BS Architecture

The Department of Architecture at the University of Colorado Denver offers a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree program on the downtown Denver campus. The program’s design studio-based curriculum combines critical thinking with active making in pursuit of creative solutions to contemporary design problems.

In their first three years of study, students learn the fundamentals of design, how to apply them to the design of buildings, neighborhoods and cities, and how to graphically communicate a design solution.

Before their final two semesters of the program, students have the option to choose to continue on the Architectural Studies Track or move to the Architectural Design Track. Both tracks will allow students to complete a 4 studio-track professional Master of Architecture degree (MAarch) at CU Denver and pursue a professional career in architecture. In addition to offering a strong foundation in architecture, both the Architectural Design and the Architectural Studies tracks prepare students to pursue graduate studies and future careers in allied design disciplines, including Digital Design (games and animation), Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and Real Estate Development, among others.

The Architectural Studies Track offers students a less prescribed path, with greater freedom to shape the direction of their studies in the final two semesters. Based on individual interests and projected career paths, students who choose this track will have the opportunity to focus on one or more areas of study in architecture and/or allied disciplines. These include architectural history/theory, technology, and visualization/design among other options.

The Architectural Design Track is for students who desire additional Design Studios to hone their design skills. This track also prescribes additional history and technical course work to support design thinking and application.

Both tracks prepare students for admission to a two-year (minimum) accredited graduate architecture degree program in the United States, Canada, or compatible degree programs internationally. Advance standing in a Master of Architecture program can be maximized in either track by selecting elective courses in technical studies and professional practice typically recognized by accredited graduate architecture degree programs.