Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture (BA) program at the University of Maryland, College Park, is a rigorous and comprehensive undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for professional careers in architecture and related fields. This program emphasizes both the artistic and technical aspects of architectural design, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. Students engage in a diverse range of coursework that includes architectural design studios, historical and theoretical studies, environmental systems, building technology, structures, and sustainability. The curriculum is structured to develop strong design skills alongside a solid understanding of architectural principles, materials, and construction processes.

Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, CAD laboratories, and digital fabrication labs, which enable them to explore innovative design techniques and technologies. The faculty consists of experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and advancing architectural practice and knowledge. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and incorporates sustainable design practices to prepare graduates to address complex challenges in the built environment.

Students are provided with opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, community projects, and study abroad programs, helping them to gain practical experience and a global perspective. Upon completion, graduates are equipped with a comprehensive skill set that qualifies them for entry into architecture licensure, further graduate study, or careers in related design disciplines. The program aims to cultivate visionary architects capable of creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically compelling environments that positively impact society.

Year 1:

Fall:

• ARCH 171 - Design Thinking and Making (3)
• MATH120 or MATH140 - Calculus I (4)
• UNIV100 - The Student in the University (1)
• ENGL101 - Academic Writing (3)
• Elective (3)

Spring:

• ARCH225 - History of World Architecture I (3)
• ARCH200 - Design Media and Representation I (3)
• PHYS121 - Fundamentals of Physics I (4)
• Elective (3)
• Elective (3)

Year 2:

Fall:

• ARCH226 - History of World Architecture II (3)
• ARCH300 - Design Media and Representation II (3)
• ARCH201 - Elements and Principles of Architecture (1)
• ARCH462 - Methods and Materials of Building Construction (3)
• Elective (3)
• Elective (3)

Spring:

• ARCH400 - Architecture Design Studio I (6)
• ARCH463 - Sustainable Systems in Architecture (3)
• Elective (3)
• Elective (3)

Year 3:

Fall:

• ARCH401 - Architecture Design Studio II (6)
• ARCH464 - Architectural Structures I (3)
• ENGL39X - Professional Writing (3)
• Elective (3)

Spring:

• ARCH402 - Architecture Design Studio III (6)
• ARCH465 - Architectural Structures II (3)
• Directed Elective* (3)
• Elective (3)

Year 4:

Fall:

• ARCH403 - Architecture Design Studio IV (6)
• ARCH474 - Integrated Education in Architecture NAAB/IDP (1)
• ARCH466 - Environmental Systems in Architecture (3)
• Elective (3)
• Elective (3)

Spring:

• ARCH601 - Topical Studio (6) or Directed Elective* (6)
• Directed Elective* (3)
• Directed Elective* (3)
• Elective (3)

Requirements

• Nonrefundable application fee of $75
• Two letters of recommendation are required for a completed application: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender.
• Official copy of your high school transcripts
• Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC. Transcripts must be sent in the native language with a certified English translation.
• The SAT or the ACT is required.
• If neither the SAT nor the ACT is available in your country, submit a written request for a waiver of this requirement with your application. Applicants who don’t submit some form of official standardized testing may be at a competitive disadvantage.
• Activities and awards list or resume
• If English is not your native language—regardless of your citizenship—you must have an official report of your scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the address below by the appropriate application deadline. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English proficiency.

The University of Maryland, College Park offers various financial aid options to support students pursuing a degree in Architecture. Financial assistance is available through federal and state aid programs, institutional scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. Federal Pell Grants and federal student loans are accessible to eligible undergraduate and graduate students, providing essential funding to reduce the financial burden of higher education. The university participates in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process, which students are encouraged to complete early to maximize aid opportunities. Additionally, the university offers a range of merit-based scholarships specific to architecture students, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. These scholarships can significantly offset tuition costs and are awarded based on application or nomination.

Beyond scholarships and federal aid, students can seek departmental funding, including teaching and research assistantships, which often provide stipends and tuition remission. The university’s Office of Financial Aid and Awards provides comprehensive guidance on available resources, processes for application, and deadlines. Students are advised to explore external scholarships from industry organizations, professional associations, and private foundations dedicated to supporting architecture students.

The university also offers payment plans that allow students to spread out tuition payments over the semester, making financial planning more manageable. For graduate students, employer tuition reimbursement programs may be an option if they are employed in related fields or organizations. International students are encouraged to seek private funding or scholarships available through external agencies, as federal aid does not apply to them. It is essential for students to maintain good academic standing and fulfill all financial aid requirements to continue receiving support.

Overall, the University of Maryland, College Park provides a robust framework of financial resources designed to assist architecture students at various stages of their education, emphasizing accessibility and affordability. Careful planning and early application for aid can considerably ease financial concerns, allowing students to focus on their academic and professional development.

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Architecture designed to prepare students for careers in architecture and related fields. The program emphasizes a combination of creative design, technical knowledge, and critical thinking skills essential for successful practice in architecture. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes design studios, architectural history, building technology, environmental systems, and professional practice. The curriculum is structured to foster innovation, sustainability, and an understanding of diverse cultural and environmental contexts, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to address complex challenges in architecture.

The program promotes a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration with other departments such as Planning, Design, and Construction Management. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated design studios, digital fabrication labs, and computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling (BIM) software environments. Internship opportunities and partnerships with local architecture firms provide practical experience, linking academic learning with real-world applications. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and advancing architectural knowledge through research and community engagement.

Graduates of the Architecture program at the University of Maryland are prepared for professional licensure and are competitive in the architectural job market, with many pursuing careers in designing sustainable buildings, urban planning, historic preservation, and landscape architecture. The university's location near Washington, D.C., offers unique opportunities for cultural, governmental, and industry interactions, enriching the educational experience. Overall, the program aims to cultivate innovative thinkers and responsible practitioners capable of contributing thoughtfully to the built environment.