goals. The program also emphasizes research, collaborative projects, and community engagement, preparing graduates to pursue advanced studies in architecture or to enter the fields of design, planning, and architecture-related careers. Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop a global perspective and an innovative approach to architectural challenges, aiming to contribute thoughtfully to the future of the built environment. With a focus on ethical and sustainable design practices, the Dartmouth Architecture program prepares students to become responsible and inventive architects, ready to address the complex demands of our modern world.

1.       SAT Reasoning or ACT (with Writing);

2.       2 SAT Subject Test Scores;

3.       The common application essay;

4.       Within the Common Application, Dartmouth’s writing supplement requires that applicants write a brief response to one of the following supplemental essay prompts. Candidates choose one topic and respond;

5.       A counselor recommendation and two teacher recommendations. In addition, a peer recommendation is strongly encouraged;

6.       Resume;

7.       Brief abstract of an independent research project;

8.       IELTS or TOEFL (no minimum scores).
9.       Applicants for first-year admission with well-developed talent in studio art, who intend to participate in and/or study the arts, may submit supplementary materials for review by the faculty.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Dartmouth Scholarships are need-based and are given without expectation of repayment. Amounts range from $1,000 to over $50,000, depending on our determination of your eligibility. Some Dartmouth students will be selected as recipients of one or more of our over 750 endowed scholarship funds. These awards are not additional money, but indicate that the aid already awarded will come from a specific endowed fund. No separate application is required. Students who receive scholarships from external sources can use these funds to reduce the loan and/or job portions of their financial aid packages. Veteran's benefits are included as a resource in the determination of eligibility for Dartmouth scholarship awards. Dartmouth College currently participates at 100% in the Yellow Ribbon Program which supplements GI Bill benefits. For U.S. citizens or permanent residents, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only form required to apply for Federal Financial Aid. The federal government provides Pell Grants to students who qualify on the basis of financial need as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded by the College to the most needy students. They vary in amount but do not exceed $4,000 a year. When you apply for financial aid, your parents' country of residence will determine which documents you need to submit. Parents living outside U.S. and Canada should provide income/benefits statement from employer.

The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Dartmouth College offers students a comprehensive education that combines historical, theoretical, and technical aspects of architecture. The program emphasizes critical thinking, design skills, and an understanding of urban, environmental, and social contexts. Students engage in coursework that explores architectural history, theory, and digital technologies, along with studio-based design projects that develop their creative and practical abilities. The curriculum is designed to foster interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to consider architecture within broader cultural and societal frameworks.

Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, computer labs with the latest architectural software, and prototyping spaces. The faculty includes experienced architects and scholars who mentor students through individual and group projects. The program often involves collaborations with other departments, such as engineering, environmental sciences, and art history, reflecting Dartmouth’s commitment to a well-rounded liberal arts education.

Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and community projects that provide real-world experience and global perspectives. The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including architecture practice, urban planning, conservation, real estate development, and further graduate study in architecture or related fields. Emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and historic preservation, the Dartmouth Architecture program aims to produce socially responsible professionals equipped to address contemporary architectural challenges.

The academic year includes lectures, seminars, individual studio design work, and collaborative projects, providing a dynamic learning environment. Graduates of the program often continue their education in graduate schools or enter the workforce with strong portfolios and a deep understanding of architectural principles and practices. The program’s holistic approach combines creative exploration with technical proficiency, making it a distinctive choice for students interested in shaping built environments with a historical consciousness and future-forward mindset.