Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) program at the University of Virginia is a comprehensive and rigorous professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in architecture and the built environment. This program combines a strong foundation in design, technology, and humanities with advanced knowledge in sustainable practices, urban planning, and innovative construction methods. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in creative problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on experience, enabling them to design functional, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally responsible structures. The program emphasizes the integration of historical context with contemporary issues, fostering a deep understanding of architecture's role within society. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including design studios, digital fabrication labs, and collaborative workspaces, which support the development of their technical skills and artistic vision. The faculty comprises experienced architects and scholars who mentor students through studio projects, internships, and research opportunities. The program also encourages global perspectives through study abroad options and partnerships with international organizations. By the time of graduation, students are equipped with a diverse skill set that prepares them for licensure, further graduate study, or professional practice in architecture, urban design, or related fields. The University of Virginia's B.Arch. program emphasizes ethical responsibility, innovation, and sustainability, aiming to produce graduates who contribute positively to society by designing sustainable and resilient communities. With a combination of rigorous academic coursework, real-world experience, and a commitment to social responsibility, the program seeks to cultivate visionary architects who will shape the future of the built environment worldwide.

Common First Year in the School of Architecture

Fall Semester - Credits: 16

• ARH 1010 - History of Architecture I, Credits: 3
• A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 1020 - Lessons in Making Credits: 3 
• A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• PLAN 1010 - Introduction to Urban and Environmental Planning, Credits: 3
• A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• SARC 1500 - SARC Advising Seminars Credits: 1 
• ENWR 1510 - Writing and Critical Inquiry, Credits: 3
• Humanities Elective, Credits: 3

Spring Semester - Credits: 16

• ARH 1020 - History of Architecture II, Credits: 3
• A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 1030 - Foundation Studio I, Credits: 4
• A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• Math/Natural Science Elective, Credits: 3
• Social/Behavioral Science Elective, Credits:3
• General education Elective

Second Year

The prime objective of the curricular core of second year is to provide a framework for the study of contemporary culture through observation, analysis, and considered design of our built environment. This exploration uses design as a mode of critical inquiry from the scale of the city to the scale of the hand while maintaining its focus on the value of this effort to the community and the land, both immediate and extended.

Students entering the Department of Architecture as architecture majors follow one curriculum during their second year. A strategic selection of electives will begin to prepare the students to pursue the concentration of their choice. 

Fall Semester - Credits: 15

• ARCH 2010 - Foundation Studio II, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 1010 - Lessons of the Lawn, Credits: 3 A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 2710 - CAAD 3D Geometrical Modeling and Visualization, Credits: 3A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.

Spring Semester - Credits: 16

• ARCH 2020 - Foundation Studio III, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 2240 - Introduction to Structural Design, Credits: 4. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARH 3403 - World Contemporary Architecture, Credits: 3. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• Social/Behavioral Science Elective, Credits: 3

At the end of spring semester of the Second Year, each student will elect either the Pre-Professional concentration or the Architectural Design Thinking concentration within the BS Architecture major. The two concentrations are designed to maximize the opportunities for undergraduate study given the scope of student interests and wide range of career paths.

Third Year - Pre-Professional Concentration

This concentration is for students’ intent on pursuing a career as a practicing architect. The curriculum is designed to maximize the opportunities to explore through design of complex projects as well as representing intentions in material form. Students in the pre-professional concentration are required to successfully complete a total of 38 design studio credits (36 design studio credits for third year transfer students) in order to graduate.

Fall Semester - Credits: 15

• ARCH 3010 - Research Studio I, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 3120 - 20th Century History of Ideas, Credits: 3. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 3270 - Intro Parametric Structural Design, Credits: 3. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• Humanities Elective, Credits: 3

Spring Semester - Credits: 16

• ARCH 3020 - Foundation Studio IV, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 3260 - Building Matters, Credits: 4. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• General Education Elective, Credits: 3
• SARC 5555 Visualization Elective, Credits: 3
• or Open Elective, Credits: 3

Fourth Year - Pre-Professional Concentration

Fall Semester - Credits: 15

• ARCH 4010 - Research Studio II, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• General Education Elective, Credits: 3
• SARC 5555 Visualization Elective, Credits: 3 or Open Elective, Credits: 3
• Open Elective, Credits: 3

Spring Semester - Credits: 15

• ARCH 4020 - Independent Design Research Studio, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• General Education Elective, Credits: 3
• SARC 5555 Visualization Elective, Credits: 3 or Open Elective, Credits: 3
• Open Elective, Credits: 3

Third Year - Architectural Design Thinking

The Architectural Design Thinking concentration is for students interested in interdisciplinary problem solving through exploratory design processes. The curriculum offers a strong core in the design of the built environment while offering broader studios and electives designed to collaborate across the University. Students are asked to integrate a second field of study by declaring a second major or a minor.

