Bachelor of Arts in Architecture

Program Description

Berkeley's undergraduate program in architecture leads to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The program combines required courses in environmental design and architecture with opportunities for highly varied individual programs. Through its core courses, the program offers a broad introduction to the field of architecture, and through studies in the various areas it provides opportunities to prepare for specialization in the field in the areas of architectural design and representation, architectural technologies and building performance, architectural history, and society and culture. In addition to offering a sound and well-rounded education, undergraduate studies can also provide pre-professional competency for entry-level employment in architecture, the option for graduate work in architecture, or further studies in a related environmental design field.

Some graduates go on to obtain professional degrees in architecture or in other related fields; many others work in architectural practice, construction, government, or industry. Employment opportunities exist also at the community level, particularly in those communities that traditionally have not been served by professional architectural practice. The overall aim of the undergraduate program is to establish a strong foundation for a diversity of careers and to provide for mobility and flexibility to suit changing individual opportunities.

For further information on Berkeley's undergraduate architecture program, including course requirements, visit the CED Undergraduate Advising website.

Accreditation/Licensure

The B.A. degree is a pre-professional degree and provides the foundation for entry to a Master of Architecture program, the most widespread professional degree program in architecture in the United States. The B.A. degree can also be applied toward licensing requirements in the State of California. See the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) for more information on accreditation. See the California Architects Board and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) for more information on licensing.

Undergraduate Minors

The Department of Architecture offers the following minor programs to UC Berkeley undergraduate students:

• Architecture (open only to landscape architecture, urban studies, and civil and environmental engineering majors)
• Environmental Design and Urbanism in Developing Countries (open to all majors)
• History of the Built Environment (open to all majors)
• Social and Cultural Factors in Environmental Design (open to all majors)
• Sustainable Design (open to all majors)
  
  

CED students may choose a minor within the College of Environmental Design or within another college at UC Berkeley. See the Undergraduate Advising website for additional information.