BA in Architectural Studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Boston University

Program Overview

Boston University’s BA in Architectural Studies is an interdisciplinary four-year program that combines architectural history, theory, design, and the study of historical and contemporary buildings and spaces, making it suitable for students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning, or further graduate study. Students can shape the degree through architectural history and studio-art electives, interdisciplinary subjects, study abroad, and practical experiences such as the senior Architecture Capstone.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build their foundation in architecture and the history of the built environment through CAS AH 201: Understanding Architecture, which introduces approaches to interpreting architecture through art, nature, and culture, alongside CAS AH 111: Pyramids to Cathedrals: An Introduction to Ancient and Medieval Art. Students can complement these subjects with architectural history or studio-art electives as they begin developing the visual and analytical skills needed for the major.

Year 2: The second year develops a broader understanding of modern architecture and its global contexts through CAS AH 398: Global Modern and Contemporary Architecture, while students continue architectural history and studio-art electives. Courses such as CAS AH 387: Boston Architecture and Urbanism can connect classroom learning with the architectural and urban development of Boston.

Year 3: Students move toward more applied architectural study through CFA AR 412: Architectural Design 1 or CFA AR 428: Architecture Site Design 1, alongside advanced architectural history and design electives. Students may also participate in BU’s Venice Studio Arts program, gaining an international perspective on architectural design, history, and place.

Year 4: The senior year emphasizes advanced study, independent exploration, and professional preparation, including architectural history seminars and CAS AH 486: Architecture Capstone. The Capstone can be completed as an internship or research project, allowing students to connect their academic preparation with professional architectural practice or further research.

Focus Areas: Architectural history, architectural theory, contemporary and historical buildings, architectural design, site design, landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning, Boston architecture and urbanism, global architecture, and interdisciplinary built-environment studies.

Learning Outcomes: Students develop the ability to understand, analyze, interpret, design, and write about historical and contemporary buildings and spaces while building preparation for graduate study and professional pathways connected to architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, and urban planning.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Not professionally accredited as a B.Arch program — Boston University explicitly describes Architectural Studies as an unaccredited, broad-based interdisciplinary program, rather than a professionally accredited architecture degree; students pursuing professional architectural qualification typically continue to an M.Arch after the bachelor’s degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Boston University is ranked #13 in the U.S. for employability by Times Higher Education, according to BU’s current official rankings information; BU also reports that 95% of graduates are employed or placed in graduate programs, military service, and fellowships within six months of graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA in Architectural Studies at Boston University combines architectural history, theory, research, and studio-based design, giving students practical experience in analyzing and communicating ideas about buildings and spaces. Students can develop design skills through architectural design and studio-art coursework, while Boston’s built environment provides a strong setting for studying architecture in context. The program also offers direct opportunities for professional experience through its Architecture Capstone and access to international architectural study in Venice.

Architecture Design: Students complete CFA AR 412 Architectural Design 1 or CFA AR 428 Architecture Site Design 1, developing practical design skills through studio-based architectural work.
Architecture Capstone: CAS AH 486 Architecture Capstone allows eligible senior and junior Architectural Studies majors to complete either an internship or research project, providing a direct connection between academic study and professional or research experience.
Professional Internship: The capstone can be completed through an internship in a local Boston architecture office, with the Architectural Studies program helping students identify an opportunity.
Research Experience: Students choosing the research option in CAS AH 486 can undertake an architectural research project under the guidance of the program.
Studio Art: Students complete a selected College of Fine Arts studio-art course in areas such as architectural design, drawing, installation art, or other media, strengthening visual and creative production skills.
Architectural Analysis: Courses such as CAS AH 201 Understanding Architecture and CAS AH 398 Global Modern and Contemporary Architecture develop students’ ability to analyze architectural spaces, structures, and ideas critically.
Boston Architectural Context: The program specifically takes advantage of Boston’s vibrant architectural scene, allowing students to connect classroom learning with the city’s buildings and urban environment.
Venice Studio Arts: Architectural Studies students can participate in BU’s Venice Studio Arts Program, which includes architectural studies alongside studio-art and art-history coursework.
Field Visits: The Venice program incorporates visits to museums, galleries, and landmarks, along with trips to cities including Florence and Rome, giving students direct exposure to historic architectural and artistic environments.
Venice Facilities: The BU Venice facility includes painting and drawing studios, a graphic design lab, classrooms, and a reception/reading area, while printmaking and sculpture are taught at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.
Portfolio Development: Architectural Studies faculty provide individual guidance on portfolios for students preparing for graduate architecture programs, while the Undergraduate Architecture Association holds annual portfolio workshops.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Students can combine Architectural Studies with courses in areas such as engineering, urban affairs, archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and history, supporting broader approaches to architecture and the built environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA in Architectural Studies at Boston University builds a foundation for careers and further study in architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, and urban planning. Graduates can combine architectural history, theory, design, research, and writing skills with internships and interdisciplinary study, with the program specifically noting that many students continue into graduate architecture programs.

Career pathways:

Architectural Design Assistant: Support architectural practices with research, documentation, design development, and presentation work.
Architectural Researcher: Apply research, visual analysis, and architectural history skills in research-oriented roles.
Historic Preservation Assistant: Work with organizations concerned with historic buildings, preservation, and the built environment.
Urban Planning Assistant: Use the program’s architectural and urbanism foundation in planning-related roles.

Career development and employment opportunities:

Internship Support: Architecture Capstone (CAS AH 486) can be completed as an internship in a local Boston architecture office, with the Architectural Studies program helping students find placements.
Career Services: BU’s Center for Career Development provides career coaching, job and internship listings through Handshake, employer research through CareerShift, resume feedback through VMock, career fairs, and employment resources.
Employment Data: BU’s 2025 First Destination Survey reports that among 3,846 undergraduate graduates for whom destination data were collected, 61% entered full-time employment, 25% entered graduate/professional school, and 5% were still seeking employment; 72% of surveyed graduates reported at least one internship before graduation.
Starting Salary: BU reported an average starting salary of $74,956 for 580 Class of 2025 respondents. This is a university-wide undergraduate figure, not an Architectural Studies-specific salary.
Architecture Industry Exposure: BU’s Architectural Studies program benefits from Boston’s architecture community, while the Undergraduate Architecture Association organizes walking tours and visits to architectural offices, providing direct exposure to professional practice.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Students can draw on coursework and opportunities in the College of Fine Arts, City Planning & Urban Affairs, engineering, urban affairs, and other BU departments, supporting pathways across the built environment.
Professional Preparation: BU specifically recommends calculus and physics for students considering graduate architecture study, while faculty and the Undergraduate Architecture Association provide portfolio guidance and portfolio workshops for graduate-school applications.
Accreditation Value: The BA in Architectural Studies is positioned by BU as preparation for graduate study and careers in architecture and related design fields; BU does not describe this BA as a professional architecture degree leading directly to architectural licensure. Students seeking professional architectural qualification can use the degree as preparation for an M.Arch., with BU noting that an M.Arch. I generally takes about 3.5 years.
Graduation Outcomes: BU’s Architectural Studies FAQ states that usually less than half of graduates go directly to architectural graduate school, while others enter employment or take additional time before continuing their architectural education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BA, students can pursue an M.Arch. to continue toward professional architectural qualification, or graduate programs in landscape architecture, historic preservation, urban planning, and related design fields. BU specifically recommends building the prerequisites and portfolio needed for graduate architecture applications during the undergraduate degree.