Fall Semester - Credits: 14

• ARCH 3011 - Design Thinking Studio I, Credits: 4. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 3120 - 20th Century History of Ideas, Credits: 3. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• ARCH 3070 – Foundations in Design Thinking, Credits: 4 
• Humanities Elective, Credits: 3

Spring Semester - Credits: 16

• ARCH 3021 - Design Thinking Studio II, Credits: 4. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• Entrepreneurship/Economics Requirement, Credits: 3
• Minor Requirement, Credits: 3
• Minor Requirement, Credits: 3
• General Education Elective, Credits: 3

Fourth Year - Architectural Design Thinking

Fall Semester - Credits: 16

• ARCH 4011 - Design Thinking Studio III, Credits: 4. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• Sustainability Requirement, Credits: 3
• Minor Requirement, Credits: 3
• Minor Requirement, Credits: 3
• General Education Elective, Credits: 3

Spring Semester - Credits: 15

• ARCH 4020 - Independent Design Research Studio, Credits: 6. A student must receive a grade of at least a C- to pass this course.
• Leadership/Community Engagement Requirement, Credits: 3
• Minor Requirement, Credits: 3
• General Education Elective, Credits: 3

• Students whose first language is not English should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Students who are bilingual in English and another language and have scored well on the verbal portion of the SAT may be exempted from the TOEFL and IELTS.
• Recommendations from one counselor and one teacher
• Application and Fee
• Secondary School Forms and Transcript (official translation required of transcripts not presented in English)
• Final Transcripts
• Students who will be applying for Fall 2017 can chose to submit results from the previous version of the SAT, the current SAT, or the ACT. The SAT Essay and ACT Writing sections will not be required for those applying for the Fall 2017 term. SAT Subject Tests are optional.

Architecture Supplements

Our School of Architecture offers the option for prospective student designers, planners, and architectural historians with experience producing graphic and visual design to submit an architecture portfolio.

The portfolio should demonstrate experience in design and craft. This may include a wide range of work done for courses or other activities: work such as drawing, painting, graphic design, theatric set design, sculpture, computer graphics, furniture design, etc. With each piece, include a brief text description that explains the work’s context and purpose (e.g. a ten-minute sketch for a drawing class, a clay sculpture for an art class, or a photographic essay on a particular theme produced independently).

The portfolio must be a PDF file and no more than 10 pages. It is recommended to use only your bestpieces for review. A 3 page PDF of good work is preferable over 10 pages of mediocre work. We recommend formatting the pages in landscape orientation which is better suited to viewing on a computer monitor. Portfolios will be reviewed only on screen, they will not be printed.

The University of Virginia offers various financial aid options to support students enrolled in its Architecture program. Incoming students are encouraged to apply for federal and state financial aid programs, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can provide grants, loans, and work-study opportunities based on demonstrated financial need. The university also offers merit-based scholarships specific to architecture students, recognizing academic excellence and talent in the field. Additionally, there are departmental scholarships and fellowships available for graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in architecture, which are awarded through a competitive process that evaluates academic performance and potential contribution to the field. Students may also explore external scholarships from professional architecture associations and foundations that partner with the university to provide funding opportunities. The university's financial aid office provides detailed guidance on application procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria to assist students in securing financial support throughout their studies. For students enrolling in the undergraduate Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, financial aid options include federal loans and scholarships, with potential for part-time employment on campus to supplement income. Graduate students pursuing Master of Architecture degrees have access to funded research assistantships and teaching assistantships that offer a stipend and tuition remission, reducing the overall cost of education. The university also promotes alumni giving and fundraising programs that help expand available financial resources for architecture students. Overall, the University of Virginia is committed to making architecture education accessible and affordable through a comprehensive range of financial aid options, advising support, and scholarship opportunities designed to reduce financial barriers and enable students to focus on their academic and professional development in architecture.

The University of Virginia offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture through its School of Architecture. The program is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency in students interested in the field of architecture. The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes sustainable design, historical context, and innovative technology, preparing students for diverse careers in architecture, urban planning, and related fields. Students engage in studio-based learning, allowing them to develop their design skills through real-world projects and collaborative work. The program also offers access to modern laboratories, digital fabrication workshops, and advanced software tools dedicated to architectural modeling, visualization, and analysis.

Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to explore construction methods, environmental design, and the social implications of architecture. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and academics who mentor students, providing personalized guidance and fostering a rigorous academic environment. The program integrates internships and study abroad opportunities, enabling students to gain practical experience and a global perspective. Graduates of the UVA Architecture program are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue postgraduate studies, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of architectural theory, design principles, and technical skills. The university's strong connections with industry partners and a commitment to innovative education make this program a leading choice for aspiring architects.