Academics
Undergraduate Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (B.A.) is a two-year major that begins in the junior year of residence.
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies introduces the fundamental ordering systems of architecture: form, space, tectonics, and program, and their relationships to political, social and cultural constructs. Central to the pedagogy are two objectives: the first provides an understanding of architecture and urban design as a humanist discipline, which engages cultural and social studies, and the history of architecture and cities. The second provides, for interested students, preparation for graduate professional studies.
This undergraduate major features coursework in three areas: critical studies, technology and design. The critical studies sequence builds a foundation in critical thinking that engages historical and contemporary disciplinary contexts. These critical thinking skills drive the technology sequence with assignments that question emerging technologies, conventional and innovative material assemblies, and the role of architectural representation. Critical thinking is also practiced in the design studio with assignments that introduce longstanding disciplinary questions, engage the social role of architecture, and respond to particular audiences, geographic contexts, and programmatic activities.
Please note: The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (B.A.) program at UCLA AUD is not NAAB-accredited and may not be accepted as meeting licensure requirements in many U.S. states.
Students will experience the design process in a studio setting developing projects that engage issues raised by the academic coursework. In studio, students will develop the ability to think critically about their ideas and explore the creative process in architecture and urban design in relation to these ideas. The direct experience of design is crucial to an understanding of architecture and urban design and their relation to contemporary social, political, and cultural events.
The UCLA Architecture and Urban Design community is supportive, intellectually engaging, and highly motivated. Students learn in intimate studio and seminar settings from faculty who are scholars, designers, and practicing professionals. While this program is not NAAB-accredited, it does provide a strong foundation for those students who elect to pursue studies in architecture and related fields such as art history, design, fine arts, engineering, environmental design, and urban studies.
Admissions
The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies (B.A.) is a two-year major that begins in the junior year of residence. We accept transfer students that are UC eligible (see details below). The program is not open to Freshman applicants. Freshmen are welcome to apply to UCLA with a different or undeclared major and then apply to change their major to Architectural Studies during the winter quarter of their Sophomore year, preferably after having completed some of the pre-major courses.
Undergraduate admissions inquiries are managed by the UCLA Arts Office of Enrollment Management. More information for prospective students is available on the undergraduate admission FAQ.
Typical Study Program
Courses and schedule are subject to change.
| FALL | ||
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Introduction to Architectural Studies | (5) |
| 141 | Technology I: Projections | (5) |
| WINTER | ||
|---|---|---|
| 10A | Histories of Architecture and Urbanism I | (5) |
| 121 | Studio I | (6) |
| SPRING | ||
|---|---|---|
| 10B | Histories of Architecture and Urbanism II | (5) |
| 143 | Technology III: Digital Technology | (5) |
| FALL | ||
|---|---|---|
| 122 | Studio II | (6) |
| 131 | Issues in Contemporary Design | (5) |
| WINTER | ||
|---|---|---|
| 142 | Technology II: Materials and Methods | (5) |
| 132 | Domestic Architecture | (5) |
| SPRING | ||
|---|---|---|
| 123 | Studio III | (6) |
| 133 | Modernism and Metropolis | (5) |
Transfer Applicants
- The Architectural Studies B.A. is for TRANSFERS ONLY. This major is not open to First Years. For more information about what to do if you are First Year who is interested in studying architecture at UCLA, click here.
- Students are admitted for Fall quarter only. Admission is highly competitive and only a limited number of students will be admitted.
- All admitted students are required to enroll in the full two-year major sequence regardless of the number of years already spent in undergraduate studies prior to admission as an Architectural Studies major.
- We do not have any required major preparation coursework. Transfer students will be expected to complete the lower division preparation courses during their first year of residency at UCLA.
- Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Applicants must complete the following with a ‘B’ average across all three courses in order to be UC eligible. These three courses MUST be completed by Spring prior to matriculation in Fall.
– 1 English course in critical thinking/writing
– 1 English course in composition
– 1 Math course - The Architectural Studies major will consider sophomore level transfers (applicants with fewer than 60/90 transferable units). Please refer to our FAQ about sophomore transfers.
Applying to the Architectural Studies major is a two-part process:
- By November 30: Submit the UC Undergraduate Application to apply for admission to UCLA. Make sure you list Architectural Studies as your first choice major to UCLA. There is no rolling admission or early decision/action.
- By January 20: Complete the online UCLA Arts Supplemental Application for the Architectural Studies major.
The Supplemental Application requirements for Transfer Applicants include:
- Department Statements
- Portfolio: 3-6 Page PDF of Creative Work
*There is a $75.00 non-refundable processing fee associated with the supplemental application for transfer applicants. For more information about fee waivers, please click here.
For additional information, please visit the UCLA Arts Undergraduate Admission FAQ.
UCLA Change of Major
- Students are admitted for Fall Quarter only. Admission is highly competitive and only a limited number of students will be admitted.
- All students will be required to enroll in the full two-year major sequence regardless of the number of years already spent in undergraduate studies prior to your admission as an Architectural Studies major at UCLA.
- Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- here are three courses in the department that are open to all students on campus, that may be illuminating if you are interested in the Architectural Studies major. These count towards both major credit and general education requirements.
- ARCH 10A: History of Architecture and Urban Design: Prehistory to Mannerism
- ARCH 10B: History of Architecture and Urban Design: Baroque to Contemporary Moment
- ARCH 30: Introduction to Architectural Studies
Applying to the Architectural Studies major is a two-part process:
By January 20, 2026:
Declare your intent to change your major to Architectural Studies by filling out this Google Form.
Submit your Architectural Studies Change of Major application on SlideRoom, which involves academic information, department statements, and portfolio. This information will be reviewed by UCLA Architecture and Urban Design’s selection committee.
The Supplemental Application requirements for Change of Major Applicants include:
- UCLA Transcripts and Degree Audit Report
- Department Statements
- Portfolio: 3-6 Page PDF of Creative Work
Change of Major applications for Architectural Studies are submitted via SlideRoom.
Here is the link: uclaarts.slideroom.com. You will need to sign up for a free SlideRoom account. There is no charge associated with this application.
Please visit our UCLA Arts Change of Major FAQ for more information.